NCJ Number
100143
Date Published
1985
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This 1984 study examines current and proposed Massachusetts drunk-driving for the DD population, identifying four programming areas: alcohol education and counseling, residential treatment, incarceration, and regional confinement centers.
Abstract
First offenders are usually given 2 years of probation with the condition that they attend a driver alcohol education program. A second-time offender has the option of a minimum 7-day jail sentence or a 14-day residential treatment program followed by 2 years of probation. Those convicted of drunk driving three or more times receive a mandatory minimum 60-day jail sentence. County corrections officials reported that the DD offender is generally a chronic alcohol abuser without a criminal history. They emphasized the importance of developing treatment programs aimed at community re-entry. Most counties offer limited programming for DD offenders. Many programs use the services of Alcoholics Anonymous. Program development has been constrained by sentence length, lack of resources, and facility overcrowding. County officials favor the development of regional facilities for the custody and treatment of DD offenders. The interview questionnaire is attached. (Author abstract modified)