Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

24 hour hotline
  • DUI / Felony DUI
    • Vista DUI Attorney
    • DMV Hearings
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sex Crimes
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Molestation
    • Child Pornography
  • Traffic Offenses
    • Traffic Crimes
    • Hit and Run Accidents
    • No-License Driving
    • Reckless Driving
  • More Practice Areas
    • Juvenile Offenses
    • Violent Crime
      • The Three Strikes Law
      • Weapons Charges
    • Theft Defense
    • White Collar Crime
      • Fraud Charges
    • Drug Crimes
  • About
    • About Attorney Peter Liss
    • Contact Us
    • San Diego Office
    • Client Testimonials
    • Case Results
  • Resources
    • Law Blog
    • The Criminal Process
    • Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
  • English

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victim Impact Panels (MADD VIP) in Vista

May 19, 2020 Written by Jill Harness and Edited by Peter Liss

Last Updated on February 20, 2025

Keys and a glass of alcohol as a visualization of drunk driving, which may include a MADD VIP as part of the sentence

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.

Table of Contents

  • What is a Victim Impact Panel?
  • What Types of Victims Appear as Part of a MADD Panel?
  • What is the Purpose of MADD VIP Sessions?
  • How Do Mothers Against Drunk Driving VIP Programs Work?
  • What Happens if I Skip the MADD VIP Part of My Probation?

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.

Filed Under: Sentencing, DUI / FELONY DUI Tagged With: dui, alcohol, probation, penalties, sentencing, classes

Call Today, I Can Help You

criminal justice attorney Peter M. Liss

The Experience You Need

I have been practicing law for over 40 years, and opened my own law firm in 1998, after serving as Assistant Supervising Public Defender for the Vista Public Defender’s Office. I have successfully defended hundreds of cases in my career, fighting charges ranging from drunk driving to capital murder.

Two Easy-to-Find Offices

My Vista offices are located just off the 78 freeway, directly across the street from the local courthouse and jail facility. For those further south, I have another office in Carmel Valley, off the 5 freeway and highway 56. Both offices offer free parking.

Call (760) 643-4050 Now

You can call my offices any time of day, every day to speak with a live person who can help you schedule a free initial consultation. If you have any questions, I return my calls promptly and courteously.

My Guarantee to You

Fight for your freedom without draining your wallet! I offer affordable rates and accept all major credit cards. Hablamos Espanol.

I’m available, let’s talk

My Practice Areas

I handle all types of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in San Diego County, including:

  • Driving Under the Influence
    • DMV DUI License Hearings
  • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Sexual Assault/Rape
  • Child Molestation
    • Child Pornography
  • White Collar Crimes
    • Fraud Cases
    • Identity Theft
    • Computer Crimes
    • Theft Crimes
    • Petty Theft
    • Grand Theft
    • Shoplifting
    • Robbery
  • Drug Charges
    • Drug DUI
    • Trafficking
  • Violent Crimes
    • Weapons Offenses
    • Assault
    • Homicide
    • Hate Crimes
    • Gang Crimes
    • Three Strikes Law
  • Criminal Traffic Offenses
    • Driving on a Suspended License
    • Hit and Run accidents
    • Reckless Driving
    • Vehicular Homicide
  • Juvenile Crime Defense
    • Truancy
    • Vandalism
    • Minor in Possession

Categories

  • THE CA LEGAL SYSTEM
  • CRIMINAL DEFENSE
  • DUI / FELONY DUI
    • Sentencing
    • Traffic Stops
  • DRIVING OFFENSES
  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
  • WHITE COLLAR CRIME
    • Computer Crimes
    • Fraud Charges
  • DRUG OFFENSES
  • VIOLENT CRIMES
    • Gang Crimes
    • Animal Abuse
    • Assault and Battery
    • Homicide
    • Kidnapping
    • Weapons Charges
  • SEX OFFENSES
    • Sharing Obscene Materials
    • Rape
    • Sex Crimes Involving Children
  • THEFT CRIMES
  • FAQs
  • FEDERAL CRIMES
  • HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS
  • JUVENILE CRIME
  • LEGAL PROCEDURES
  • SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES
  • DUI/ Felony DUI
  • Driving Offenses
  • Domestic Violence
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Theft Defense
  • Violent Crimes
  • Sex Offenses
  • Juvenile Crime
  • Drug Offenses
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
vista crimminal law logo
  • Attorney Peter M. Liss
  • (760) 643-4050
  • 380 S Melrose Drive #301 Vista, CA 92081

Copyright 2003, 2024 Peter M. Liss, Esq. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified criminal defense attorney.

About Me Icon About Me Phone Call Icon Call Contact Icon Contact Email Icon Email