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DWI Victim Impact Panel

Victim Impact Panels (VIPs), initiated in 1982 by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have become a common condition in sentencing DWI offenders. A VIP is typically composed of individuals who have directly experienced the negative consequences of DWI and alcohol related crashes such as survivors, family members, and friends. The panel members volunteer to speak and confront offenders with firsthand testimonies on how severely their lives have been impacted. Members of the VIPs are asked to prepare ahead of time and are advised to share their stories in a calm and non-judgmental manner. The presentations are often emotional, detailed, and graphic. Meetings can last up to 4hrs.

The main goal of the Victim Impact Panel is to educate DWI offenders of the consequences of drinking and driving and help reduce alcohol related fatal and injury crashes. A good percentage of offenders who attend a VIP meeting ultimately learn to empathize with the victim’s pain and suffering. In return, many volunteer panel members who participate and share their own tragic stories find it to be self rewarding and motivating.

Many DWI defense lawyers request that their clients attend a Victim Impact Panel program to demonstrate to the prosecuting attorney and the judge that the offender is taking responsibility for his actions. This may help many first time DWI offenders obtain a less harsher sentence and receive a second chance.

To learn more about the DWI Victim Impact Panel program and how it can benefit you in your situation, or if you are being charged with a DWI, contact the Law Offices of cl. Our expert DWI defense attorneys can defend you in court and protect your legal rights.


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