Yesterday, police officers arrested three impaired drivers in separate incidents, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Here are the details of these arrests:
- An officer on proactive patrol found a driver asleep in the middle of the roadway. That driver had multiple prior DUI convictions, was on DUI probation, and had a suspended license. He was arrested for DUI.
- Later that evening, a citizen reported a possible impaired driver. HBPD’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) located the vehicle, and officers arrested the driver for driving under the influence of narcotics. He was also in possession of narcotics and had prior narcotics convictions.
- A few hours later, another officer stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. The driver was intoxicated, had a prior DUI conviction, and was driving with a suspended license.
This is not just about arrests, it’s about safety. Driving impaired is dangerous, irresponsible, and can change lives in an instant. Beyond the risk of injury or death, a DUI can cost you up to $13,500 in fines and fees.
Please make the right choice before your drive:
- Use a ride-share
- Designate a sober driver
- Make a plan before you party
Driving impaired is never worth the risk; it endangers lives and puts everyone on the road in harm’s way.
Based on California’s 2025 DUI laws, here’s a summary of the penalties the three suspects in Huntington Beach may face:
Suspect 1: DUI with Prior Convictions, DUI Probation, and Suspended License
- Charge: Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Prior Convictions: Multiple
- License Status: Suspended
- Probation Status: On DUI probation
Penalties:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 120 days to 1 year
- Fines: $390 to $1,000
- License Suspension: Up to 3 years or permanent revocation
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Mandatory installation if license is reinstated
- Probation Violation: Additional penalties including extended probation or jail
Suspect 2: DUI of Narcotics, Possession of Narcotics, Prior Narcotics Convictions
- Charge: Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
- Additional Charge: Possession of narcotics
- Prior Convictions: Narcotics-related
Penalties:
- Jail Time: 90 days to 1 year for repeat DUI drug offenses
- Fines: $390 to $1,000 (DUI); additional fines for drug possession
- License Suspension: 1 to 3 years depending on prior offenses
- Felony Possibility: If possession involves controlled substances or aggravating factors
Suspect 3: DUI with Prior Conviction and Suspended License
- Charge: DUI
- Prior Conviction: One prior DUI
- License Status: Suspended
Penalties:
- Jail Time: 90 days to 1 year
- Fines: $390 to $1,000
- License Suspension: 2 years minimum
- IID Requirement: Mandatory if license is reinstated
All three suspects may also be required to attend DUI education or rehabilitation programs, and their vehicles could be impounded. Driving with a suspended license adds further penalties, including possible felony charges depending on the circumstances.