Victim Impact Panel

If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Georgia, you may be required to participate in a Victim Impact Panel, or VIP. In this two-hour class, you are told how your actions impacted others. The people speaking may be the victim of the drunk driving incident or friends and family of the victim. The idea is that you will understand the consequences of your actions better after hearing from them and will not drink and drive again. The panels are also considered helpful for the victims and their loved ones so that they can express their pain.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a nonprofit group that educates the public about drunk driving, created these panels, which are administered by the police. They do not replace other penalties such as fines, jail time, or license suspension.

The most important thing for you to do at the panel is to listen. The VIP is about others explaining how your behavior affected them. Many drunk drivers are arrested before they have an accident, so they think drinking and driving is a victimless crime. The driver will hear how his or her actions affect other people.

There is disagreement about whether VIPs work, but you don’t have a choice: If you are court-ordered to attend a VIP, you must attend. Go in with an open mind.

If you are facing DUI charges in Georgia, working with Kohn & Yager is the best decision you can make for yourself. Their experience will help you understand your case and your rights. Call or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation right away.