NCJ Number
74472
Date Published
1977
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Adjudication activities of the San Antonio, Tex., Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP) in cases involving arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) from 1972 through 1976 are reported and analyzed.
Abstract
The ASAP program is involved in the adjudication of DWI cases through (1) prosecution in county courts and (2) court reduction of charges to public intoxication upon completion of an alcohol treatment program. Following evaluation of their drinking problems by the ASAP, arrestees are referred to a treatment program emphasizing detoxification, chemotherapy, inpatient and outpatient care, group therapy and counseling, or alcohol education. Analyses of the efficiency of the adjudication process system flow requirements, judicial acceptance requirements, and a data sample are presented. The evaluation found that ASAP oriented the system towards the health/legal approach rather than the traditional orientation of imposing legally prescribed sanctions. ASAP was flexible enough to bend to both external and internal pressures, and it was effective in obtaining judicial respect and cooperation and streamlining court and data systems to accommodate vastly increased caseloads. Tables are included.