Sheriff’s deputies snag drivers leaving court DUI appearances

An undercover operation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department netted two people suspected of illegally driving away from DUI court appearances at the Harbor Justice Center on Monday.

The two, among eight defendants who were told by a judge not to drive while their licenses were suspended or revoked, were followed through the courthouse parking lot by sheriff’s deputies.

Each was issued a misdemeanor traffic citation for driving on a suspended license and had his vehicles impounded for 30 days. The offenders could face additional jail time and increased license suspensions.

“It’s just kind of another component of the program to deter drunk driving,” said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“It’s not necessarily that we’re focusing in on people with suspended or revoked licenses. It’s more directed to impacting those who are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.”

He said the department conducts the stealth operations around courthouses three to four times a year. They are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“This, coupled with our directed patrols, whether it’s checkpoints or roving patrols — these programs have proven to be a deterrent to driving under the influence,” Hallock said.