Crime & Safety

Deputies Set up Sting for Suspected DUI Drivers at Courthouse

After a judge tells them they can't get behind a wheel, deputies watch three of them drive off ... but not too far.

Originally posted at 4:04 p.m. March 25, 2014.

After appearing before a Newport Beach judge Monday who told them not to drive, three people already suspected of DUIs got into a car and allegedly drove away – and were immediately arrested.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department set up the sting at the Harbor Justice Center, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deputies staked out offenders who had been told by a judge not to drive and/or who had been previously notified their license was suspended for DUI, according to a press release from the sheriff’s department.

“Offenders were followed by deputies from courtrooms to their vehicles to ensure that they were not driving,” says the release. “While some offenders complied with the law and had alternate means of transportation, three individuals in court proceeded to get behind the wheel and drive away from the court house.”

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deputies waiting in the area, made the stops, arrested the three people and released them at the scene, officials said.

According to the department, those arrested could face additional jail time and long driver license suspensions.

The press release also pointed out other downfalls of being caught in the DUI sting:

  • Attorney fees
  • Court costs
  • Lost time at work
  • Potential loss of a job or job prospects
  • “Tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation”

The department noted that this DUI operation was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.