The Vermont DUI treatment court is a pilot program offered in Windsor county. Pursuant to the program’s website, DUI treatment court “is a voluntary, post-conviction program for repeat offenders who are over 18 years old, have moderate to severe alcohol dependence, and want to recover from dependence on alcohol. It offers participants who complete the program the chance to have criminal charges dismissed or reduced. The docket’s team helps defendants receive treatment for alcohol dependence with the goals of keeping communities safe, helping defendants end their criminal behavior, and saving taxpayers the cost of extended incarceration.”
DUI treatment court is not appropriate for all defendant’s charged with DUI in Vermont. It is only available in Windsor county.
Individuals who are convicted of at least one of the following offenses are eligible to participate:
- A second DUI offense where the defendant’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest was at least 0.15 percent
- A third or greater DUI offense
- A third or greater alcohol-related offense
To participate in the program the amount of suspended jail time a defendant is facing is required to be at least 15 months and no more than 24 months.
The program may become available in additional counties over time. If you are charged with a DUI second with a BAC above .15 %, a DUI 3 or greater, or a third or greater alcohol related offense contact Burke Law today to discuss your case. We can schedule a phone or in person consult at either of our two offices (Burlington or White River). During the consultation we will go over the strengths and weaknesses of your case and can advise if Vermont DUI treatment court may be an appropriate way to resolve your case.
