Bail Required for Drunk Drivers
San Diego County Sheriff Jim Roache ordered Friday that persons arrested for drunk driving be required to post bail before they are arraigned.
In doing so, Roache suspended the department’s “quick-release” policy, which allows drunk drivers booked on misdemeanors to simply sign a notice to appear in court before being released.
“I cannot stand by while drunk drivers use our jails as a revolving door,” Roache said in a prepared statement. “Drunk drivers are going to be held responsible and accountable from the moment they enter custody.”
Department statistics show that nearly 25% of those booked into County Jail for drunk driving have a prior DUI arrest, and 14% have a prior DUI conviction.
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