NCJ Number
114570
Journal
Justice Analyst Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In December 1982, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 289 to deter driving under the influence (DUI) by making it easier for police to make arrests and by increasing the likelihood that offenders will be punished and receive treatment after arrest.
Abstract
Under the legislation, DUI offenders face increased penalties and mandatory attendance at safety school. Offenders who receive an accelerated rehabilitation disposition also may be required to pay court costs, restitution, and educational and treatment expenses. Changes to facilitate arrest include increased use of chemical testing, increased police authority to stop suspected offenders, and making driving with a blood alcohol content of more than .10 percent a per se violation. As a result of the act, court caseloads have increased. Case dispositions increased dramatically from 1982 to 1983, continued to increase slightly in 1984, and decreased in 1985 and 1986. The number of DUI trials increased from 1981 to 1984, but the number of defendants actually going to trial decreased from 1981 to 1986. The percentage of defendants found not guilty and dismissed or found guilty and not jailed have decreased, while DUI jail admissions have increased more than 1300 percent. Probation caseloads likewise increased. From 1980 to 1987, alcohol-related accidents increased; and fatal accidents decreased to 1984 levels and then increased. 5 tables and 4 notes.