Marin County Probation Sweep Results in 1 Arrest

One person on probation was arrested after being found to have committed multiple parole violations as the Marin County Probation Department conducted more than 40 unannounced probation searches of residences in the county on Sept. 18.

The searches were conducted in Novato, San Rafael, Point Reyes, Inverness and Fairfax. Probation officers were assisted by Novato Police Department officers as part of an ongoing effort to enforce court orders and compliance to ensure community safety in regard to people who have multiple offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

One female defendant was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of contact and was arrested. The unidentified woman also, according to probation officials, had recently moved, but failed to report her current address to her supervising deputy. Further investigation revealed the probationer’s vehicle did not have an interlock device, constituting a violation of her court orders.

Of the about 40 home visits Tuesday evening, 25 defendants were contacted and found to be in compliance and were acknowledged for following court orders. The Probation Department would like to thank those probationers who were cooperative and in compliance with their terms and conditions of their DUI court order.

Searches of the person, their vehicles, residence and anything else under their control were conducted specifically looking for alcohol usage or possession. Deputies also checked to see if a court-ordered ignition interlock device was properly installed on all vehicles the person may use. The probationers were subjected to a random drug test as well.

If a probationer is found to be out of compliance, the Probation Department uses graduated sanctions based on the severity of the violations. Sanctions could include being transported to the Helen Vine Recovery Center in San Rafael up to being booked into Marin County Jail.

“This increased focus on DUI offender compliance is an important tool to ensure public safety related to injuries and death caused by intoxicated offenders and their vehicles,” Chief Deputy Mariano Zamudio said. “We have put our probationers on notice that we will not tolerate non-compliance and will continue our heightened supervision efforts.”

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