DWI Courts in Michigan: An Examination of the Interlock Effect on Drunk Driving Recidivism

Abstract

This study uses a quasi-experimental, matched group, research design to examine the effectiveness of ignition interlocks as a means of reducing drunk driving recidivism, among repeat offenders, that participated in a sample of selected DWI courts in the state of Michigan. The results of the analysis show that DWI court participants under interlock restrictions were less likely to receive another drunk driving conviction, up to 4 years post initial conviction, as compared to subjects in DWI court (without interlock restrictions), and to matched standard probationers, who did not participate in a DWI court. Theoretical and policy implications, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.

Keywords:

• Drunk driving
• DWI court
• evaluation research
• ignition interlocks
• recidivism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)

Notes

1 These differences are not sufficiently large to be considered statistically significant at the conventional .05 level of probability.

2 These differences are statistically significant (Kramer’s V = 0.089, x² = 10.7, d.f. = 2, p < 0.005).

3 These differences are statistically significant (Kramer’s V = 0.078, x² = 9.5, d.f. = 2, p < 0.009).

4 These differences are statistically significant (Kramer’s V = 0.078, x² = 15.3, d.f. = 2, p < 0.0005).

5 The decision was made to utilize three years of data, as opposed to the full four, for the Kaplan-Meier analysis, because the number of cases in the experimental group drastically drops in the final year of the study (n = 302 to 113).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MATCP) and facilitated by the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office (SCAO) which provided data access and support. However, the views expressed herein represent those of the authors; and do not necessarily reflect those of MATCP, SCAO or Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

Notes on contributors

Christopher A. Kierkus

Christopher A. Kierkus is a Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He specializes in quantitative research, statistical analysis, evaluation research, public policy, criminology and juvenile delinquency. Dr. Kierkus has been doing research and teaching for approximately 25 years.

Brian R. Johnson

Brian R. Johnson is a Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He specializes in applied security issues, law enforcement, public policy, and criminology. Dr. Johnson has published extensively in each of these areas in a career that spans more than three decades.

Harvey Hoffman

Harvey Hoffman is a retired Chief District Court Judge in the State of Michigan. His career specialization focused on Sobriety and DWI Courts. Judge Hoffman is the Legislative Policy Director for the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MATCP); he participated in, and led, numerous legislative initiatives throughout his career.

Jessica Parks

Jessica Parks is a former Deputy Director of the Trial Court Division of the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office (SCAO) – she served in this capacity for the duration of this project. Dr. Parks is presently employed by a financial institution outside of academia.