Attending a DUI victim impact panel (VIP) may be a part of your court requirements and help you understand the consequences of drunk driving.
Key Takeaways:
- Victim impact panels provide an opportunity for people involved in a drunk driving case to start healing together.
- Victim impact panels are often mandated as part of DUI court requirements and sentencing.
- Dishonoring a court-mandated victim impact panel may have severe consequences or could be considered a parole violation.
If you are convicted of a DUI, you could face numerous penalties, from fines to license suspension. In addition, you might be ordered to attend a DUI victim impact panel. Attending a DUI victim impact panel can be emotional, but it’s a common and important DUI court requirement. A DUI VIP is often one of the first steps in court-mandated education after a drunk driving conviction.
This informational blog shares what you need to know about a victim impact panel and how to prepare yourself; however, it should not be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney to assist with any drunk driving charge you may be facing. If you have immediate questions about a DUI and the next steps for an ignition interlock device or SR-22 insurance, call a DUI.org specialist at (877) 246-7808.
What Happens at a DUI Victim Impact Panel?
A victim impact panel provides victims with the opportunity to share their stories. The goal is to humanize DUI cases and put a face to the hurt someone convicted of a DUI may have caused. These meetings are often led by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
As someone newly convicted of a DUI, attending a DUI victim impact panel may be a part of your sentencing requirements. Some find it emotionally challenging to sit and listen to people talk about the devastation that drunk driving caused in their lives. While emotionally difficult, attending a DUI VIP can be a powerful reminder of why impaired driving laws exist.
Typical Format and Setting of an Impact Panel
A victim impact panel is, by design, an intimate experience. It’s normally held in person, though in some cases, an online option may be available. Most DUI VIPs are coordinated by local courts or nonprofit organizations and follow a structured format to ensure respectful dialogue. You may hear very personal and heartbreaking accounts of lives ended or forever changed by drunk driving.
Victims share their stories out of a desire to help people convicted of a DUI realize the life-altering consequences that could come with impaired driving. Their intent is not to judge or shame, but rather to educate and inform, with the goal of reducing drinking and driving.
Who Speaks at a DUI Victim Impact Panel?
The primary speakers at any DUI victim impact panel are people whose lives were changed during an encounter with a drunk driver. You may hear from:
- People who were injured, perhaps severely, in an accident.
- Survivors of someone who passed away in a drunk driving collision.
- First responders, such as police officers or paramedics, who have worked at DUI accident scenes.
The courts and local community organizations work together to recruit speakers and make sure everyone who speaks at a panel wants to share their personal and meaningful story.
Can You Ask Questions While Attending a DUI Victim Panel?
Each victim impact panel is organized differently. The victims (and, if applicable, first responders) always speak first. Afterward, there might be a formal Q&A session during which attendees can ask relevant questions.
Your behavior during the panel can impact future court decisions, such as the reinstatement of your driver’s license. Here are some ways to make the most of this opportunity:
- Listen quietly and respectfully to the people who share their stories.
- Only speak if you’ve been clearly invited to do so or have received permission.
- Ask open-ended questions focused on learning and understanding.
- Avoid challenging the victims or their stories.
What is the Goal of These Panels?
Victim impact panels have two intentions. One is to bring a sense of healing and closure to the victims who choose to participate. The other is to reduce the likelihood of another DUI offense by bringing awareness to the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
By sharing their deeply personal stories, the victims hope to create safer roads free from impaired drivers. A victim impact panel may seem intimidating at first, but the ultimate purpose is to provide much-needed support and healing for anyone connected to a drunk driving incident.
How Long Is a DUI Victim Impact Panel?
DUI victim impact panels typically last about 90 minutes to two hours. It’s best to arrive about 10 minutes early to find the location and reach your seat on time. The court might not allow you to participate if you’re late, as this could be very disruptive.
How DUI Victim Impact Panels Affect Sentencing Outcomes
You may wonder, "Does a DUI victim impact panel affect sentencing?" This depends on several factors, including state and local laws and the judge's discretion in your case. The judge might order you to attend as part of your DUI court requirements. Or the court might recommend a diversionary program in lieu of sentencing, for which attending a panel might be a requirement.
Be prepared for your court process: How DUI Offenses Are Handled: Judicial vs Administrative Process
While it may be challenging to listen to people present a victim impact statement, your participation in a victim impact panel can demonstrate empathy for victims and serve as evidence of your efforts to take accountability and strive for change.
Court-Mandated Attendance
If the judge instructs you to attend a victim impact panel as part of your sentencing, you could face a severe penalty for absenteeism or for tardiness. Only a judge can excuse you. Failure to comply with any condition of your court orders, probation or parole, including attending a victim impact panel, can be considered a violation of the terms of court orders, probation or parole. Exact penalties for a court order or parole violation will vary by jurisdiction and judge, but may include jail time, increased fines, longer required DUI education programs, or mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
License suspended? Learn the next steps: How to Reinstate Your Driver's License After a DUI
Emotional and Behavioral Impact
A victim impact panel is designed to make a strong emotional impact. The hope is that it will cause you to adjust your behavior and become an ally for safer roads. Depending on your local jurisdiction, your parole officer may be required to monitor your attendance. You may begin to feel overwhelmed and experience a range of emotions, such as sadness or anger, and that's okay. One of the best ways to start healing is to always strive to put yourself in the victim’s shoes and find a lesson in their pain.
How to Prepare for Attending a DUI Victim Panel
The most effective victim impact panels develop a genuine connection between people whose lives have been changed by drunk driving. For many people facing a DUI charge, the victim impact panel presents an opportunity for growth, offering valuable insights into making informed decisions in the future.
Dos and Don’ts of Participation
Attending a victim impact panel comes with a few dos and don’ts:
- Do arrive a few minutes early
- Do wear clean, neat clothing with no offensive messages
- Do listen openly and speak only if given permission to do so
- Don’t get defensive or challenge the victims’ statements
- Don’t use your phone
- Don’t withdraw or attempt to escape any uncomfortable feelings that arise
Do Victim Impact Panels Make a Difference?
Victim impact panels can make a real difference in people’s lives. These panels can lower the odds of another DUI, with some studies showing a 49% reduction in the odds of a subsequent DUI conviction at 5 years and a 77% reduction after 8 years.
Real Questions About DUI Victim Impact Panels and Statements
What is a victim impact statement?
A victim impact statement is a written or oral statement by a victim of a crime to describe the physical, emotional, and financial effects of a crime on their life or the life of their loved ones. They may include details of damage and how the offender's actions impacted them. This statement is considered by a judge during sentencing.
Who speaks at a victim impact panel?
The primary speakers are victims and families whose lives have been altered by drunk driving. Sometimes, local law enforcement personnel or others with first-hand experience at DUI accident scenes are also invited to speak.
Does a victim impact statement affect sentencing?
It can, depending on your jurisdiction. Judges are bound by sentencing guidelines and precedent, but they often have some discretion in their sentencing decisions. A victim impact statement can help the judge understand the specifics and nuances of your case, which could influence the sentence you receive.
Get More Support with DUI.org
A DUI victim impact panel can feel intimidating and overwhelming. However, it's also an opportunity to start your healing journey in a supportive environment. With understanding, compassion, and a new perspective, you can be part of the change in creating safer roads.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’re not alone. Our DUI.org resources can help you understand what’s next, from court requirements to ignition interlock devices and SR-22 insurance. Contact us to get started.
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