DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Diversion in Monroe County, 1 - The Role of Pretrial Diversion, (From Pretrial Services Annual Journal, Volume 5, P 94-101, 1982, Elizabeth Gaynes, ed. - See NCJ-89690)

• NCJ Number: 89695
• Author(s): A M Valerio; K Kane; F S Saiger
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-89690

Annotation

A nontraditional alcohol treatment program, called Creative Interventions, is part of the Monroe County Pre-Trial Diversion DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) felony program in Rochester, N.Y.

Abstract

The clients have been charged with their first DWI felony in New York State, meaning that they have at least one prior drinking conviction, a DWI misdemeanor. The Pre-Trial Diversion Program provides clients with a chance to change their behavior by actively participating in treatment. It rewards the clients' successful completion of diversion allowing them to plead guilty to a reduced charge of DWI as a misdemeanor, thereby avoiding a felony conviction. The program also interrupts the clients' pattern of arrests by attempting to prevent their future involvement with the law. Clients sign a contract agreeing to the adjournment of their court charges during the treatment period (usually 6 or 7 months). Clients are not labeled 'alcoholics' and are encouraged to be responsible for learning limit-setting skills that fit their own value systems. Besides the ongoing client-counselor relationship and the direct treatment process, lack of a driver's license and fear of a felony conviction are important factors affecting clients' progress. Clients voluntarily give up their driver's license when they sign the program contract. Successful program completion requirements are appended.