Concerns about future of drunk driving court in Kent Co.

KENT COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - As the charges against Richard Hill for the crash that killed ten-year-old April Kitrley go through the system, there's concern about the future of a court that deals specifically with drunk driving cases in Kent County.

A judge that handles drunk driving cases all the time says it's time for lawmakers to wake up. Patrick Bowler is a district court judge, he's heard it all in his courtroom, from the accused actually being drunk in the courtroom to a man who kept coming back to court after being caught drinking and driving seven times.

Now, after hearing the tragic news of the death of April Kirtley, Bowler, who is about to retire, is more dedicated than ever.

Bowler says prison isn't the only answer for those who didn't hurt anybody. For ten years the judge has organized the Sobriety Court in the Grand Rapids area, ordering habitual drinking and driving offenders to intense counseling in lieu of time behind bars.

"Throw them in jail, make yourself feel good, great. They're going to come out, they're going to drink and they're going to drive, if you don't get to the underlying problem you might as well give it up," Bowler said.

After decades on the bench, Judge Bowler is retiring, and there are concerns that funding cuts won't keep the program going, although the judge says that he'll continue to work for it even in retirement.

The judge says that studies show the sobriety program is working to prevent future drunk drivers.