MADD has reinstated the Court Monitoring Program.  This program is invaluable to insure that the criminal justice system works effectively and efficiently to prosecute DUI offenders.   For the past three months, we have had monitors randomly targeting County courtrooms.  We seldom announce our presence to anyone; however, there are times when an assistant state attorney or a police officer can provide information to us about a particular case that might warrant MADD’s attention. 

The only difference between a *simple DUI offense and DUI manslaughter is chance.  The seriousness of this crime cannot be stressed enough.  Law enforcement officers made these arrests and because of their actions many tragedies have been averted.  MADD does not want DUI offenses reduced to lesser charges or dismissed when it’s not warranted. 

Because of Miami-Dade’s large caseload, simple DUIs seem to become routine and many offenders are not adjudicated "appropriately".  Again, DUI is a serious crime.  MADD has seen too many horrific crashes, where lives were ended in an instant and families were left to pick up the pieces in their grief.  This happens all too often when a person criminally and irresponsibly chooses to drink then drive.

We need help with this important program.  If you would like to volunteer for this interesting and worthwhile effort, please contact the MADD office 305 383 5500, or email us at madddade@aol.com.

*A simple DUI offense is when a driver is charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs with no crash.

Future summaries of our Court Monitoring Program will be available on this Web site.