District Attorney Awarded Office of Traffic Safety Grant to Prosecute DUI

For the third straight year, District Attorney Tim Ward is pleased to announce the award of a California Office of Traffic Safety Grant to help prosecute cases of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The $116,668 grant will continue to fund a Vertical Prosecution team through September 2020, primarily for felony DUI with injury cases, as well as attorney training. The Vertical Prosecution model allows a prosecutor to see the case through from start to finish.

“Prosecution programs ensure drivers who decide to drive impaired and put others on the road at risk are held accountable,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Accountability is important in highlighting the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence.”

Under the 2018 – 2019 Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driver Vertical Prosecution Program grant, the TCDA DUI prosecutor filed over 180 cases of felony and misdemeanor DUI. Over 2,300 total DUI cases were filed by the office during the same time period – 2,038 alcohol only, 18 drug only, and 315 combination drug and alcohol.

“Our community witnessed several tragedies related to driving under the influence this year. What makes these crimes even more heart wrenching is that they are entirely preventable,” said District Attorney Ward. “We are again appreciative of the Office of Traffic Safety for recognizing the need for funds in Tulare County. This office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and raise awareness that there’s no excuse for DUI.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Public Information Officer Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494