A Woodland Police Sergeant was arrested earlier this week for violating California’s DUI laws. The 25-year Woodland Police veteran was reportedly driving his motorcycle when he was stopped and promptly arrested for driving under the influence. He is currently on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
Although it is not terribly uncommon for law enforcement officers to get busted for DUI, it is rather unsettling. If we’re supposed to be punished for a crime in relation to the severity of the crime, it would seem that officers who are caught driving under the influence should have the book thrown at them. They, perhaps better than anyone, know the dangers involved, have most likely personally witnessed the aftermath of at least one serious or deadly DUI accident and see how alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment.
Yet, they typically face no harsher punishment than a civilian. And please keep in mind, I’m not suggesting that he’s guilty of the offense just because he’s been charged. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, there are likely still a wide variety of defenses he could use to challenge the validity of the charge…charges that a skilled DUI defense attorney could present on his behalf.
What I am saying is that if he is found guilty, it will be interesting to see what type of favor he obtains from the court.
