Office of Traffic Safety Awards $790,000 Grant to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for Specialized DUI Prosecution Team

Salinas, Calif. – The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced on December 29 that it has received a

grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support a specialized prosecution team that

handles alcohol- and drug-impaired driving cases. The grant program runs through September 2026.

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus specifically on holding individuals

accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” Monterey

County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said. “Impaired driving remains a significant danger on our

roads, particularly drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.

This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served

effectively and efficiently.”

The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor

Training Program (TSRP) to train other prosecutors and investigators and collaborate with law

enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing driving under the influence (DUI)

cases.

"Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where all

people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re

holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture

where safety comes first.”

This is the 14th year Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a

specialized DUI prosecution program. Last year, the prosecution team filed 2,194 DUI cases, including

149 DUI drug cases and 33 DUI combined alcohol and drug cases.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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