This past weekend was the annual Spring Break party known as Deltopia. Held in Isla Vista, Deltopia has become an expected event that draws numerous Spring Breakers from UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara City College, as well as a number of party-goers from out of town. In recent years, it has also drawn a spike in crime and arrests. Last year, a violent scene that erupted during Deltopia resulted in over 100 arrests.
This year law enforcement officers reported a significantly calmer Deltopia and fewer arrests. Here are some key points about crime rates this past weekend:
- Authorities made a total of 102 arrests and 140 citations. This is compared to the 130 arrests and 190 citations last year. Only 9 people were taken to local hospitals, compared to 50 in 2014. Officials reported that arrests and citations remained high due to increased law enforcement presence.
- Law enforcement from multiple agencies – including UC police, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Police Departments in Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria, and more – increased their presence substantially throughout the weekend.
- In addition to increased law enforcement presence, law enforcement officials credit the calmer weekend to a safety campaign leading up the event encouraging students to not invite out-of-towners and comply with new restrictions.
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys have worked with many students and young individuals who were arrested and charged with crimes during these types of parties and celebrations. Commonly, these arrests involve drug and alcohol offenses, assault and battery, DUI, and other similar crimes.
If you have questions about your rights following an arrest – including arrests made near or during college events like Deltopia – our legal team is available to help you learn more about your defense. We provide free and confidential consultations. Contact us today to discuss your case.