NCJ Number
107882
Date Published
1986
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This study examines the impact of a 1983 Indiana law that provides for administrative license suspension upon arrest for drunk driving and mandatory jail terms for repeat offenders.
Abstract
Data collection focused on a prelaw and postlaw comparison of arrest, prosecution, and sentencing in drunk driving cases. A stratified, random sample of 13 counties was drawn, from which over 4,500 cases were collected. Each case contained 48 variables, creating a database of over 216,000 units of information for analysis. Estimates for statewide totals were projected. There was a 3-percent decrease in the total number of arrests after the law and a smaller decrease in the number charged for drunk driving. There was an 18-percent increase in the number of persons convicted of drunk driving, however. The proportion of arrestees convicted rose from 62.2 percent to 76.5 percent. The percentage receiving license suspension increased from 49 percent to 70 percent, and those receiving jail sentences increased from 67 percent to 75 percent. Those receiving a fine remained at approximately 90 percent. The average length of the license suspension increased 25 percent, and the average jail sentence length increased 54 percent. Conviction was most likely for cases involving a felony charge and when the presence of excessive alcohol consumption by the driver was clearly documented. License suspensions and jail terms may not appreciably contribute to deterrence until there is a higher level of certainty for these punishments. 4 references and appended sample data forms to improve recordkeeping. (Author summary modified)