VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today 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 remain firmly committed to protecting our community from impaired driving,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachelle Dean said. “Support from the Office of Traffic Safety gives our prosecutors the resources they need to effectively pursue these cases and keep Ventura County’s roads safe.”
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 fourteenth year the District Attorney’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a specialized DUI prosecution program. Last year, the prosecution team filed 1,668 DUI cases, including 172 DUI drug cases and 10 combined alcohol and drug DUI 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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Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: Joey.Buttitta@venturacounty.gov
Approved: SW
Date: November 14, 2025
Release No.: 25-137