California State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, was cited this week by Sacramento police on suspicion of driving under the influence after a collision near the State Capitol.
According to Fox News, Cervantes has denied all allegations, saying she was wrongly detained by police and that hospital lab tests showed she had no drugs or alcohol in her system at the time of the crash.
The crash occurred Monday around 1:30 p.m. near downtown Sacramento, close to the Capitol. Cervantes’ sedan was hit on the side by a large SUV, in what police described as a T-bone collision. Officers from the Sacramento Police Department arrived at the scene shortly after the incident.
After sustaining what were described as minor injuries, Cervantes was taken to a hospital not by ambulance, but by a private party. According to a statement from police, officers later contacted the senator at the hospital to continue investigating the incident. Officials said they observed what they characterized as "objective signs of intoxication" when speaking with Cervantes. Police conducted a preliminary DUI investigation while she was receiving care. Based on their observations, officers issued a citation for suspicion of driving under the influence. The Sacramento Police Department did not detail the specific signs that led to the citation.
Senator Denies Wrongdoing and Challenges Police Account
In a written statement provided to Fox News Digital, Cervantes forcefully rejected the allegations and the basis for her citation. She claimed that officers wrongfully accused her and disrupted her medical care while she was still recovering from the crash.
“While seeking care in the emergency room after my sedan was t-boned by a large SUV, I was accosted by Sacramento Police Department officers,” Cervantes stated. “I was falsely accused of driving under the influence and involuntarily detained for several hours at the hospital. This ordeal was deeply distressing and left me even more shaken.” Cervantes added that she had lab tests done at the hospital, and these, according to her, confirmed there were no substances in her system. Fox News Digital was unable to independently verify the results of those tests.
Toxicology Test Results Awaited by the District Attorney
The case is currently under review by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, which confirmed that further action will depend on the results of toxicology testing. A spokesperson said the office will make a decision about whether to file charges once all of the evidence has been reviewed.
“Our office is waiting on toxicology results to be completed,” a DA spokesperson said in a statement. “Once we have received those reports, all of the facts in the case will be reviewed for a filing decision. Until then, we will reserve any further comments.” Though Cervantes stated publicly that she was entirely sober, the official findings of the toxicology screening had not been released at the time of publication.
Incident Draws Increased Attention Due to Sister’s Prior Arrest
This latest event involving Senator Cervantes has drawn additional scrutiny because of her sister’s previous legal troubles. Clarissa Cervantes, a former city councilmember, was arrested almost two years ago on suspicion of DUI. That arrest occurred just weeks after a 2015 DUI conviction had been dismissed in court.
Clarissa’s situation at the time led to vocal criticism and discussions about accountability among public officials. Public calls for her resignation did not result in any departure from office, and she remains active in public life today. Neither Cervantes' sister has resigned from any official position amid the controversies, and both have continued to serve in their respective roles despite public pressure and media coverage.
Senator Emphasizes Personal and Professional Integrity
In her statement, Sabrina Cervantes defended her character and sense of duty, saying she always holds herself to high ethical standards both in her role as senator and in her personal life.
“As a Senator, wife, and mother, I hold myself to the highest standard and expect others who serve our communities to do the same,” she said. “I want to be clear: I did nothing wrong.” She emphasized that the hospital tests showed “conclusively” that she had neither alcohol nor drugs in her system, and she expressed hope that the matter would be resolved swiftly and fairly.
Public Reaction Awaits Final Test Results
The outcome of the toxicology testing is expected to play a central role in determining whether any formal charges are brought against the lawmaker. The district attorney's office has not provided a timeline for when results will be available.
As of the article’s publication, Cervantes' press team had not responded to multiple requests for comment about the citation or the ongoing legal process. The situation remains fluid as officials continue to gather evidence, and observers await further clarification from law enforcement and prosecutors in the weeks ahead.
