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Beginning in December, Bedford County will expand its Treatment Court program with the addition of a new Impaired Driving Court, designed to address repeat DUI offenses and improve public safety.
The new court will operate as a separate docket alongside Bedford County's existing Drug Treatment Court. While both programs emphasize accountability, treatment and long-term change, Impaired Driving Court will focus specifically on individuals with multiple DUI offenses and preventing future impaired driving.
The goal is straightforward: reduce repeat impaired driving, hold individuals accountable and make Bedford County's roads safer. The Impaired Driving Court aims to address a prevalent part of the criminal justice system as DUI offenses account for 34% of the entire criminal docket in Bedford County, with 193 DUI cases filed in 2025.
Participants will follow a structured program lasting about 14 months. The program includes regular court appearances, individualized treatment and education, random and persistent drug and alcohol testing, close court supervision and community service. The program will also emphasize responsible driving decisions and compliance with driving restrictions.
Research supports this approach. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a review of 28 studies found that DUI courts reduced repeat offenses by
about 50% compared to traditional court methods.
The Impaired Driving Court is overseen by the same multidisciplinary team that currently operates the Drug Treatment Court, consisting of President Judge Travis Livengood, Treatment Court Coordinator Jane Montgomery, District Attorney Ashlan Clark, Public Defender Karen Hendershot, Probation Officer Dakota Couturiaux, Intensive Case Manager Ben Naugle and
representatives from local treatment providers and community partners.
"I would like to thank the Treatment Court Team for their continued hard work and dedication to helping others and serving our community," stated President Judge Travis Livengood. "Their
cooperation and collaboration have made our progress possible." Together, the team will provide the supervision, accountability and support necessary to help participants succeed and keep our roads safer.
Through this expansion, the Bedford County Courts aim to create opportunities for lasting individual change while strengthening public safety and building a healthier, safer community.