For The First Time Since 2008, More Than 11,000 People Were Killed in Alcohol-Related Crashes.
Key Findings & Observations Impaired Driving continues to remain the #1 cause of death on our roadways. In 2020 alone, 11,654 lives were lost due to alcohol related impaired driving, which was 30% of all traffic related deaths in on U.S. roadways[2]. MADD’s court monitoring program aims to enhance transparency and accountability for this violent crime so that future offenses can be reduced, and more lives can be saved. According to recent data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related deaths spiked 14% from 2019 to 2020 while vehicle miles traveled decreased by 11%. This report not only shows alarming trends and data, but also aims to educate the public on the current reality of impaired driving cases within the criminal justice system. MADD will continue to monitor courts across the nation and bring awareness to the adjudication of impaired driving cases.
Case Dispositions Impaired Driving Average
Data reported where disposition is known.
Bound Over to Circuit Court 1.0%
Nolle Prosequi 5.2%
Amended to Misdemeanor 0.1%
Dismissed/FTP/Mistrial 13.5%
Deferred Prosecution 9.6%
Guilty 58.3%
Not Guilty 1%
Based on cases monitored in 2021, 58.3% of cases adjudicated were pronounced guilty (review of 2020 cases shows a decrease in guilty verdicts in 2021). Of cases monitored, 18.7% of adjudicated cases were dismissed (including dismissals by the prosecution known as Nolle Prosequi). Dismissals can occur for many reasons, such as delayed hearings, lack of discovery, an officer failing to appear in court or at a hearing, or completion of a deferred program. Deferred prosecution includes a version of informal probation; and upon certain completion of terms, the charge may be expunged from the defendant’s record. MADD monitors dismissals closely and reports findings to local judicial members to address any concerns. MADD aims to promote accountability and believes a guilty charge, rather than an amended charge or deferred prosecution, is the best course of action for the violent and dangerous crime of impaired driving.
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