COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PA
The DARE Program
Periodically, the Court conducts an educational mock sentencing designed to increase student awareness of the severe implications of drinking while driving. The simulated hearing, which is generally arranged by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, school officials, and an array of law enforcement personnel, entails the presentation of various factual information wherein a student/actor is convicted of homicide by motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Parents of the “defendant”, victims, and student peers are present for the actual sentencing before the Court. Although the scripted sentencing is filmed for later use throughout the educational system, emotions of all participants reflect the actual pain and suffering that develops out of such a tragic incident.

The exercise has become an excellent method to convey the consequences associated with a DUI offense, and enables students to personally experience a serious event that claims thousands of lives nationally. Parents, students, and the law enforcement community have acknowledged the importance of this activity and continue to dedicate countless hours to its continued success.

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