Drinking and driving is one offense that is difficult to avoid being penalized for. Most people understand that driving while intoxicated is both easily spotted and easy to crack down on. So, for the average driver, it is an activity that most attempts to avoid.
As Denver accident lawyers, we know that it can be difficult, sometimes, to make the right decision when it comes to getting behind the wheel. However, most people do a great job of remembering that safety really is the first priority.
That said, when it comes to law enforcement officials, you would assume that they would place an even higher priority on abiding by the law, right? After all, if these are the men and women handing out citations to other people for their poor choices, surely, they know exactly what’s at stake when they get behind the wheel after a night of drinking.
A recent story reminds us that this is not always the case. And despite working as law enforcement officials, police officers are people just like us.
Police Officers Are Not Above The Law
An officer for the Denver Police Department was given a 16-day suspension without pay as a result of driving under the influence. He was off-duty at the time but had a blood alcohol level of 0.165 percent — more than twice the legal limit.
Although he was cooperative and took responsibility for his actions, the suspension was justified due to the nature of his actions.
In this case, it seems that the offending officer received the punishment that he legally deserved. Too often, we hear of officials who are let off the hook for their bad behavior, never to truly own up to what they’ve done. But that was not the case with this officer.
Laypeople and officers alike can use this as a reminder of the fact that no one is above the law. And, as a result, no one should be able to avoid the sentence that they deserve. We speculate that the officer, in this case, will take better care to make good choices the next time he decides to drink. Given the way things worked out, he may make the choice to not get behind the wheel while intoxicated again.
And, if that is the case, then we can celebrate the fact that the law enforcement system has done what it is intended to do. When the legal system operates in a way that keeps citizens safe, then we can all sleep a little bit better at night.
Levine Law Is Here To Help
That said, cases do not always work out the way they should and individuals do not always get the sentences they deserve. Whether it’s too light or too heavy, sometimes a sentence does not accurately represent the situation at hand.
Our team has experience dealing with a wide range of accident cases, so we know how to navigate the complex legal issues you may be facing. If you or a loved one are in need of an accident attorney, we are here for you. When you contact us, we’ll set up an initial consultation to help you figure out the next best step as you move forward.
