The National Agenda:
A System to Fight Hardcore DWI

The Goal: To protect the public by reducing the recidivism of hardcore drunk drivers.

The Strategy: Mobilize an effective campaign to curtail hardcore drunk driving based on a coordinated system of mutually reinforcing components. Special criminal charges of Aggravated DWI and Hardcore DWI, with associated sanctions and remedial treatment, can provide the focus for such a system.

The Rationale: A coordinated system is necessary to provide the framework needed to close loopholes in existing laws and programs, enact needed legislation, and ensure that the responsible agencies and organizations work together effectively to address the problem. For those states choosing to adopt them, special charges reinforce a coordinated system by requiring immediate identification and stipulating appropriate punishment and treatment that, combined, act to reduce recidivism. By calling attention to the serious nature of the crime, a higher level charge acts as a general deterrent.

Objectives and Tactics: Research shows that a system to deter, detect, punish and change the behavior of hardcore drunk drivers should be based on swift identification, certain punishment and effective treatment. An important factor for success is an accountable statewide planning group or task force, with representatives from pertinent state agencies and interested organizations, to spearhead change and monitor effectiveness.