Judicial and Medical Collaboration Strengthens Alcohol Addiction Treatment Model
Yilan District Prosecutors Office Continues Cross-Sector Efforts to Reduce Repeat DUI Offenses

To effectively prevent driving under the influence (DUI) and reduce the risk of reoffending, the Yilan District Prosecutors Office has been actively promoting an alcohol addiction treatment program in partnership with the medical sector. Through this integrated judicial–medical approach, the Office aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for individuals with alcohol dependence.

On the 27th, Chief Prosecutor Wang Yi-Wen visited the National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University Hospital (NYCU Hospital) together with the Yilan County Public Health Bureau. The three parties held in-depth discussions on strengthening intervention models and support mechanisms for alcohol addiction treatment. By combining judicial oversight with medical expertise, the initiative seeks to help individuals break free from alcohol dependence and rebuild healthier lives.

Under the Office’s deferred prosecution treatment program, defendants involved in DUI public endangerment cases who exhibit signs of alcohol addiction may be referred by prosecutors to NYCU Hospital. After assessment, eligible individuals undergo a year-long program consisting of 13 treatment sessions. During the visit, participants reviewed the practical implementation of the program, including referral procedures, clinical evaluations, and follow-up mechanisms. The collaboration aims to integrate judicial measures, medical treatment, and community reintegration support to strengthen the DUI prevention network.

Chief Prosecutor Wang expressed appreciation to Dr. Chao Yu-Lin, Director of Psychiatry at NYCU Hospital, and his addiction treatment team for providing professional medical support in handling deferred prosecution cases involving alcohol addiction. He emphasized that alcohol dependence is closely tied to public safety and societal risk; punitive measures alone cannot resolve DUI issues. Effective solutions require integrating medical treatment and public health support systems to address addiction at its root.

Currently, the Office offers deferred prosecution to defendants with at least two DUI offenses within five years who are deemed suitable during preliminary screening, agree to undergo evaluation at NYCU Hospital, and consent to self-funded treatment. To ensure the successful implementation of the “treatment and reintegration” model, individuals under deferred prosecution remain under supervision and monitoring by probation officers during the treatment period, helping ensure timely completion and reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

Beyond deferred prosecution cases, the Office also imposes strict alcohol testing protocols on community service workers convicted of “incapable of safe driving” offenses. This testing mechanism not only prevents potential dangers during service execution but also provides accountability for individuals with chronic drinking issues. Those who repeatedly fail alcohol tests are referred for addiction treatment. Additionally, individuals allowed to commute their DUI sentence to a fine must first complete six outpatient alcohol treatment sessions before payment.

The Yilan District Prosecutors Office will continue to deepen cooperation with local medical institutions and the County Public Health Bureau. By establishing robust treatment and monitoring mechanisms, the Office aims to ensure that individuals with alcohol addiction receive both judicial guidance and professional medical support. This effort reflects the principle of “treatment over punishment”, and reinforces a comprehensive network for DUI prevention.