We trust our state's police officers to protect and uphold the laws they enforce, and for the most part, they do. Every once in a while, however, a story comes along that illustrates how even our law enforcement officials can make the error in judgment that leads to a DUI arrest.

Earlier this month, a Longmont police officer was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, following an early morning traffic stop. The officer, who was off duty and driving his personal vehicle, was pulled over by a Firestone police officer.

When the Firestone officer approached the vehicle, he began to suspect that the driver was impaired. He subjected the driver to roadside sobriety tests, tests that the driver said he knew very well, because he was himself a police officer.

The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and DUI per se. There have been no reports of a breath test in this situation, but the man did consent to a blood test, the results of which are forthcoming.

This is a very serious situation for the Longmont officer, who will now be facing very harsh consequences for both his criminal record and his career. A conviction for DUI, even for a first offense, carries heavy fines and a lengthy license suspension. Worse, a conviction will undoubtedly jeopardize the man's career as a police officer; he is already on paid administrative leave and facing an uncertain future.

As this case illustrates, a DUI can have wide ranging effects on a person's life. Those wishing to minimize those negative effects should be prepared to defend their case vigorously in court.

Source: Daily Camera, "Firestone police arrest off-duty Longmont officer on suspicion of DUI," Pierrette J. Shields, Jan. 28, 2013