Orange County beaches are popular destinations for thousands over the Fourth of July holiday. The Newport Beach Police Department will have hundreds of uniform police officers keeping an eye on the celebrations, making sure the laws are followed. It is anticipated that approximately 200 officers from the Newport Beach Police Department, as well as other agencies will patrol the beaches, making arrests and writing citations. The agency has also requested additional support from other agencies including the California Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Irvine, Santa Ana and Anaheim Police Departments.
Those breaking the law in the busiest areas of Newport Beach – West Balboa Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and 32nd Street, as well as Seashore Drive and streets between West Balboa and Seashore – can also expect to receive fines triple the regular amount. Officers will also be enforcing the city’s new law concerning loud or unruly gatherings. The law was approved last year and can result in a fine of up to $3,000 for the owners of property where boisterous parties occur.
For the Laguna Beach Police Department, Fourth of July is the busiest time of year. The department will be at full staffing, bringing in additional dispatchers, beach patrol officers and traffic cadets. Last year, 30 people were arrested and 118 tickets were issued between July 3 and July 5. Officers responded to almost 300 calls for service on July 4th.
San Clemente is expecting nearly 40,000 people to visit their beach and will also have additional “manpower” to assist with the heightened activity. They plan to have deputies on all-terrain vehicles patrolling the beaches. The biggest problems are loud parties, disturbances and illegal fireworks. Many of the calls are alcohol-related.
In Dana Point, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to deploy eight mounted units, as well as dispatching all-terrain vehicles at Salt Creek Beach.
Most arrests during celebrations such as Fourth of July involve alcohol related offenses such as drunk in public and driving under the influence. Being arrested, charged and convicted for a misdemeanor such as drunk in public or DUI, can have lasting effects on a person’s life and for that reason, it is important for anyone facing a DUI conviction, or any alcohol related conviction, to have experienced legal representation. A good Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney, who has expertise in Orange County DUI arrests, will make every effort to have the charges reduced and/or dismissed. A key factor in choosing an attorney is to look for an attorney who is familiar with the Court in which the case is pending, as well as the other Courts in Orange County. A good relationship with the Judges, District Attorneys, Court Clerks and other personnel can influence a positive outcome and ensure that you get the best possible result.