The objective of DUI and DWI Court is to protect public safety and to reduce the DUI recidivism rate. By using a combination of countermeasures and long-term treatment, the court is dedicated to change the behavior of the drunk driving offenders.
DWI Courts in the United States are specifically formed by the federal government to address the alcohol problems underlying repeat DUI or DWI. This type of court is being promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce impaired and drunk driving.
In 2011, there were about 192 DWI courts and 406 hybrid DWI/Drug courts in United States.
The goal of the DWI court is the eradication of road accidents caused by drunk drivers or under the influence of harmful substances like drugs and alcohol. The court undertakes its jobs by offering the offenders treatments for alcoholism and addiction. Therefore, offenders are required to abstain from alcoholic beverages and from harmful substances.
The DWI Court has specific scope pertaining to the cases that it may handle and that is to focus on traffic violations caused by drunk driving or driving under the influence of harmful substance.
There are some DWI courts commonly referred to as hybrid DWI/drug courts that also take DWI offenders. In 2011, there were over 2600 drug courts operating throughout the U.S with 598 of hybrid DWI/Drug Courts or DWI courts.
Furthermore, DWI Court may recommend a DUI treatment program for the drivers found guilty of DUI or may ask to wear devices that allow downloading blood alcohol concentrations such as Ignition Interlock devices and the SCRAM transdermal alcohol detection device.
The importance of DWI court in a well-developed country cannot be underestimated. The court has the responsibility in maintaining the safety and the effectiveness of the traffic situation.
It is also shown in the United States that DWI courts are effective in reducing recidivism and by sending a strong message that DUI is prohibited. Actually, there are proposals that the number of the DWI courts need to be increased.
