Understanding DUI Trends in Vermont: A Data-Informed Look at Offending, Sentencing, and Recidivism

This project brings together a series of data-driven reports examining DUI cases in Vermont through multiple lenses: criminal history, sentencing outcomes, recidivism patterns, and broader system trends. Drawing on a large study cohort of more than 22,000 individuals, the analyses provide a comprehensive view of who is entering the system, how cases are resolved, and what factors are associated with continued justice involvement. 

Users can explore the data further by accessing the full interactive reports at the following links:

Case Processing and Sentencing Outcomes

Criminal History Profiles of DUI Defendants

A Longitudinal Analysis of DUI Recidivism in Vermont

The reports explore several key areas: 

Criminal History Patterns: We examine prior contact with the justice system, including prior convictions, prior dockets (“trips through the system”), and offense types. Interactive tables allow users to explore different categories of prior convictions and better understand these patterns. 

Sentencing Outcomes: Sentencing trends are analyzed across DUI levels, including DUI #1, DUI #2, and cases involving injury or fatality. The reports highlight common sentencing structures (such as fines, split sentences, and incarceration) and note system-level changes—such as the implementation of a new case management system—that affected how fines and surcharges were recorded over time. 

Recidivism:  This analysis examines patterns of re-offending and offender demographics. Younger individuals were more likely to recidivate, consistent with established research that people tend to “age out” of criminal behavior. Prior criminal history was strongly associated with re-offense. Racial disparities in recidivism rates were identified and warrant further research, particularly in light of broader systemic inequities. Gender was not statistically significant in predicting recidivism within this cohort—an unexpected finding that merits additional study. 

Together, these reports are designed to support policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders in understanding DUI-related justice involvement in Vermont. By grounding discussion in data—and by identifying both clear patterns and open questions—this project aims to inform thoughtful policy decisions, targeted interventions, and future research.