Georgia and DUI - Using Accountability Courts
Georgias DUI Accountability Courts were created with the desire to hold a driver responsible for his drunk driving and to rehabilitate the person by treating the underlying problems behind the alcohol abuse. The DUI court team does this by trading a conviction and possible jail time for the Georgia defendant agreeing to enter a drunk driving program. The program consists of testing and treatment, submitting to random drug and alcohol screening, attending recurring court sessions before a judge, retaining a job, providing for his family and paying all fees and fines. In some cases, the person will be required to attend school.Who is on the Georgia accountability team?
Central to the success of Georgias DUI Courts is the team of people committed to seeing a positive result. This team includes the prosecutor, judge, defense attorney, police officer, alcohol/drug evaluator and treatment provider.The process for the DUI program
- Targeting the appropriate offender
- Screening all participants
- Keeping a close eye on participants
- Gaining a community consensus
- Addressing the transportation issue
How long does the program last?
Each person and case is different, but the typical length of time spent in the program is between 12 and 24 months.Do the DUI Accountability Courts work?
In a recent study it was determined that a person who graduates from the DUI Court only has an 8% chance that they will be arrested and convicted of another DUI in the future. Furthermore, in another independent study, it was determined that the Georgia DUI Courts have prevented between 47 and 112 DUI arrests over a 4 year period. Based on their effectiveness, DUI Courts are increasing around the country. The supervision and intense therapy they provide have enacted positive changes in the participants lives. Georgia has proven to have a successful model for other states to study and replicate.Related articles
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