News
It's dangerous for teens to drink and use drugs, according to a survey of western Nevada County high school students taken after a DUI presentation.
Students took the survey after attending the Real DUI Court Trial offered in the spring at Nevada Union and Bear River high schools through the Nevada County Superior Court.
"It's challenging to find a balance between keeping the court trial real and keeping the students engaged, because a real court trial is not as entertaining as the legal dramas they watch on television," said Tonya Clark, director of Alternative Court Programs at the courthouse.
After seeing a mock accident caused by a drunken driver and attending a real court hearing for people charged with driving under the influence, 86 percent of students polled said drinking and drug use by teens is dangerous.
Another 69 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they would refuse to get into a vehicle with a driver who is under the influence.
Most students polled also agreed that drinking and driving is a serious crime for teens. Just over half agreed the program helps teens appreciate the law and our justice system.
"It was a collaborative effort between the Nevada County District Attorney's Office, the Nevada County Public Defender's Office, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, the Grass Valley Police Department, Community Recovery Resources and our local high schools," Clark said.
The survey, conducted by Philliber Research Associates under a contract with the Administrative Office of the Courts, cost $10,000 and was paid for with a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Students took the survey after attending the Real DUI Court Trial offered in the spring at Nevada Union and Bear River high schools through the Nevada County Superior Court.
"It's challenging to find a balance between keeping the court trial real and keeping the students engaged, because a real court trial is not as entertaining as the legal dramas they watch on television," said Tonya Clark, director of Alternative Court Programs at the courthouse.
After seeing a mock accident caused by a drunken driver and attending a real court hearing for people charged with driving under the influence, 86 percent of students polled said drinking and drug use by teens is dangerous.
Another 69 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they would refuse to get into a vehicle with a driver who is under the influence.
Most students polled also agreed that drinking and driving is a serious crime for teens. Just over half agreed the program helps teens appreciate the law and our justice system.
"It was a collaborative effort between the Nevada County District Attorney's Office, the Nevada County Public Defender's Office, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, the Grass Valley Police Department, Community Recovery Resources and our local high schools," Clark said.
The survey, conducted by Philliber Research Associates under a contract with the Administrative Office of the Courts, cost $10,000 and was paid for with a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
