Sabrina Cervantes says DUI citation was false after crash near Sacramento Capitol; toxicology pending.

Collision Near Capitol Sparks DUI Investigation

California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence on Monday following a traffic collision near the State Capitol in downtown Sacramento. The Democratic lawmaker from Riverside was reportedly driving her sedan when it was struck by a large SUV, prompting her to seek medical attention at a nearby hospital.

According to the Sacramento Police Department, officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. Cervantes was transported to the hospital by private party for minor injuries. Officers followed up at the hospital, where they stated that she showed objective signs of intoxication, leading them to conduct a DUI investigation and issue a citation.

Cervantes Denies Intoxication, Awaits Resolution

Senator Cervantes strongly denies the allegations. In a public statement, she described the incident as “deeply distressing,” claiming she was “accosted” by police officers and “involuntarily detained for several hours” while receiving care.

“On Monday afternoon, 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, 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 stated.

She further added that hospital lab tests confirmed she had no alcohol or drugs in her system, although these results could not be independently verified. “I want to be clear: I did nothing wrong,” she said. “I expect this to be quickly and justly resolved.”

The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office confirmed that it is awaiting toxicology results before determining whether to file charges. “Once we have received those reports, all of the facts in the case will be reviewed for a filing decision,” a representative said.

At this time, Cervantes has not been formally charged, and her office has not issued any additional comments.

Context and Past Incidents

The citation comes nearly two years after her sister, Clarissa Cervantes, a city councilmember, was arrested for DUI—a case that sparked public outrage. That arrest followed the dismissal of a 2015 DUI conviction just weeks earlier. Neither sister has resigned from office as of this publication.

Senator Cervantes emphasized her commitment to public service and accountability: “As a Senator, wife, and mother, I hold myself to the highest standard and expect others that serve our communities to do the same.”

The case remains under review as authorities await further test results.