NCJ Number
226432
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 48 Issue: 2 Dated: February-March 2009 Pages: 154-165
Date Published
February 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study explored DUI courts and Misdemeanor (Misd)/DUI courts for reduced recidivism when compared to similar nonparticipants.
Abstract
Findings showed that participation in a DUI or Misd/DUI court (23 percent) reduced recidivism compared to a comparison group (37 percent) with court filing records that resulted in a disposition of guilty. Results indicate that offenders that participate in Idaho DUI or Misd/DUI courts are less likely to recidivate and when they do recidivate, it takes longer. This information is increasingly important for States and counties wishing to establish new courts, and for those courts already in existence. The results may not be generalizable to other disparate State court systems, but policymakers should consider the information provided within this study when examining the impacts of DUI courts on the criminal population and the overall public safety as this criminal justice practice indicates it is an effective intervention. Noted is that this study only examined the efficacy of these courts and not the costs. Using a Cox Proportional Hazard model, data were collected from 216 participants who entered the courts with a primary DUI charge, and 200 individuals in the control group who chose not to participate in DUI or Misd/DUI court. Tables, figure, note, and references