A sheriff’s deputy employed by Rockdale County was recently arrested on drunk driving charges recently. Law enforcement officials allege that she caused a wreck while DUI, which resulted in the injury of two people. The 27-year-old Georgia deputy will face charges of failure to maintain her lane and driving under the influence in court.
Investigators say that the deputy was driving her pickup truck when she lost control of it while navigating a curve in the road. The truck exited the roadway and slammed into some trees. Two passengers who were riding in the truck were taken to the hospital, where they were treated for injuries. The extent of their injuries is not known; however, it is not believed that either of the victims suffered catastrophic injuries that could jeopardize their lives.
After her arrest, the woman was later released after posting bond. She was then placed on administrative leave from employment by the Sheriff’s Department. Several days later, she resigned from her position.
This case underscores the potential severity of DUI charges and how simply being arrested on them can ruin a person’s professional relationships and career. It should be stressed that this Georgia sheriff’s deputy has not been convicted of any crimes — only accused. Even though she is still considered innocent in the eyes of the law, however, she has suffered the loss of her job and livelihood as a result of her arrest.
This former sheriff’s deputy could now face the possibility of jail time and the loss of her driving privileges if she is convicted of her charges. This is why it will be important for her to do everything possible to defend herself against the DUI charges now lodged against her. With a strategically planned legal defense, she may be able to sidestep the stiffest of penalties associated with a Georgia DUI conviction. In the best of outcomes, she may even be able to get her charges dropped completely, even if it is unlikely that she will be able to regain her employment with the sheriff’s office.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Deputy allegedly causes wreck while DUI, Alexis Stevens, Jan. 6, 2014