San Rafael, CA – The Marin County District Attorney's Office received a $474,905 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to enhance a special team to prosecute alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases. Last year, this Vertical DUI Prosecution Team (VDPT) filed 892 cases against individuals accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The grant runs through September 30, 2022.
"Thanks to this generous funding, the Vertical DUI Prosecution Team has made Marin a safer place by successfully prosecuting serial DUI drivers,” District Attorney Lori E. Frugoli said.
In addition to funding two full-time Deputy District Attorneys, funding will be used to:
- Develop protocols for handling cases through every step of the criminal process.
- Provide training for prosecutors and investigators through California’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Program.
- Host quarterly regional meetings with law enforcement partners to improve DUI investigations and prosecutions.
“If you drink or use drugs and decide to drive, you put lives at risk,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This funding from the OTS makes sure that those who make the choice to drive under the influence are held accountable for their actions.”