Last Updated on February 20, 2025
Judges and prosecutors have a lot of options when putting together the terms of a probation agreement or plea deal. When it comes to DUI probation, some of the most common aspects of probation agreements include DUI classes, ignition interlock devices, and participation in a Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panel (MADD VIP) session.
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What is a Victim Impact Panel?
A victim impact panel is a program put on by the anti-drunk driving association known as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. These panels feature speakers who have been victimized by impaired drivers with the goal of personalizing the potential negative consequences of driving while drunk or high.
Aside from personal stories from victims, attendees may also be required to view visual presentations, such as slideshows or videos with shocking images from drunk driving crashes. A law enforcement agent may also speak about the dangers of driving under the influence.
What Types of Victims Appear as Part of a MADD Panel?
Speakers in these programs may have been victims in a drunk driving crash or they may be loved ones of people who were killed or severely injured in drunk driving accidents. These people volunteer to share their very personal stories in the MADD VIP, hoping that the attendees will empathize with them and modify their thinking and behavior to avoid driving drunk or high again.
What is the Purpose of MADD VIP Sessions?
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization hosts these programs intending to bring an emotional, personalized angle to the consequences of DUI charges. Unfortunately, while MADD says that the victims will not blame or judge but simply tell their stories, the reality is that drunk drivers have severely hurt these people, and some speakers cannot help but be upset at the attendees of these sessions.
How Do Mothers Against Drunk Driving VIP Programs Work?
MADD classes are held once a month in both English and Spanish at courthouses in San Diego County. Most DUI offenders in North County will probably choose to attend a session in Vista, where they are held at the North County courthouse across from my office. However, individuals could also decide to take a course in El Cajon or Chula Vista if it is easier for them to attend. MADD also offers online VIP courses, but not every California jurisdiction allows this option. Panels fill up quickly, so register online well in advance so you don’t miss your court-imposed deadline.
Each session lasts a few hours, and you only need to attend one. Like all aspects of DUI probation, there is a fee for this program, and in this case, it is $60 —although this fee is technically an optional donation to MADD, so you can choose to attend for free if you wish.
What Happens if I Skip the MADD VIP Part of My Probation?
If you skip the MADD program when you have been court-ordered to do so under the terms of your probation, you will violate your probation, meaning you could face additional penalties such as added jail time and fines. While you can fight probation violations, it’s generally a lot easier and cheaper to attend a MADD victim impact panel than risk violating your probation.
Because San Diego MADD classes can fill up so quickly, if your probation hearing attorney can show that you made a good-faith effort to attend a session, you will probably not receive any additional penalties.
If you have any questions about MADD victim impact panels, DUI lawyer Peter M. Liss can help. Please call (760) 643-4050 to schedule a free initial consultation.
