DUI-related accidents and deaths have decreased in San Joaquin County in large part due to a program targeting repeat DUI offenders.
According to the San Joaquin County Superior Court, between 2008 and 2009, 16 fewer people in the county died in DUI-related accidents.
The program, funded by a $570,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, targets people who have been convicted of DUI for a second or third time.
After being released from jail, they begin reporting regularly to the judge, who determines the level of monitoring needed. The 756 participants are required to make regular court appearances, submit to drug and alcohol testing, and participate in 12-step recovery programs.
“We’re doing really high-maintenance, hands-on things with people,” said San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Richard Vlavianos. “We’re doing active monitoring.”
The DUI Court is a collaboration of the court, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, and the office of the San Joaquin County Public Defender.
In addition to programs for repeat offenders, many California courts and District Attorney Offices have recognized the value of sentencing alternatives for first time offenders in lieu of jail time and as part of plea bargain agreements.
An experienced California DUI attorney can fully explore the various sentencing alternatives to insure that their clients obtain the best possible outcomes.
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