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A new Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Court Monitoring Report issued in May 2019 showed that 61 percent (3 out of 5) of drunk drivers are convicted of their charges. The nationwide average was collected by court monitors in 12 states from September 1, 2017 to September 1, 2018. The conviction rate of 61 percent is down 7 percent from the previous year.

MADD regularly observes courtroom proceedings, and in December 2018, it had reached 100,000 cases since the beginning of monitoring in 2006. Staff and volunteers attend judicial proceedings which involve drunk-driving cases to be sure laws are being enforced and prosecuted to the fullest extent. Those cases which are followed do not involve injuries or deaths.

“MADD puts monitors in courtrooms to make sure prosecutors and judges know that we are watching. Every case is an opportunity for them to send the message to the offender and the public that drunk driving will not be excused or tolerated,” said MADD National President Helen Witty. “We have observed some counties with conviction rates that are well over 80 percent. Unfortunately, we see about the same number with conviction rates that are under 40 percent. We need for the judicial process to work and to hold every drunk driver accountable for the wrong and dangerous decision to drink and drive.”

According to MADD, “Volunteers document every step of the judicial process and enter the disposition, age, gender, outcome and other information about each case. The report reveals observations in nine states with court monitors who collected data over a one-year period in at least one jurisdiction. Ultimately, MADD hopes to add enough volunteers and staff to monitor courts in every jurisdiction, in every state, to produce comprehensive statewide and nationwide reports. Placing monitors in courtrooms helps us identify weaknesses so we can communicate our findings to prosecutors and judges. We use the data to tell the story of how drunk-driving cases are being handled, and we can tell who takes them seriously. We believe this important work will help improve the conviction rates of drunk drivers and, finally, help us put an end to this violent crime,” Ms. Witty said.

The largest number of drunk-driving fatalities was in the 25-29 age group, with the 55-59 age group in second place. Unfortunately, with 26 percent, drunk driving is still the top cause of fatal traffic accidents in Florida.

“If you or a loved one is injured because of a negligent DUI driver, please contact our experienced legal team, after seeking medical attention. We are available 24/7 to assist you,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.