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!

Back to School Bail Bonds Education

Now that Santa Barbara City College is in session and the University of California Santa Barbara students setting up for their fall 2016 schedule, it’s time for back to school bail bonds education.  What does that mean exactly?  Well, many students will be experiencing freedom for the first time.  Some may find themselves having too good of a time.  In certain instances, young adults wind up in jail because they break the law.

Jail-Vs-SchoolWhy Bail Bonds Matter

That’s why it’s prudent to be educated about bail bonds.  Each county has their own schedule that sets the amount needed for a particular crime.  At Santa Barbara County Jail, you could either call to the records division in order to obtain this information or a local bail bonds in Santa Barbara.  Agents would be able to find out the charges and if a bond would be needed.  In some cases, you may not need one.

Finding the Right Company

If dealing with a reputable company like Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds, they would be able to let you know if it is necessary to use their services.  Information is free, so never feel obligated that you have to pay someone to perform this service for you.  If they do try to charge you, then it’s best to look for help elsewhere or call the jail directly.

Students at both Santa Barbara City College and the University of California Santa Barbara tend to gravitate towards Isla Vista.  This is a popular area where they rent apartments and party.  The Foot Patrol, who are a division of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s division, and UCSB Police operate in the area and enforce the law.  Most of the deputies have been working at this facility for many years.  As such, they have intimate knowledge of how students tend to behave.  Many times they try to understand the situation to avoid making any arrests.  However, there are circumstances where it is their duty to place someone in custody.

Rolling DoubleWhat to do if Arrested

If you or someone you know has been arrested, then it’s always less stressful when you know a little about the situation.  That is why education about Santa Barbara bail bonds is so important.  When incarcerated, you are given two free phone calls.  One should be to a close friend or family member, while the other should be someone you can consult about what’s happening.  Knowledge is power and the more you know, the better off you will be in the end.

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.

Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Julius Perdomo and Sarah Pet for Drug Sales

(Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department photo)

Authorities Discover Huge Stash of Marijuana, Psilocybin Mushrooms and Cash

by Jae Brattain | posted 01.22.2014

Julius Perdomo

Julius Perdomo was driving through Isla Vista playing music loudly from his vehicle on Friday, January 17th.  Members of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol pulled him over and found a large quantity of marijuana inside the car.  They also discovered evidence of potential narcotic sales.  He was immediately arrested at the scene.

UCSB Police officers and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the IVFP conducted further investigation of Perdomo.  The 25-year old male had a  girlfriend who stayed at his residence near the corner of Camino Del Sur and El Colegio Road.  Suspecting that the girlfriend might also be involved in the sales of narcotics, authorities were able to get a search warrant.

Sarah Pet, 23, was taken into custody after deputies discovered 58-pounds of marijuana, about one pound of psilocybin mushrooms, and approximately 1.5-ounces of concentrated cannabis.  Psilocybin mushrooms are also known on the streets as Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, and Psychedelic Mushrooms.  This drug, which is ingested by individuals orally,  causes episodes of hallucinations and alters the users reality perception according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Sarah Pet

Deputies also found $17,000 cash, as well as two safe-deposit keys on the premises.  More search warrants were issued to inspect the safe-deposit boxes.

Authorities discovered an additional mountain of cash, in total about $93,000.  On Tuesday, January 21st, the bank accounts of the couple were also examined.  They found an extra $16,000 from that source.  In total, there was $127,000 seized.

Both Perdomo and Pet are being charged with possession of marijuana and psilocybin mushroom for sales.  They were taken to Santa Barbara County Jail.  The bail bond amount for Perdomo was set at $30,000.  Pet was released from custody on her own recognizance.

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.