60th District Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes attends a conference in San Bernadino, May 10, 2019. Sabrina Cervantes 7
Sacramento, California – California state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes will not face DUI charges following a May 19 collision near the state Capitol, after a toxicology report showed no evidence of intoxication. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that it had reviewed all evidence in the case and determined there was no basis for prosecution.
Cervantes, a Democrat representing Riverside County, was cited by Sacramento police on suspicion of driving under the influence after being involved in a car crash near 14th and S streets. She was en route to the Capitol when another vehicle reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with her. Cervantes sustained minor injuries and EMT’s took her to a hospital for treatment.
At the hospital, Sacramento police investigated after officers said they observed signs of intoxication. The officers cited Cervantes for DUI based on those observations. Police later stated that they suspected drug use rather than alcohol. However, Cervantes underwent a urine test the following day, which showed no detectable levels of drugs.
The District Attorney’s Office awaited the results of a blood test to determine whether to proceed with charges. On Friday, officials confirmed the blood sample taken on the day of the crash showed no measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in her system. The DA’s review included police reports, witness accounts, and lab results.
Given the results and the legal standards required to file criminal charges, prosecutors declined to pursue the case any further. The decision brings an end to the legal uncertainty Cervantes faced in the weeks following the incident.
Cervantes had maintained her innocence throughout the process, insisting she was not impaired and that the police acted improperly during their investigation. She had previously described her experience at the hospital as distressing, saying she felt targeted while seeking medical attention.
The incident drew public attention due to Cervantes’ status as a sitting lawmaker. It prompted questions about police conduct and the standards used to cite individuals for DUI without conclusive evidence. With the DA’s office now closing the case, Cervantes does not expect to face any further legal consequences related to the May 19 crash.
