Victim Impact Panel

Victim Impact Panels are a forum where the harsh reality of DWI incidents is brought to the forefront. These panels typically consist of individuals who have been directly affected by DWI incidents, either as victims themselves or as family members of victims. The panelists share their personal stories, providing a raw and unfiltered account of the profound and lasting impact of impaired driving. The primary goal of Victim Impact Panels is to humanize the consequences of DWI incidents. By putting a face and a story to the statistics, these panels create a powerful emotional impact on attendees, including those convicted of DWI offenses.

The panels aim to foster empathy and understanding, prompting attendees to confront the real-life consequences of their choices and encouraging them to make responsible decisions in the future. Victim Impact Panels play a crucial role in holding individuals accountable for their actions. For those convicted of DWI offenses, attending a panel becomes a mandatory part of the rehabilitation process. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm their actions can cause and encourages them to take responsibility for the pain and suffering they may have inflicted on others.

The experience of listening to victims' stories during a Victim Impact Panel can be a transformative one. It prompts self-reflection and compels individuals to consider the broader impact of their decisions on the lives of innocent people. This accountability aspect is essential not only for the rehabilitation of the offenders but also for the overall deterrent effect on potential future DWI incidents.