Abstract
Prior research suggests a link between alcohol consumption and certain types of criminal activity. This research explores the relationship between arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI), an alcohol related offense, and prior criminal activity. Additionally, the difference between single and multiple DWI offenders is examined. The hypothesis is that DWI is not an isolated incident of abhorrent behavior on the part of an individual, but rather a part of a continuing criminal activity. It follows that the more DWI's the individual has, the greater the likelihood of other forms of criminal activity. The research involves the archival review of prior criminal histories for people arrested for DWI in Louisiana. The type and number of prior criminal arrests are reported as well as certain demographic attributes. The analysis reveals that there is a significant difference in the number of arrests for the group of individuals with a DWI arrest as compared to those individuals included in a random sample of all male licensed drivers in Louisiana.
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