DUI
Drug Court Established to Combat Repeat New Mexico DWI
Special Valencia County court takes aim at reducing drinking and driving in New Mexico
Valencia County, New Mexico is establishing a DWI Drug Court to address the issue of repeat drunk drivers. A pilot program set to begin in March is designed to work with those who have at least two and less than five New Mexico DWI arrests. It will provide monitoring as well as treatment, with the goal of breaking a dangerous pattern.
Judges will refer offenders to the program, which is designed to offer treatment rather than just punishment for alcohol abuse. Once in the program, participants will be monitored with SCRAM alcohol detecting bracelets. They will receive intensive counseling and must attend regular drug court meetings. The multi-phase rehabilitation process, which includes a relapse prevention phase, can take up to 18 months to complete.
The New Mexico DWI / Drug Court will consist of a judge, court coordinator, a probation officer and clerk. An estimated 15 to 20 offenders will enter the program during its first year. An average of more than one person is arrested each day for Driving While Intoxicated in Valencia County, and those sentenced to jail are typically released without dealing with their core drinking problem.
The program is not for first-time DWI offenders. In addition, an individual cannot enter the program if charged with violent felony or involved in a drinking and driving accident with injury. The drug court is funded by the state legislature.
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