Some charged with DWI or a serious traffic offense may have the requirement to attend a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) as a condition of their probation (as well as DIP and SATOP). While this isn’t a state-run program like SATOP, it is a requirement standard across most Missouri courts and courts in other states to help offenders understand the real-world consequences of impaired driving.

The cost (approximately $55) is between the low-cost DIP and the high-cost SATOP; and the time commitment the lowest of the three.

Here is everything your clients need to know about completing this requirement through Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) > https://maddvip.org/

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What is a Victim Impact Panel?

The goal of the VIP is to create empathy and a lasting impression on attendees to prevent future offenses.

• The Format: Victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes share first-person accounts of how their lives were permanently changed.
• The Tone: Speakers do not judge or blame; they simply share the reality of the tragedy to encourage better decision-making.

Attendance Options

Clients can fulfill this requirement either in person or online, depending on their eligibility and court orders.

1. In-Person Panels

For those near Farmington, MO, there are typically sessions held within a within 50-100 miles the closest seem to be in Byrnes Mill – click here for panel dates etc.

• Cost: Approximately $55 for in-person sessions.
• Registration: Clients must visit maddvip.org to find the nearest location and schedule.

2. Online Panels

If a client is eligible, they can complete the requirement via a smartphone-compatible online course.

• Immediate Results: A certificate of attendance is issued immediately upon completion.
• Eligibility: Clients should check the “Check Eligibility” section on the MADD website here > https://online.maddvip.org/

Panel Specifics:

• Duration: The panel generally only takes a few hours to complete.
• Here the FAQ Page.
• Support: For assistance, clients can call 877-ASK-MADD or email vipsupport@madd.org.
• Proof of Completion: It is the attendee’s responsibility to ensure the court receives their certificate of completion to satisfy their probation requirements.

Tip: Register early. In-person slots can fill up quickly, and missing a deadline for a court-ordered VIP can lead to a probation violation