New DWI Courts To Open In 3 Minnesota Counties

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- DWI courts are expanding to three counties in northwestern Minnesota.

On Jan. 1, DWI court programs will open in Norman, Polk and Red Lake counties.

The courts are aimed at reducing the number of repeat drunken-driving offenders by combining drug and alcohol treatment with the criminal justice system.

The programs pair frequent court appearances and random drug testing with ongoing counseling, treatment and other social services.

A recent study of nine existing DWI courts in Minnesota found the programs save taxpayers about $700,000 a year.

The new DWI courts are being funded by a $300,000 grant from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. With the new programs, Minnesota will have 13 DWI courts across the state.