NCJ Number
236163
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2011 Pages: 320-328
Date Published
July 2011
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored the effect of expedited court processing on the rate of DUI (driving under the influence) offenses at the county level.
Abstract
Major findings from the study indicate that while the introduction of expedited court processing was related to a significant reduction in the number of DUI (driving under the influence) case filings per day at the county level, there was no overall reduction in alcohol-involved collisions in the county as a whole. The study also found that sanction swiftness improved over time, certainty of punishment remained stable, and severity of punishment declined. This study examined the effect of expedited court processing on the rate of DUI offenses at the county level, and whether the various components of deterrence affected the DUI rates over time. Data for the study were obtained from an examination of all DUI cases processed in Spokane County, WA in a single docket, overseen by two specially-assigned judges. The expedited court processing program was implemented in this court beginning in January 2006. A time-series approach was used to analyze changes in DUI case filings related to this program. The findings indicate that while the expedited court process does correspond with a lower rate of DUI case filings, it did not have a significant effect on reducing alcohol-involved collisions in the county as a whole. Implications for future research are discussed. Table, figures, and references