San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office was awarded a $420,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to establish a new felony DUI Vertical Prosecution Program. The new team’s mission will be to prevent impaired driving and reduce alcohol and drug-involved traffic fatalities and injuries. The grant program runs through September 2026.
“This grant will improve our ability to hold dangerous offenders accountable and make our streets safer,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office recognizes how serious DUI incidents are and will continue to do everything we can to keep the public safe. As we move into the holiday season, it is my hope that people will celebrate responsibly and not get behind the wheel if they are impaired. If you get behind the wheel in San Francisco while impaired, working with our law enforcement partners, we will identify you and hold you accountable.”
The OTS Grant will allow for felony DUI prosecutions to be handled vertically (i.e., handled by a single attorney through arraignment, preliminary hearing, and trial) for the first time in San Francisco. Vertical prosecution will allow our prosecutors to specialize and develop the expertise needed to successfully handle the growing complexity of felony DUI prosecutions. These cases are often stalled in the criminal justice system, and a vertical prosecutor will be better positioned to push them forward through preliminary hearing to trial.
DUI Prosecution team members will also work to increase the capabilities of the entire San Francisco District Attorney’s Office by obtaining and delivering specialized training. Team members will share information with peers and law enforcement personnel throughout the county and across the state.
“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.”
Funding for this new vertical prosecution team was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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