Marin County Probation Check on DUI Probationers Results in 5 Violations

Article

From Marin County.

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. – April 2, 2025 –  Unannounced checks of Marin County residents on active supervised probation for DUI offenses resulted in five individuals found in violation but no arrests, according to the Marin County Probation Department.

“Alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the biggest threats to public safety and well-being on our roadways,” said Chief Probation Officer Marlon Washington.

“That’s why operations like this are critical — not only for community safety but also for ensuring that individuals on probation comply with the terms of their supervision.”

On March 30, the department’s Specialty Courts Unit led a compliance operation targeting 40 probationers who had either three or more DUI offenses within the past 10 years or have a felony DUI with injury. Probation officers made 30 contacts and conducted 28 searches.

In collaboration with the Marin County District Attorney’s Office, probation officers conducted unannounced home visits, inspected vehicles for ignition interlock devices, searched residences for alcohol and illegal substances, and administered chemical tests, including breathalyzer and oral swab screenings. 

As a result of the operation:

  • 24 breathalyzer tests were administered
  • 10 attempted contacts were made
  • 9 ignition interlock devices were verified
  • 5 individuals were found in violation (4 alcohol-related and 1 non-alcohol driving-related)
  • 1 individual was transported to the Helen Vine Recovery Center, a co-ed residential withdrawal management and substance use treatment program operated by the nonprofit Buckelew Programs.

The four individuals found in violation will be subject to follow-up actions using graduated sanctions. 

The operation was funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety… In 2022, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 204 people were injured or killed in alcohol-related crashes within Marin County. Statewide, there were 1,479 alcohol-related fatalities on the roads that year.

Marin County Probation remains committed to public safety while supporting rehabilitation efforts for individuals on probation. Ongoing compliance operations serve as essential tools in reducing recidivism and fostering lasting change.

Read the full release here.