NCJ Number
112761
Journal
Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 39-59
Date Published
1988
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study uses a variety of methodological techniques to analyze the processing histories of 545 persons in Maricopa County, Ariz., charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) on a revoked license for the years 1975 through 1983.
Abstract
The study sought to determine the characteristics of individuals arrested for driving while drunk or of the court processing and sanctioning of such offenders. The Law Enforcement Justice Information System for the State of Arizona provided court processing data for persons convicted of DWI on a revoked license. Event history analyses were used to examine the effects of a variety of factors. Other methodologies used included logit analyses on the likelihood of receiving probation, prison, and a mixture of probation and prison sentencing outcomes. Tobit analyses were conducted on the length of sentences to probation and to prison. Findings indicate that the population of persons processed for this offense have certain characteristics not unlike those of persons processed for street crimes. Further results indicate evidence of differential sanctioning related to ethnicity and level of education. It is recommended that further investigation of court processing be undertaken to understand better why the DWI legislative mandate is being applied differently across social groups. Tabular data and 63 references. (Author abstract modified)