The impact part of the program was initially saved for second offenders. We went to the governor and it became part of the first offender program in 1989. According to Feldmann, the purpose of the state's first offender program is to initiate intervention. You're trying to point them in the right direction and help them take the first few steps. The AA classes are to introduce them to a self-help program.
Many first offenders stay active in AA long after their court requirement has been served.
It's a wake-up call for most people. They realize you can lose your license and your job. You have to hire a lawyer. A first offense usually results in loss of license for 90 days, plus an additional 90 for those who refuse to take a Breathalyzer test. Bowles said these offenders aren't occasional drinkers who were unlucky enough to be stopped by the cops.