After a DUI arrest, it is possible to fall prey to police sting operations. Sadly, it’s not nearly as cool as it sounds.
Drivers do all they can to avoid any future run-ins with police when facing jail time, a suspended license, and/or a possible criminal conviction.
Stings Happen
The first court appearance is your first impression. Dress professionally and behave accordingly to ensure your best foot stands forward with the judge. However, if you learn you no longer have driving priledges, make sure you have a ride home. Because the police may be waiting outside to make sure you don’t get behind the wheel of a car.
Police officers and sheriff’s deputies indeed do set up sting operations to catch people driving on a suspended license after a DUI. Recently, Sheriff’s deputies from Orange County set up such an operation at the Orange County Superior Court in Newport Beach. On the sting, they kept an eye out for drivers under driving restrictions. Deputies followed 15 people to the parking lot after their DUI hearings, and 4 of those people hopped into their cars to drive away.
The drivers not legally allowed to drive receive a citation and the city impounds their cars for 30 days. This is not the first time OC sheriffs have performed these DUI court stings. With money from the California Office of Traffic Safety, they may continue such operations as a deterrent to driving on a suspended license after a DUI.
Multiple Cities Conduct Stings
Thousand Oaks
Orange County is not the only location trying out these sting operations. Recently, deputies from the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau staged a sting at the Ventura County Superior Court. Deputies watched the proceedings of several DUI cases one day. Once certain individuals lost their licenses, the police kept an eye on them, waiting to see if they got in the driver’s seat.
While most of the defendants made sure they found another ride home, one individual got into his car, and drove away from the courthouse. Deputies immediately stopped the driver, David Russell Foshee, 58, of Camarillo. In addition to facing possible jail time for driving on a suspended license, his license may get an additional suspension period. Additionally, his car must sit in impound for 30 days. Foshee added the even was a “tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation.”
Palm Desert
Last year, officers from the Palm Desert Police Department caught two drivers on a suspended license after they left DUI court in Indio. After drivers were told their license were suspended as a result of their DUI arrest, the police were waiting in the wings. The extra jail time, extended license suspension, and financial burden of a 30-day impound can be a harsh addition to the penalties that come with a DUI.
San Rafael
Similar sting operations pop up even in San Rafael. For instance, an event occurred earlier this year. Two people were arrested at the Marin County Superior Court after driving away on suspended licenses following a DUI. Unfortunately for one of those drivers, after their vehicle was stopped, police found marijuana and forged credit cards.
Sting Operations Can Happen to You
For many people arrested for a DUI, they are unaware that their license will be automatically suspended. Unless you file for an administrative license suspension hearing, this will be the case.
The ALS hearing must be requested within only 10 days after a DUI arrest. It’s such a quick time frame, so it escapes most people. Your DUI lawyer can not only request the hearing in a 10-day-letter, but can represent you at the hearing. Hire the best lawyer you can, call the experienced DUI attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm at 1.800.NO.CUFFS so you can keep your license, and avoid a DUI court sting.
