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Accomplishments /
FAQ /
Testimonials
Purpose
Everyone knows that driving while intoxicated or under the
influence of a drug is a crime that can lead to potential
tragedy. Yet each day hundreds of people do it anyway. The
purpose of the Victim Impact panels is to put convicted
offenders face to face with those who have experienced this
tragedy first hand, either because of severe personal injuries
or the death of a family member.
While the Prevention Council administers
this program, it is a collaboration with the Saratoga County
Youth Bureau, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, local justice courts, and law
enforcement agencies including the NYS Police and the Saratoga
Springs Police Department.
Speakers at each panel include two victims
of DWI, Assistant District Attorney James Davis, a local law
enforcement officer, and a victim advocate or other
professional.
Accomplishments
About 1,200 people per year attend Victim Impact Panels; 34
different agencies and organizations participate in providing
the panels.
FAQ
When and where are panels held?
Panels are held on the second Tuesday of
each month except August from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. January,
March, May, September, and November panels take place in the
Saratoga Music Hall on the third floor of the Saratoga Springs
City Hall, 474 Broadway. Panels for February, April, June, July,
October, and December take place at the Clifton Park Town Court,
5 Municipal Plaza. To confirm locations please call the numbers below.
For directions to the Clifton Park Town Court, take
Northway exit 9 West. Proceed west on route 146 and turn left at
the traffic light on Maxwell Road, (approximately .2 of a mile
from the Northway). Turn right into the first driveway. The
entrances to the court are well marked at both the front and
rear of the building.
How do I get more information on the Victim Impact Panels?
Call 581-1230 or 884-4180 to get information
Is pre-registration necessary?
Yes. Call the Saratoga County Youth Bureau at 884-4180 to
register
Do I have to be an offender to attend?
No. Guests are always welcome on a space available basis.
Is there a charge for attendance?
Panels are free for Saratoga County residents.
I am interested in speaking at a panel. Who should I
contact?
Call Judy at 518-581-1230, or email
judy@preventioncouncil.org.
Testimonials
Offenders who participate in Victim Impact Panels are
asked to fill out evaluation forms. Here are some examples of
their comments:
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“What I heard tonight was
difficult for me to sit through. I never thought of other
people’s feelings like how bad they are still hurting even 30
something years later. I will never drink and drive again and
I will try to stop people (family, friends) from making the
same mistake I did.”
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“I have driven drunk many times,
but after this I don’t think I will be doing it again.”
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“Because of the stories from
tonight I will do everything I can to stop not only myself but
anyone I know from driving after drinking.”
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“Very concise, well done, very
brave.”
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“Very good
presentation. Officer’s information about fines,
jail time, etc. was priceless. I attend AA meetings and have
heard many difficult stories like the ones the victims told.
Never realized the severity of a DWI though.”
For more information,
please call 518-581-1230. |
