Las Vegas Judge Honored for HOPE
On Saturday, the Foundation for Recovery awarded Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge Cedric Kerns the 2009 Community Partner Award for his efforts in advancing Habitual Offender Prevention and Education Court (HOPE). The honor took place during a benefit at the Canyon Gate Country Club.
The purpose of HOPE is to help cure, as opposed to punish, people struggling with drug and alcohol addictions that often lead to various crimes, including the breaking of Las Vegas DUI law. This kind of “alternative sentencing” incorporates education programs, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training.
Las Vegas DUI law criminalizes the act of driving while drunk or high. Even if they’re seemingly in control of their faculties, drivers are automatically considered to be breaking the law if their blood alcohol content is .08 or greater. Las Vegas DUI law provides harsh punishments even for first-time misdemeanor offenders, including fines, a victim impact panel, DUI School and up to six months in jail (that can usually be suspended).
