NCJ Number
99831
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes key findings and policy recommendations from National Institute of Justice research on the effects of mandatory incarceration for drunk driving in jurisdictions of Washington, Tennessee, Ohio, and Minnesota.
Abstract
The study, conducted in the early 1980's, used the following principal data sources: criminal justice and motor vehicle records, interviews with criminal justice personnel, and the findings of previous relevant research in the jurisdictions. Findings show that drunk driving arrests increased under mandatory incarceration legislation. Also, court workloads increased, more defendants contested charges, conviction rates varied, and incarceration rates increased. The greatest criminal justice impact was upon incarceration facilities. Generally, the jurisdictions experienced a decline in overall traffic fatalities following the adoption of mandatory confinement sanctions. Policy recommendations suggest integrated planning to reduce adverse criminal justice system impacts, the provision of additional resources, limited use of weekend confinement, evaluation, publicity, special attention to repeat offenders, and improved statistics. For the full report, see NCJ 97733.