Monterey County DUI Treatment Court Extended
Law enforcement agencies across the Central Coast are on the look out for DUI drivers during the holidays. In Monterey County, two programs are working to prevent the problem.
The Monterey County superior court says new grant money will help pay for one of those programs for another year.
Thousands of people are killed in DUI crashes every year across the country. That’s according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And during the holidays law enforcement agencies crackdwon on DUI drivers, some even upping patrols. Repeat offenders are a big concern in Monterey County.
“Whether I was drinking or driving, I had to address the alcoholism so that I could get straight and not be a drunk driving offender again.” says Jason Kiner. He’s had three DUI’s landing him at Sun Street Centers for treatment. Monterey County Superior Court says it will be able to continue the DUI Treatment program launched last year with new grant money, aimed at helping people like Kiner before something tragic happens. The ultimate goal is to get to zero in terms of the numbers of DUIs that we have” says managing Deputy District Attorney Ed Hazel. “That’s obviously a very lofty goal but we have to start somewhere.” Earlier this year, the District Attorney’s office also launched a new prosecution team, focused on bringing attention to the problem and holding the most serious offenders accountable. “What these two programs are trying to address is how can reduce the number of repeat offenders and more directly how can reduce the problem entirely?” says Hazel. Sun Street Centers says it’s working closely with the court and the DA’s office for the common goal of saving lives. “We are able to get to people earlier with addiction problems because DUI usually always is a symptom of the problem and we can help our public become safer and reduce recidivism rates.” Catherine Intravia Sun Street Centers.
