It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, law enforcement personnel can make bad decisions just like anyone else. Case in point, an off duty Pierce County Sheriff’s Office major was recently arrested for suspicion of DUI after being involved in an accident following a day of golfing and drinking. At the time of the incident, the major was the head of the Criminal Investigation Division for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office with 24 years of service in the department. The arrest originated from a two-car crash involving the major’s pickup truck and a SUV carrying 6 people, one of which was pregnant. As was to be expected, the major was put on administrative leave pending the toxicology results of his blood and case review. The vehicle struck was allegedly already in the intersection at the time the major hit it — which one has to wonder if RCW 46.61.202 (stopping when traffic obstructed) was somehow violated. There are conflicting claims about the major’s state of sobriety. Some law enforcement personnel claim they didn’t smell any intoxicating odors, while at least one other claims that the major did have an obvious odor about him, along with watery and bloodshot eyes. The major admitted to consuming alcohol upon questioning. But, as we all know, it isn’t against the law to drink before driving, rather it is illegal to drive while under the influence of intoxicating substances – which is a much different bar (pun intend) all together. Time will tell, of course, what the toxicology report indicates; charged, or not, the major is most certainly facing quite an ugly (and perhaps career ending) outcome.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of DUI related offense, immediately contact a Seattle DUI Attorney. A DUI lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle DUI Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their traffic charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a DUI offense, misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle DUI Lawyer as soon as possible. Infraction and criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone cited or charged with an infraction or a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Traffic Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
