Evaluation of DUI Courts

EMT evaluated two DUI courts in two court jurisdictions over a four-year period. A process and outcome evaluation was conducted. The evaluation utilized a multi-method quasi-experimental longitudinal design. Process elements were captured through a combination of evaluator observation and review of available documentation and administrative data that tracked participant demographics and their DUI court case processing data. Program outcomes were captured using a questionnaire that was administered to participants at intake, 6 and 12 months or at program completion. Standardized instruments completed by participants included Procedural Justice, the Understanding Alcoholism scale, the Reasons for Drinking Questionnaire, and the Community Assessment Inventory. A series of standardized alcohol and mental health screenings (the RIASI, CAGE, AUDIT, CES-D and RTC) were also gathered via a self-administered computer program during the DUI court intake process at both courts. Recidivism data, consisting of both statewide criminal histories and DMV data, was analyzed in both evaluations. For the recidivism data, two comparison groups were constructed and analyzed: 1) a contemporaneous comparison group, consisting of DUI-court eligible participants who declined participation in the court; and 2) an historical comparison group consisting of 2nd and 3rd time DUI offenders prior to drug court implementation. Evaluation data also tracked participant demographics, program retention and completion, number and types of sanctions and rewards, abstinence rates based on alcohol testing, and graduation rates.

For additional information, please contact EMT at (916) 983-6680 or email us at info@emt.org.