NEW JERSEY INTOXICATED DRIVER RESOURCE CENTER (IDRC)

 INTOXICATED DRIVER RESOURCE CENTER (IDRC)

The Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) is often not well-understood or not adequately explained by defense counsel to their clients/defendants.

 

Everyone convicted of Driving While Intoxicated DWI (NJSA 39:4-50), Refusal (NJSA 39:4-50.4a), Underage Drinking and Driving (NJSA 39:4-50.14), BWI, Boating While Intoxicated (NJSA 12:7-46) or Boating Refusal (NJSA 12:7-57(c)) must be referred to the Intoxicated Driving Program and County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center. The IDRC is, in short, comprised of two components; education (to teach about alcohol/drug abuse and NJ DWI laws) and screening (to determine whether the offender needs treatment).

 

The stated purpose of the Intoxicated Driving Program (IDP) and Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRC) is "to improve the driving behavior of individuals who have been identified as having some alcohol or drug involvement in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle or vessel." (NJAC 10:162-1). The further stated purpose of the IDRC screening "is to identify clients who may be alcohol or drug abusers or who need a structured intervention into their alcohol or drug use." (NJAC 10:162-4.2(a)).

 

The IDRC has broad authority and is empowered to refer an offender to treatment or further evaluation. Many clients might feel upset when they are referred to treatment. New Jersey Law, NJAC 10:162-4.2(b), gives the IDP/IDRC broad discretion, with specific parameters to determine whether to refer someone for additional treatment. For example, the IDRC may consider: (1) The client is a repeater, (2) A blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or higher, (3) A counselor's evaluation of the answers recorded on the evaluation instrument based on the definition of alcohol or drug abuser, (4) Any prior outpatient or inpatient treatment or self-help for alcohol or drug abuse; (5) Driving record, (6) Counselor interview and observations, (7) Outside information from client's family, treatment facilities counselors or physicians, and (8) Age of an offender.

 

You have been through a stressful ordeal if you have been convicted of DWI, BWI, Refusal, or Underage Drinking While Driving. Understanding the IDRC part of the sentence might at least relieve your anxiety caused by not understanding the purpose and process of the NJ IDRC.