California Lawmaker Sues Sacramento Police Over False DUI Arrest

State Senator Sabrina Cervantes alleges she was falsely accused and subjected to unlawful blood draw after car crash

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:10am

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the tensions underlying this politically charged case.A lone police vehicle stands as a symbol of the complex relationship between law enforcement and elected officials in this politically charged case.Today in Sacramento

A California state senator is suing the Sacramento Police Department, alleging she was falsely arrested and accused of driving under the influence following a car crash last year, despite showing no signs of intoxication. The lawsuit claims officers fabricated evidence in a sworn warrant affidavit and treated her differently due to her political activity, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential abuse of power and discriminatory treatment by law enforcement, as well as the importance of government accountability and protecting the civil rights of elected officials. It also highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and lawmakers over issues like police reform and data privacy.

The details

According to the lawsuit, State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes was driving a state-owned vehicle when another driver ran a stop sign and struck her car. Cervantes was taken to the hospital with injuries, but police allegedly treated her as a suspect and pursued a DUI investigation without probable cause. The lawsuit claims officers falsely reported that Cervantes had slurred speech and refused testing, despite her offering hospital-administered chemical test results that showed she was not under the influence. Prosecutors ultimately declined to file charges, but Cervantes says officers fabricated evidence in a sworn warrant affidavit and falsely reported to the DMV that she refused a chemical test.

  • The car crash occurred in May of 2025.
  • Cervantes filed the federal civil rights lawsuit in April 2026.

The players

Sabrina Cervantes

A California state senator who is suing the Sacramento Police Department for falsely accusing her of driving under the influence following a car crash.

Courtney Downs

Cervantes' wife, with whom she welcomed triplets in 2019.

Sacramento Police Department

The law enforcement agency being sued by Cervantes for alleged false arrest, fabrication of evidence, and discriminatory treatment.

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What they’re saying

“'So, pretty much, no matter what, we're writing a warrant,'”

— One of the officers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of government accountability and the need to protect the civil rights of elected officials, even in the face of potential abuse of power by law enforcement. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between lawmakers and police over issues like reform and data privacy.