San Mateo County Superior Court Awarded Record Grant For DUI Program

Redwood City – The San Mateo County Superior Court has secured a landmark grant of $500,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the highest grant ever awarded to the Court's Multiple Driving Under the Influence (MDUI) Program. This grant will fund key existing services, including employing a dedicated probation officer to supervise participants, providing subsidies for continuous alcohol monitoring and enrollment in the Multiple Offender Program, as well as staffing a dedicated bilingual case manager from Behavioral Health and Recovery Services to connect clients with treatment.

The MDUI Program’s objective of enhancing road safety is accomplished with intense supervision of DUI offenders and linking them to necessary recovery resources to address their alcohol issues. Participants are first mandated to serve a jail term. Dedicated probation officers then closely supervise repeat offenders, utilizing regular alcohol testing or continuous alcohol monitoring. Vehicles of participants are equipped with ignition interlock devices to prevent driving under the influence. Participants receive referrals to community-based organizations specializing in alcohol treatment and attend regular hearings before a judge. The judge assesses progress and adjusts individualized treatment plans as needed.

“Intervention programs create a safer and more compassionate community,” highlighted OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “By tackling the underlying challenges associated with impaired driving, we can offer those facing DUI-related challenges a clearer path toward recovery.” The MDUI Program, in operation since September 2017, has been instrumental in promoting road safety and transforming the lives of its participants. Over 832 DUI offenders have benefited from the program to date, achieving an impressive 79% graduation rate.

This transformative program is made possible by a collaborative partnership between the San Mateo County Superior Court and San Mateo County partner agencies, including the District Attorney’s Office, Private Defender Program, Probation Department, and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.