In a time where judges, court administrators and litigators have been asked to change in response to evolving challenges, DWI courts are a great example of what can be done to respond to challenges through innovation. Based on extensive research, DWI courts have proven themselves to be leaders in criminal justice reform by adapting to challenges of substance-abuse recovery and offender recidivism through establishing specialized dockets, using evidence-based sentencing practices, incorporating therapeutic services and utilizing the latest technology. This webinar will focus on the guiding principles of DWI Courts, their effectiveness as a sentencing option in DWI cases, and the benefits of participation in DWI courts from the perspective of researchers, probation officers, attorneys and judges.
Throughout our webinar presentation our expert panelists will:
- Introduce how DWI Courts operate.
- Explain the research behind the success of DWI Court for offenders, the judicial system and the community.
- Explain the benefits of the DWI courts, and the need for these courts from the perspective of the litigating attorneys (defense and prosecution) and the presiding judge.
Moderator:
Judge Neil E. Axel, Senior Judge of the District Court of Maryland, ABA Judicial Fellow
Panelists:
Judge Richard Vlavianos, Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, Region 9 Judicial Outreach Liaison
Shannon M. Carey, Ph.D., Co-President and Senior Research Associate, NPC Research
G. Archer Bakerink, Supervisor of Certified Law Students in the San Joaquin Superior Court DUI program, Humphrey's University, Drivon School of Law
Helen Harberts, former Chief Probation Officer and former Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Criminal Division in Butte County, CA