DWI Courts
DWI Courts are not as well established or necessarily separated from their sister court, Drug Courts, but they continue to provide a welcome alternative to time spent in jail or more superficial forms of punishment through the criminal justice system. People who are arrested for a DUI offense or commit crimes while under the influence of alcohol with indications that they have a serious alcohol problem either by a history of alcohol-related arrests or a significantly high BAC (blood alcohol content) may get processed through the DWI Court or Drug Court system.
Better Results
The DWI Court was established in recognition that the crime needed to be punished, but at the same time the underlying problem of alcohol abuse and addiction needed to be addressed as well and the court seeks the hardcore repeat offenders. With as many as a 1 in 3 DUI arrests being repeat offenders and over half of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver, treatment and education is way to fix the problem at its root and keep the community safe. The program seeks to make the offender accountable for their actions and provides the supervision and support necessary to live a healthier lifestyle.
Supervised treatment
After arrest, if a candidate is seen as needing treatment, they will undergo a clinical assessment to see the severity of dependency, medical and mental health status, extent of social and familial support and individual level of motivation to change. Then a treatment plan will be developed according to the needs of the offender and they will then begin treatment under the supervision of the court. This will usually involve frequent and random testing. Since alcohol leaves the body much quicker than other drugs, they have developed a number of creative and effective ways to check other than the Breathalyzer including technology to detect alcohol through voice analysis that can be done over the phone.
Long Term Treatment
The program set out by the court usually involves intensive supervision by a probation officer, counseling, attending AA and 12 step meetings, community service activities, court appearances and can include vocational training. Programs general last for 9 or more months with some courts having an aftercare period with reduced counseling and testing sessions, but regular AA attendance.
Although the DWI Court program is voluntary, failure to follow the rules can result in loss of points within the program, increased length and repetition of treatments and jail time.
Is DWI Court for you? Find out at http://www.choosehelp.com/alcoholism/dwi-court-alternative-sentencing-for-alcoholics.html/
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