Promising Criminal Justice Programs for DWI Offenders: Brooklyn, NY DWI Treatment Court

The Brooklyn DWI Treatment Court (BDWI Court) was established to address the increasing number of felony-level (repeat offender) DWI arrests in King County, NY. Through early intervention, immediate placement of clients in specially designed treatment programs and close supervision, BDWI Court is committed to reducing DWI offenses. It was modeled after The Brooklyn Treatment Court, which was the first drug court in the state and nationally recognized.

Following arrest, offenders have the choice to participate in the BDWI Court or go through the regular criminal court process. If they choose the BDWI Court, the offender will then go through a bio-psychosocial assessment to determine level of treatment needed, as well as a urine toxicology and breathalyzer test. The offender is also placed on a secured continuous remote alcohol monitor (SCRAM) for a minimum of 90 days. Following the initial screening and placement, offenders are required to meet with their BDWI Court case manager on a weekly basis, as well as attend recommended treatment.

The BDWI Court program is completed in three phases, then upon successful completion, the offender’s charges will be reduced from a Felony to a Misdemeanor.

With our Judicial Education Advisory Committee, The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility has developed a compilation of promising programs across the nation for dealing with DWI offenders in the criminal justice community. It is our hope that by sharing these programs with stakeholders in the criminal justice field that new, innovative programs can be developed in every state to deal more comprehensively with DWI offenders.

Please contact Jaime S. Alvis, Director of Government Relations & Traffic Safety at The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, if you know of any other promising programs that should be included in this compilation.