17 Jul Baltimore cop arrested for drunk driving, assault after argument

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drunk Driving on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

The public generally expects those who look out for our safety, such as police officers and firefighters, to follow a higher standard of conduct than most. Even if there is no conviction, an accused individual can face serious consequences personally and professionally. Recently, a Baltimore police sergeant was taken into custody after she allegedly pointed her service revolver at her adult son during an argument. In addition to an assault charge, she faces a charge of drunk driving.

The incident occurred in mid-June, when the officer called the Baltimore County Police to report that her 20-year-old son was acting crazy. At the time, she informed the dispatcher that she had her revolver. The dispatcher heard her son say during the call that she pointed her gun at him.

Two hours later, the accused was pulled over by county police near her home. One officer reported that she exhibited signs of intoxication. She was arrested after failing two sobriety tests at the scene. Four hours later, she was administered a Breathalyzer test, which showed that her blood alcohol level was over the legal limit.

After an interview with her son and three witnesses, police also charged the woman with first-degree assault. The sergeant was suspended from the police department without pay, and her service revolver was confiscated. She is out on bail as she awaits her preliminary hearing.

Regardless of the outcome of this case in a court of law, the accused will likely be judged harshly in the court of public opinion. Her reputation and standing in the community may be permanently damaged. She would do well to work closely with her legal team to put together a thorough and solid criminal defense against the drunk driving and assault allegations. Doing so may not help restore her reputation, but it could give her a chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome possible.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “City officer charged with pointing gun at son,” Kevin Rector, July 12, 2013