 The judge said
that the program was created as an attempt at
preventive law enforcement, to keep youngsters from having to face
the consequences of their actions. The judge said that when she has
the youth in front of her court, it is already too late, and that if
just one student learns from the presentation and walks away from
trouble, her time was well spent.The program, initiated by Judge
Mark Drummond in 2007, has been touring schools in the state, trying
to get the message across that errors in judgment with alcohol or
drugs early in a youngster's life can have consequences throughout
their adulthood.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, the judge explained to the
students the seven reasons to leave the party.
Reason 1: Death. Backnecht admitted that youth don't readily
think of death, but deaths relating to DUI accidents are the leading
cause of death for 15- through 20-year-olds.
Reason 2: A criminal record. The judge said there is a
misconception that a juvenile record won't follow someone into
adulthood. But now, with the Internet, a prospective employer could
find a record of an arrest years after the case, and it could keep a
person from being hired.
Reason 3: No trust. Once the trust is broken with your
family, the judge said it is never the same, no matter how hard a
youngster tries to rebuild that trust with their parents.
Reason 4: No time. Going to court, having to go to probation
hearings, attorney meetings and more all take away time from what
you could be doing if you hadn't gotten into trouble with the law.
Reason 5: No privacy. The judge asked the students if they
realized they would have to give urine samples in front of law
enforcement officials if they are accused of taking drugs.
Reason 6: No money. Drinking illegally can cost serious
money. Just one beer can bring a $500 fine. The judge asked if any
of the students could afford a $3,000 six-pack.
Reason 7: No car. Illinois has a zero-tolerance law for
minors. If you are busted for any alcohol-related offense, you
automatically lose your license for a year, even if your car wasn't
involved.
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Although the costs of an offense and losing the privilege to
drive seemed to connect best with the students, some graphic
pictures were the most effective in driving home the point about
drug use.
The judge showed the "before" and "after" pictures of a young
woman who became addicted to meth, and in just a few years the girl
appeared to age 50 years.
There were also pictures of actor Nick Nolte before and after he
was arrested for drug use as well as pop singer Britney Spears.
But the most graphic pictures were saved for last, and they
hushed the school kids into dead silence.
Jacqueline Saburido, a 20-year-old from Texas, was injured
and burned to the point of being unrecognizable because of a drunk
driver. The young lady has no face, and the pictures brought home
the reality that not everyone dies in a crash, and the consequences
can last a lifetime.
[Text from files received, LDN]
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