March 31, 2015

Delco board mulling possible DUI court

The possibility was listed in a five-year strategic plan

By John Kopp
PhillyVoice Staff

Google Street View/for PhillyVoice

The Delaware County Criminal Justice Advisory Board is considering adopting a DUI court. The Delaware County Courthouse is pictured above.

The Delaware County court system is considering adopting a court for offenders caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.

The Delaware County Criminal Justice Advisory Board listed the possibility in a five-year strategic plan it submitted to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Common Pleas Court Judge James Nilon, chair of the county's CJAB, told the newspaper that Delco first needs to ensure that specialty courts for mental health cases and veterans are securely in place. He said it is too early to tell whether such a court would be effective in Delaware County.

Fifteen counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, have adopted DUI courts, which are designed to help change the behavior of DUI offenders.

Read the entire Delaware County Daily Times story here.