Victim Impact Panels
 

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, the Assistant District Attorney who prosecutes DWIs, a local law enforcement officer, and a victim advocate or other professional.


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. Panels for January, March, May, September, and November 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?
If you were sentenced from a court within Saratoga County, you do not need to pre-register. If you were sentenced from a court outside of Saratoga County, please call the Saratoga County Youth Bureau at 884-4180.

Do I have to be an offender to attend?
No.  Visitors are welcome, but please call the Saratoga County Youth Bureau to make sure space is available.
 
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 Heather Kisselback at 518-581-1230, or email heather@preventioncouncil.org.
 
Testimonials
Offenders who participate in Victim Impact Panels are asked to fill out evaluation forms. Here are some examples of their comments:

• “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.”

• “I have driven drunk many times, but after this I don’t think I will be doing it again.”

• “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.”

• “Very concise, well done, very brave.”

• “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.”