The Umansky Law Firm

A Polk County sheriff's deputy was found passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle and charged with allegedly driving under the influence. The deputy was off-duty at the time and was found in his Jeep with the engine running.

The 37-year-old deputy was given field sobriety tests and then arrested when he failed them. He was taken to the Polk County Jail where he refused to submit to a breath test. As a result of these actions, he has been suspended pending what the internal investigation concludes.

It can be argued that people tend to hold police officers to a higher standard than others and, in many ways, people hold them up as models for decency and justice. However, it can also be argued that police officers are simply human. More media reports might bear this out, as well.

What this only means is that they are as likely to make mistakes as anyone else. Sure, they might be seen as role models for kids to follow, but they also have incredibly stressful jobs and studies have shown they carry those jobs off duty as much as they do while they're on. All this leads to classic self-destructive behavior. Bear in mind that this obviously does not affect all police officers.

Rather than judge the fact that a sheriff's deputy, who may know the laws about drinking and driving better than his neighbors do, got caught in a situation that smacks of irony, it might be best to understand this is simply a man who made a mistake. If the DUI charge sticks, this man may lose his job, as well as his standing among his family, friends and neighbors. This is something quite a few people from all walks of life can understand.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.