Tag: California Highway Patrol

What Happens if You Get Arrested During Halloween in Isla Vista?

Halloween is when every year college students from all over come to Santa Barbara to celebrate.  But, what happens if you get arrested during All Hallows’ Eve in Isla Vista?  Just as in years past, party goers should expect a heavy law enforcement presence.  Not only will it be deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, there will also be personnel from a variety of agencies including the UCSB Police Department and California Highway Patrol.   With such a large presence, there is a chance one might get arrested if for nothing other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Lots of Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies will be on duty during Halloween
Lots of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies will be on duty during Halloween

Being Arrested

So, what happens if you are placed under arrest by a law enforcement officer?  Well, it depends on the circumstances of course.  A majority of those who get put into cuffs are under the influence of alcohol.  If they are out of control, then it is likely that person will be arrested for public intoxication.  In these circumstances, they are held until sober (usually 12-14 hours) and then released with a citation.  In a way, you could view it as a “catch and release” like fishing.

However, if a more serious crime is committed, then things will likely become a lot more complicated.  Any acts of violence will not be tolerated.  And, in many cases, there will not be the possibility that the person will be released by either citation or on their “own recognizance.”  In theses instances, a bail bond would be the only option to obtain freedom.

Due to the enormous number of people, temporary holding areas will be created by Sheriff’s deputies.  This will mostly detain those under the influence of alcohol.  More serious offenders will be taken directly to Santa Barbara County Jail.  There, the arrestee will be booked and processed.  The location of the jail is 4436 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105.

The crowds in Isla Vista during Halloween can get crazy
The crowds in Isla Vista during Halloween can get crazy

Bail Bonds Option

Last year, we posted our article, “Finding bail bonds in Santa Barbara is a treat during Halloween.”  In it we explained the process of getting a bail bond in Santa Barbara.  One thing important to remember is that information is always free.  You can call an agent to find out what is going on with your friend or family member.

This is an ad warning those who to Isla Vista during Halloween
This is an ad warning those who to Isla Vista during Halloween

What to Know

The most important thing that to know if you get arrested during Halloween in Isla Vista is  to get as much information as possible.  Calling the jail may not get you all the answers you want or need and contacting an attorney may not be possible during the weekend or after hours.  So, try a bail bond agent and get your questions answered.  Have a safe and fun Halloween!

What does bail bonds have to do with Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving and bail bonds? It may seem odd to consider it upon first glance.  However, if you really think about it, there could be much to be thankful for during the long holiday weekend.  There may be situation in which a bail bond is necessary.  Sometimes things happen that you don’t necessarily anticipate.

Thanksgiving turkey in jail
Don’t be this turkey!

Thanksgiving weekend is a long break for the Santa Barbara County Superior Court system.  As such, getting arrested on the Tuesday or Wednesday before the actual holiday will result in an extended stay in county jail.  A person might actually be in custody for up to five days without seeing a judge.  For many families, this would be devastating.

In addition, Thanksgiving weekend is a time of heightened alert for law enforcement personnel.  The California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Police and County Sheriff’s officials will be very wary of criminal activity.  Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance are just the tip of the iceberg.

Black Friday means plenty of shoppers running from store to store.  Many people do not take the time to properly secure their merchandise, thereby affording opportunities for thieves to take advantage.  Stolen goods is a problem during this peak shopping period.

Santa Barbara County Jail will be especially busy, so being in custody will not be a pleasant experience.  Not that being incarcerated is a vacation, but with overcrowding things can get extremely stressful.  Processing times for bail bonds may be prolonged due to this situation.

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and eat great food.  If a friend or family members gets arrested, that would surely dampen the mood.  The great thing about a bail bond is that the person will be given an opportunity to spend quality time free from custody.  That individual would surely know the meaning of giving thanks indeed.

Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds will be open everyday throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.  So, if you’re in the Santa Barbara area, they are ready and willing to help in your time of need.  And, as always, they are happy to offer free bail advice with no obligation whatsoever.  Remember that Thanksgiving is a time for family, not jail.

Expect heavy law enforcement in Isla Vista during Halloween 2015

If you plan to party hard for Halloween in Isla Vista, be sure that you do so safely.  Visitors from all over California and other areas will increase the weekend population dramatically in the local area.  Authorities from several agencies will work jointly to ensure that the law will be upheld.  This includes the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, University of California Police Department, as well as the California Highway Patrol.

Expect lots of law enforcement during Halloween
Expect lots of law enforcement during Halloween

Kelly Hoover, a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s office, has indicated that “we’re prepared for a large turnout” due to the fact that Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2015.  Interestingly, there will actually be a lower number of law enforcement assigned to the area.  She states, “We are seeing a culture change in Isla Vista with the mentality of not inviting out-of-towners, and out-of-towners realizing it’s not the party place it used to be.”

Many local bail bonds agencies in Santa Barbara will be available to assist for those who do get arrested.  However, according to Hoover, there has been a decline in the number of arrests and citations.

From 6:00 pm until 7:00 am on Friday and Saturday, there will be special festival ordinance in effect for the surrounding community.  This means no amplified music and vehicles will be prohibited from entering Del Playa Drive.  Furthermore, barricades will be erected around Isla Vista to prevent drivers from entering certain streets beginning October 30 at 4:00 pm.  People are permitted to leave, however.

California Highway Patrol officers will be on the lookout for people driving under the influence.  If arrested, most of the time intoxicated drivers are detained until sober and then released with a citation.  However, if someone is involved in an accident or is a repeat offender, then that individual will need a bail bond.

In addition to UCSB Police officers and Sheriff’s deputies, the Santa Barbara Police Department will be standing by in the event things get out of hand.  The Santa Barbara County Jail is also going to increase staff to deal with the higher number of arrests during the weekend as well.

If you plan to attend Halloween in Isla Vista, it would be a good idea to remember that bail bonds in Santa Barbara is always an option.  Most companies offer free advice. For further information about the bail bonds process, you can look at this video:  How Bail Works.

CHP Officers Arrest Joe Antonucci and Ryan Luna for Road Rage Incident

Santa Claus Lane, Carpinteria, CAVerbal Altercation Leads to Felony Assault in Carpinteria

by Jae Brattain | posted 03.05.2014

While driving southbound on Highway 101 on Tuesday, March 4th, Joseph “Joe” Antonucci was being followed closely behind by Ryan Luna.  The incident started at approximately 1:00 pm near the Montecito area with the two men angrily exchanging verbal assaults for several miles.  Antonucci, 56, was driving in the fast lane.  Luna, 25, felt the older man was going too slow and pulled alongside to tell him as much.  Both tempers were flared, which lead to an escalation in the situation.

Things got out of hand when Luna, who resides in Simi Valley, decided to toss a large container of soda at Antonucci’s truck.  The cup sailed through the passenger side window and hit the driver’s face.  It subsequently splashed all over the interior of the vehicle.

In retaliation, Antonucci veered his truck and hit the side of Luna’s vehicle, which was also a truck.  This caused the soda assailant to swerve off the highway exiting at Carpinteria Avenue.  Antonucci, who is from Santa Barbara, continued south.

CHP Coastal Division Chief Reggie Chappelle

An eyewitness to the event contacted 911 when seeing what had happened.  There was also a CHP officer who happened to be in the area with an unmarked patrol vehicle.  It was CHP Coastal Division Chief Reggie Chappelle.

Chappelle followed Antonucci’s truck after the incident and pulled him over near the Mussel Shoals area.  Upon further investigation by the California Highway Patrol, both he and Luna were placed into custody.

Antonucci is being accused of felony assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving.  He was booked at Santa Barbara County Jail and his bail bond is $30,000.  Luna was also taken to jail and booked for misdemeanor battery charges, as well as throwing substances at vehicles.  His bail amount was set at $5,000.

