Television Anchor Arrested for DUI

A popular television anchor was arrested and transported to jail over the weekend by the California Highway Patrol. Paula Lopez Ochoa, a Santa Barbara County anchor at KCOY-TV, was charged with DUI and, ultimately, assault on a police officer.

Many people consider television anchors to be local celebrities and put them on a type of pedestal. This arrest shows that television personalities are as human as everyone else.

The incident began at 8:00 p.m. with a call of a Toyota Prius heading the wrong way on the highway near El Capitan Road. Santa Barbara County deputies and CHP officers arrived on scene to find a silver Prius in a parking lot near Cathedral Oaks Road and Hollister Avenue.

Ochoa, identified as the driver of the Prius, was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. She was subsequently placed under arrest for DUI. As officers were attempting to place the popular anchorwoman under arrest, she resisted and fought against officers, resulting in her additional charge. Ochoa was released without having to post bond Monday afternoon.

Ochoa is not only a local television anchor, but she is married to Judge Frank Ochoa, a retired Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge. Ochoa’s employer has refused to comment on her arrest.

No matter your celebrity status, breaking the law will get you into trouble. Ochoa found this out for herself.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you must have an experienced attorney on your side to lessen the impact of your charges. A DUI can haunt you for years to come, effecting your financial status, your reputation, and possibly your employment. Hawkins Spizman Fortas has the experience needed to lessen the impact of a DUI arrest. Let us stand by your side and fight for your rights in court. Call now.