Court Monitoring
The Challenge
- Drunk driving kills nearly 14,000 people annually and injures countless others. (NHTSA)
- Only 17 percent of impared drivers who are injured in crashes are charged and convicted. Eleven percent are charged and not convicted and 72 percent are never charged. (Copeland)
The Solution
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has developed a court monitoring program to observe drunk driving cases within the criminal justice system and create an environment of accountability. The program uses trained volunteers in the courtroom to observe cases and note their outcomes on a regular basis. With consistent courtroom attendance, a review of court records and tracking of offender and probation records, volunteers can identify inconsistencies in court proceedings in cases of driving under the influence (DUI) cases.
Court Monitoring Goals
- Train volunteers to observe courts on a regular basis to compile information on DUI cases and resulting outcomes.
- Make individuals aware, both in the public and in the courts, of community interest regarding the outcome of DUI cases.
How Can You Help?
MADD CT is currently looking for volunteers to observe in courts around the state. No amount of time you can give is too small. Training sessions will be held to teach you how to effectively monitor cases. If you are interested please contact Johanna Krebs, Program Manager at 203-764-2566 ext.6952.
