Recently, deputies working out of the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station have partnered with the Heads Up Traffic Safety Campaign in an effort to reduce incidents of DUIs this holiday season.
According to The Signal, there was a 13% increase in DUI- related arrests from January to September of 2019 – which is significant. There will be banners and other reminders posted throughout the city to remind drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence, in an effort to prompt motorists to make better choices.
Most DUI arrests begin with a traffic stop or at a sobriety checkpoint. The driver will be asked by law enforcement to perform a series of tests to determine whether or not the motorist’s driving is being affected by alcohol or drugs. Once the determination has been made that the person is driving under the influence of alcohol, an arrest will follow.
For most people arrested on misdemeanor DUI charges, they will be released a few hours afterward. However, if circumstances exist that require felony charges, the suspect will not be released but instead held on bail.
Once released, DUI suspects are given two documents: one is a notice of when to appear in court, and the other is a temporary license. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a DUI can result in a suspended license for anywhere from 1 to 5 years – or even longer for repeat offenders. If you’re from California, the police can take your license and send it to the DMV after your arrest. If you’re from out of state, the police are not allowed to take your license. However, you will still be responsible for dealing with your DUI charge(s) in California.
DUIs are costly arrests in both time and money. If someone is injured or killed as a result of a DUI, they can exact a terrible emotional toll as well. If you plan to consume alcohol this holiday season, do so responsibly and remember not to drink and drive.