Marin DUI Probation Sweep Nets 2 Violators

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Two convicted DUI offenders were found to in violation of terms of their probation last week during compliance sweep, the Marin County Probation Department said in a news release.

Two teams of four deputy probation officers searched the homes of 11 convicted offenders, County Probation said.

The two people found in violation for being under the influence of alcohol and for alcohol being found in the home were transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and subsequently sent to Helen Vine Recovery Center in San Rafael, County Probation said.

They have dates scheduled in Marin County Superior Court to face possible jail sanctions, authorities said.

The nine others were found to be in compliance, County Probation said.

“There could be an assumption that the COVID-19 pandemic means that our staff won’t be making in-person compliance checks, but our DUI operations always will be important to community safety,” Probation Chief Marlon Washington said in a statement.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have been limited to internal operations in lieu of a joint effort with other participating enforcement agencies. We place a high priority on lowering and reducing fatalities, injuries, and property loss related to motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol and/or impaired drivers. These operations are imperative to promoting community safety and ensuring compliance.”

County Probation was notified in June, 2019, that the agency was a recipient of the Office of Traffic and Safety grant for supervision of high-risk DUI offenders.

Probation has met the grant requirements that allow it to continue to receive funding.

The agency conducts DUI offender sweeps quarterly, unannounced probation searches, chemical testing, checks on interlock ignition devices and encourages treatment.