Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Probation for L.A.'s Top Budget Official in DUI Case

Support your source for local news!
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

miguel-santana-dui.jpg

Los Angeles' City Adminstrative Officer Miguel Santana today plead "no contest" to misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol, a charge stemming from March when he was involved in heavy budget discussions with City Council.

Santana today was immediately sentenced to three years probation and was ordered to pay $1,737 in fines and penalty assessments, according to Deputy District Attorney Casey Jarvis. He was also ordered to enroll in a six-month drinking-driver program and to view victims of alcohol-related accidents in a hospital and morgue program. A second count, driving while having a .08% or higher blood alcohol, was dismissed under terms of a negotiated plea agreement.

When Santana was caught on March 26th, he was driving a city-issued car. The official, who is paid around $220,000 a year, immediately took a hiatus and has since returned to the job, guiding the City Council through its $6.7 billion budget . Before getting pulled over for speeding, Santana was attending a charity event that roasted District Attorney Steve Cooley, whose office took him to court today.

Most Read