Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

My dad has just been convicted of his 10th DWI. How long will he go to jail?

Answer

Penalties for DWIs vary by State so it is impossible to tell you what the range of jail time might be. However, given that he has now had 10 DWIs, he will probably receive a severe sentence. Your father has a severe drinking problem, as you probably already know and if he has been in treatment at different times he has not benefitted from it enough to avoid further alcohol-related problems. If this is the case and the courts take this into account, your father may be in for a long stay in prison.

11/18/98

Reid K. Hester, Ph.D.
Director, Research Division
Behavior Therapy Associates
3810 Osuna Rd NE Suite 1
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505.345.6100 ph
505.342.2454 fax
Behavioral Self-control Program for Windows