4th JDC DWI Court Program due to Grants By the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission

Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes have the benefit of the DWI Court Program that has been in existence since 2008. This is due to the grant given to our area by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. This funding has allowed these parishes to rehabilitate felony grade impaired driving offenders. It has had an extensive impact on the communities of this area. Individuals that are in this program plead to felony DWI third convictions voluntarily. They do not have to do this program. They could, instead, go through the normal court system. However, these individuals have come to the realization that they need help to manage their substance abuse issues and therefore plead guilty.

These individuals are of all genders, all races, and all ages. Moreover, the individuals are assessed to see if they meet the criteria by law and meet the criteria for treatment. The program is rigorous; the time dedicated by the Defendants overtakes majority of their life for up to five years. Further, there is a reduction in recidivism by the individuals that complete the program successfully and graduate.

During their period of probation, these individuals must maintain employment; they must attend commimity recovery support meetings weekly, make regular court appearances, randomly submit to drug/alcohol screening each week and meet with their probation officer. They must also complete many hours of community service and pay fees for the benefit of the program. They are subject to home incarceration for six months after the plea of guilt. Once the participants complete the program, the participants are permitted to graduate.

These defendants are resolute individuals. The stories they tell at graduation are of gratuity - they realize who they were and who they have become. They now have mended relationships, maintained steady employment, learned to help others, pay their bills, support their families, and pay their taxes. The list goes on. And, most importantly, abstain from drugs and alcohol, especially while operating a motor vehicle.

The 4th JDC DWI Court Program would not have come to this area without the grants by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. This program is and will continue to make a difference in our community.