Residents of any city, here in Nebraska and across the country, trust their police force to protect them from potential harm. However, police officers are human, and like anyone else, they can occasionally make serious errors in judgment. Sometimes, such public authorities commit the same crimes that they are supposed to prevent others from committing. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case in what authorities say was a drunk driving incident involving a former Lincoln police officer.
The incident happened one afternoon in early December when the former officer’s vehicle collided with a lamp pole after sliding on ice. After a witness reportedly found him unconscious with a beer can between his legs, he was transported to hospital. While he was there, a police sergeant reportedly smelled alcohol on his breath. He was subsequently tested for blood alcohol content and was apparently found to have twice the legal limit for drivers.
The former officer was recently charged with aggravated DUI, and if convicted, he could face several consequences, including licence revocation, 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. He has since pleaded not guilty. The man had resigned from the police force upon completion of an internal investigation.
Unfortunately, this former police officer is now navigating the law from the other side. Even though he is likely quite familiar with the Nebraska legal system, now that he finds himself facing charges, he may be feeling some confusion and uncertainty about his next steps. Fortunately, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is always available to help him and others facing drunk driving charges in Nebraska fully understand the legal options and to offer guidance in making informed decisions.