What is the purpose of this program?
This program is designed to address common issues in a criminal trial and issues unique to DWI through a DWI trial simulation. Judges have an opportunity to make procedural and legal decisions in a situation similar to what they will deal with in everyday life, and thus gain experience in the (virtual) courtroom.

What is the Interactive DWI Trial?
It is a simulated DWI trial using video testimony where you, the user, are the judge. You will read or listen to the testimony, rule on objections, and when the testimony is over, you will make a judgment on the charge or charges. Then you will sentence the defendant on each charge. After sentencing you will receive helpful feedback on all of your rulings, judgment, and sentence. It will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to go through the trial.

What judges should use this program?
This DWI trial is designed for magistrate, metropolitan and municipal court judges. Although the trial is held in state court and based on state law, municipal judges will find that the issues and procedures are similar to DWI trials based on municipal ordinances. In handling a real DWI case, municipal judges should be sure to check their local ordinances for any variations that might exist in the municipality.

To Begin
First, take a tour of the site. You will get instructions on how to use this program and see what resources are available to you during the trial.

When you are done taking the tour, you will return to this page. Proceed to the Judge's Chambers by registering as a new user.

This project was made possible through funding from the Traffic Safety Bureau of the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department. The Rozier E. Sanchez Judicial Education Center of New Mexico gratefully acknowledges the support of this agency.

Important Computer Recommendations
Please maximize your browser window and make sure your screen resolution is 800 x 600 or greater for optimal viewing. Get Help.

This program was designed to be used with:

• Windows 98 and NT
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0+
• Netscape Navigator 4.5+
• RealPlayer 8

Users with different computer configurations may need to download and install additional plug-ins, and/or may have difficulty viewing this program. You can download the necessary plug-ins by clicking on the icons below.