Monterey County receives DUI grant

Drivers arrested for DUI can expect to receive extra attention in Monterey County, thanks to the renewal of a $572,322 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

District Attorney Dean Flippo announced the renewal Monday, saying it will continue to fund a specially-trained prosecution team to work DUI cases from arrest through conviction and sentencing. The prosecution team will place special focus on repeat offenders and fatal or injury accidents related to DUI cases.

Monterey County first received the OTS grant in 2012-2013. The county must apply for renewal each year.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both is a very serious problem that every year results in the death and injury of innocent motorists and passengers. This grant funding will permit us to focus direct attention on the problem and bring those responsible to justice in a more efficient and effective manner,” Flippo said in a statement.

According to the D.A.’s office, in 2013, there were 4 deaths and 167 serious injuries due to DUI crashes in Monterey County.

In 2015-2016, the grant allowed the special prosecution team to file 264 felony and misdemeanor cases of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. As a whole, the office filed 1903 DUI cases.

The grant will fund two prosecutors and one investigator’s position and offer access to specialized training and information sharing among law enforcement personnel throughout the county and state.