California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes Sues Sacramento Police Over Alleged False DUI Arrest

California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes filed a federal lawsuit on Monday against the City of Sacramento and several police officers, alleging that she was falsely accused and arrested for driving under the influence following a car crash near the state Capitol in May 2025.

According to court records, the incident occurred at 12:55 p.m. on May 19, 2025, when Cervantes was struck at an intersection in downtown Sacramento by another driver who failed to yield the right of way. The Riverside County legislator was transported to a hospital for evaluation, where officers interviewed her for several hours and administered a blood test.

Despite the district attorney later declining to file charges, citing negative test results for drugs and alcohol, Cervantes asserts that officers proceeded with the arrest, submitted false information to state authorities, and fabricated evidence. The complaint alleges that officers claimed she showed signs of impairment and conducted a sobriety test without probable cause. It further accuses Sacramento police of leaking her arrest to the press in an effort to damage her reputation.

Cervantes contends the conduct was a form of retaliation connected to a bill she authored, Senate Bill 274, which would have restricted law enforcement’s use of data from automatic license plate readers. She also stated that her status as an LGBTQ Latina lawmaker influenced the officers’ treatment, contrasting the reported deference shown to the other driver involved in the crash.

City and police representatives declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, seeks damages for alleged violations of civil rights and state law, including false arrest and defamation.

The case highlights ongoing debates in California over law enforcement use of surveillance technology and alleged police bias. Senate Bill 274, which passed both chambers of the legislature, was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2024 after concerns from law enforcement agencies regarding public safety. The bill would have set new limits on license plate reader data retention and sharing.

The lawsuit remains pending, and no charges were brought against Cervantes. Investigation into the conduct of the officers involved is ongoing.