OCSD Sweep Nabs Outstanding DUI Violators

Some think if they ignore a court hearing, the police won’t have the manpower to come find them. But if the violation is a DUI, don’t count on it.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department DUI Task Force, with dozens of outstanding arrest warrants in hand, fanned out into neighborhoods throughout Orange County in search of high risk DUI offenders on December, 14.

Deputies attempted service on 36 warrants and arrested nine offenders who either failed to show up for a court date or violated terms of their probation in an outstanding DUI case. Another six turned themselves in following the attempted warrant service.

“The best bet for anyone with a missed DUI court date is go to court on their own now,” Deputy Manuel Cruz said. “If you don’t, that warrant isn’t going away. We’re going to come find you and take you to jail.”

Those caught often face additional jail time for failing to appear in court or for violating probation.

Special DUI Warrant Service Operations, along with regularly scheduled ‘High Visibility’ DUI enforcement, has a deterrent effect on those who disregard driving safety and abuse alcohol and drugs. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department DUI Task Force places a high priority on lowering deaths and injury with the goal of removing impaired drivers and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Funding for the operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To report drunk drivers, call 911.

-Orange County Sheriff’s Department