NCJ Number
130776
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper addresses the issue of the effectiveness of deterrence as a goal of sentencing in cases of drunken driving and raises questions about the value of incarceration for deterring crime.
Abstract
The available scientific research fails to support the claim that stiff prison sentences act to deter drunken driving or decrease the incidence of driving while intoxicated (DWI) accidents. The research findings emerge as inconsistent with the frequently held public perception and public policy that asks for increased criminal penalties as a means to discourage drunk driving. Sentences which keep the tragedy of a drunken driving accident in the public consciousness may be as effective as a long-term prison sentence to educating and deterring others. The Sentencing Project recommends several measures: offenders be ordered to make periodic contributions to a charity or organization that in some ways responds to the needs of the victim; periodic community service lasting the length of probation provide ongoing visibility of the offense as well as punishment for the offender; and offenders be ordered to speak or write to specific audiences, news outlets, and organizations on set occasions over the length of probation. 13 footnotes