May 17, 2016
Would Viewing A Corpse Deter Repeat Offenses?
An interesting law on the books in Orange County, California allows a judge to order any DUI offender to visit a morgue to view the corpse of a DUI motor vehicle accident victim. The question is, does this actually deter people from repeat DUIs? The evidence suggests that it might.
In areas where this statute is in effect, which is also Nevada and Illinois, there is only a 2% recidivism rate over 18 months compared with a general 30% recidivism rate. So, it would seem that this is an effective means of stopping repeat offenses. Actually seeing the harm caused to individuals and their families is often enough to stop repeat offenders in their tracks.
Others argue that this is nothing more than a macabre scare tactic and that people, especially DUI offenders who caused no personal or property damage, are emotionally scarred for life by viewing the corpse of such a violent event.
Remember, never operate a vehicle if you are under the influence of any substance. If you live in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Winooski, Williston, Shelburne or anywhere in the State of Vermont, and have been arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call The Law Office of C Jordan Handy for aggressive and experienced legal defense.