If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), also known as DWI, DUII, and OVI, there's a good chance that you'll be ordered to attend a Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact panel – that is if you are convicted.

The Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program was created to help DUI offenders realize the long-term effects of drunk and drugged driving. It was also created to help impaired drivers feel empathy and understanding for the tragedy, to leave such an impression that they change their thinking and behavior, and lastly, to help save lives in the process.

According to MADD, the panels also help the victims by giving them the opportunity to share their stories to others' in a meaningful way. When a DUI defendant attends a VIP, they hear stories from the victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes (alcohol and drugs). They may also hear from law enforcement officers and first responders.

VIPs Aren't Meant to Judge DUI Defendants

The victims, survivors and law enforcement officers are not there to blame or judge DUI defendants. They're there to simply tell their stories, and paint a picture of how their lives and the lives of their friends and family have been affected by the crash.

According to MAAD, in 1988, our nation experienced the worst drunk driving crash in the history of drunk driving. It all began when a drunk driver hit a school bus filled with mostly children on their way home from a church outing. Upon impact, the school bust burst into flames killing 24 children and 3 adults, seriously injuring 34 others. This is a prime example of why MAAD exists.

MAAD Evolves Into Highly Influential Non-Profit

The horrifying school bus incident occurred just five years after Mothers Against Drunk Drivers was incorporated. Today, MAAD has evolved into one of the most influential non-profit organizations in America.

If you were recently arrested for drunk driving, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for a hard-hitting defense!