Police Arrest Ronald Beltran for Attempted Murder and Auto Theft

Suspect Being Held at Santa Barbara County Jail with No Bail

By Jae Brattain | Posted 01.07.2013

Ronald Anthony Beltran

Officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department answered a call over the weekend about a stolen vehicle near the corner of East Figueroa and North Milpas.  The victim informed the police that Ronald Beltran, 39, had taken his truck without permission and stabbed him with a knife around 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon.  However, the report was not made until 11:30 pm in the evening.

The 46-year old male, who is related to Beltran, had been taking a shower at the time when the stabbing incident occurred.  Beltran wielded a knife while threatening his life, then punctured the victim twice in the back.  The wounds were superficial and did not require hospitalization.  But it was serious enough to justify attempted murder charges.

Another relative happened to be nearby and assisted by intervening in the situation.  Beltran left the residence, but the victim did not report the incident immediately.  He left the home for personal matters and returned around 9:00 pm.  Upon his return, the victim noticed his vehicle was gone.  Another relative indicated that Beltran took the keys and truck.

1100 Block of North Milpas Street

California Highway Patrol officers notified police that the vehicle had been involved in a collision, but was unoccupied when inspecting the scene.  It was located near the intersection of Old Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway.

During this time, patrolmen had been watching a van owned by Beltran near Milpas Street.  At approximately 12:45 am, the assailant returned and was confronted by officers at the scene.  He resisted arrest, but was eventually taken into custody after a scuffle.

Investigators noted that relatives said Beltran appeared heavily intoxicated before everything occurred.  However, detectives were not able to ascertain a motive because the suspect refused to provide any information.  Nevertheless, Beltran did admit that he wanted to provoke the victim into a fight by taking the truck without permission.

He is being held at Santa Barbara County Jail with no bail bonds.  He faces multiple charges including attempted murder, hit and run, stealing a vehicle, and resisting arrest by police.  His first hearing will be Tuesday, January 7, at Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

DUI Arrests Slightly Lower than Last Year in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara Law Enforcement Arrest Over 150 People During the Holidays

By Jae Brattain | Published 01.06.2014

Local authorities placed a heavy emphasis on arresting drivers who were under the influence of alcohol and drugs during the holiday period.  Agencies throughout the County of Santa Barbara were on high alert for a period of 20-days from mid-December to New Year’s Day.  There were 151 people arrested in total according to provisional estimates.  This compared to 154 apprehended last year during the same time.  Some agencies have not reported their arrest totals yet.

Several checkpoints were setup in conjunction with a major uptick in patrol presence.  The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol made the most DUI arrests during the holidays.  Sheriff’s deputies were prepared for an increase in population at Santa Barbara County Jail.  Most individuals were released on citation, but others had bail bonds set for their cases.

There was one fatal crash involving a 68-year old Buellton woman named Linda Wall.  The incident occurred near Chumash Casino Resort on December 19th.  Rebecca Sandoval has been accused of the DUI-related crime and now faces charges of murder.  The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

Linda Wall was killed in this 3-vehicle DUI collision near the Chumash Casino Resort. (Santa Barbara County Fire Department photo)

Law enforcement are planning more DUI/driver’s license checkpoints and increased patrols in the coming year.  For the immediate future, Super Bowl weekend during the beginning of February has been targeted initially, with a follow up in March for St. Patrick’s Day.  No other plans have been indicated, but there may be other times when there is added attention given to potential DUI drivers.

Motorists who suspect fellow drivers of driving impaired are encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report.  It is legal to make emergency 9-1-1 calls on cellular phones while driving as long as it’s to a law enforcement agency, fire department, medical provider, or other emergency service agencies.

Authorities receive funding for the added DUI enforcement through a California Office of Traffic Safety grant via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The  AVOID the 12 Task Force is so named for the twelve Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies who participate in the program.

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