EXAMINATION OF DWI CONVICTION RATE PROCEDURES

This report summarizes how Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) conviction rates are calculated. Arrest and conviction data were obtained from ten sites along with information and opinions from local officials on how DWI conviction rates should be calculated. It was found that often DWI conviction rates were not calculated, or at least the information would not be released publicly. When rates or calculation methods were released, calculation methods differed among the sites, and the type of conviction rate quoted was largely a function of the type of agency doing the quoting and the data available to that agency. The DWI conviction process can be affected by plea bargains, speedy trial laws, offenders who fail to appear, and pre-trial diversion practices. Although it would seem that a statewide, complex system would be necessary to provide all the data required to provide a system-wide conviction rate, the smallest site included in the study proved that, with cooperation from all the organizations involved, an effective system can be set up in any jurisdiction. The objective of the project was to examine various conviction rate formulas, but was not concerned with the success or lack thereof of convicting persons charged with DWI offenses in the participating jurisdictions. Individuals in those sites who agreed to participate in the project should be commended for providing data for the study, general system information, and views on the subject.

• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1047
• Corporate Authors:

  Mid America Research Institute

  611 Main Street
  Winchester, MA  United States  01890

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Jones, R K
  • Wiliszowski, C H
  • Lacey, J H
• Publication Date: 1999-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 65 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Drunk drivers; Traffic conviction; Trials
• Uncontrolled Terms: Conviction rates; Failure to appear; Plea bargains; Speedy trial laws
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Safety and Human Factors; I10: Economics and Administration; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00784521
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-808 970,, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: DTNH22-97-D-35018
• Files: HSL, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 10 2001 12:00AM