Big Bear Lake, CA December 17, 2012 – In 2010, there were 221 deaths and 11,764 serious injuries as a result of DUI crashes in the County. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has started a Special DUI Prosecution Program, thanks to a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The $230,000 grant will fund a Vertical Prosecution team to work cases from arrest through sentencing, on cases of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Those arrested for DUI in San Bernardino County, especially repeat offenders and those involved in fatal or injury crashes, can expect to face highly trained, specialized prosecutors.
District Attorney Michael Ramos promised, “With this grant we will be able to add more resources to protect our citizens and ultimately hold those who decide to drink and drive responsible for their actions.”
In fatal and major injury DUI vehicle collisions, members of the team may even start by going to the crash scene to be part of the investigation. Prosecution team members will work with the State’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Program to increase the capabilities of the team and the office by obtaining and delivering specialized training, including training in the emerging problem of drug-impaired driving. Team members will share information with peers and law enforcement personnel throughout the county and across the state.
