According to WXIX TV, a Cincinnati police officer has had the power of his badge taken from him. He has also been assigned to desk duty following a recent arrest. The 44-year-old law enforcement veteran was arrested for OVI by an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper on Interstate 75.
The trooper reported that he observed the officer’s BMW swerving in a northbound lane. This is his second OVI arrest in four years, though it should be noted that he was not convicted of drunk driving in the first incident.
The officer was arrested for OVI in 2013, but that charge was reduced to reckless operation; a violation often referred to as reckless driving.
In the more recent incident, a law enforcement spokesperson said the cop declined a chemical test after he was pulled over on the interstate shortly past 4 a.m. As our readers know, drivers who refuse a chemical test are subject to a one-year suspension of their driver’s license.
However, after 30 days, drivers can petition the court for reinstatement of some driving privileges.
A police spokesperson said it is not yet clear if the officer will be able to drive police cars should his ability to drive be restored in 30 days.
In the reckless operation incident, the officer was fined $500 and received a suspended 30-day jail sentence. He also had to pay court costs and he was placed on probation for 6 months.
We do not know how this case will be resolved, but we know that in similar situations some law enforcement careers are terminated for an OVI conviction.
Anyone facing these possibilities should discuss their legal options with a criminal defense attorney experienced in DUI defense.
