On Thursday morning, a 22-year-old from Orange decided to spin her car around, like a pinwheel on a windy day, on top of one of the Spectrum parking structures, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Working with Spectrum Security and IPD dispatchers, a police officer quickly located the driver and took her into custody.
In addition to DUI charges, the driver may be charged with vandalism for the tire marks her car left across the signature green parking lot markings.
Dave & Buster’s was the right place for games and fun. If you know Irvine PD is “strict,” doing donuts while driving intoxicated is just silly and will only earn you a “game over.” Remember, this is Irvine. The IPD takes pride in their clean parking lots and beautifully maintained roads.
Penalties faced by the suspect
In the January 2026 incident at the Irvine Spectrum, the 22-year-old suspect faces a combination of criminal charges and administrative penalties under California law, specifically for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Vandalism.
1. DUI Penalties (Misdemeanor)
As a first-time DUI offense in Orange County, the suspect typically faces the following under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 23152:
- Probation: Usually 3 to 5 years of informal (summary) probation.
- Fines: Base fines of $390–$1,000, which often increase to $1,500–$2,000 once penalty assessments and court fees are added.
- DUI School: Mandatory completion of a court-approved alcohol and drug education program, typically lasting 3 to 9 months.
- License Suspension: A suspension of driving privileges for up to 6 months by the court and 4 months administratively by the DMV.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): California law in 2026 requires first-time offenders to install an IID for 6 months to maintain restricted driving privileges.
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail, though judges may suspend this for first-time offenders in favor of probation.
2. Vandalism Penalties (Penal Code § 594)
The driver faces additional charges for the “donuts” that defaced the parking structure’s markings. Penalties are determined by the cost of the damage:
- Under $400 (Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- $400 or More (“Wobbler”): Can be charged as a felony. Penalties include up to 3 years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000.
- Restitution: The court can order the suspect to pay for the professional cleaning or repainting of the signature green markings at the Spectrum.
3. Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
While not explicitly charged yet, doing “donuts” in a parking facility is a violation of CVC § 23103(b) (Reckless Driving in an off-street parking facility).
- Penalties: Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Points: Adds 2 points to the suspect’s DMV record, significantly increasing insurance premiums.