An off-duty police officer is facing serious charges that could have repercussions on his continued career, according to local sources. The 39-year-old Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper was arrested around 2:30 a.m. the morning of Jan. 22. He was booked into county jail for a first DUI offense. He was set to be arraigned on Feb. 1.
According to the arrest record, the officer was stopped around 2:30 a.m. However, the record does not make mention of what caused the stop to begin with. This report also does not list what roadside sobriety tests were administered at the time of the traffic stop. Finally, no mention of the man’s blood alcohol level was made.
The officer was arrested, but was later released under his own recognizance despite bail being set at $2,000. The man is said to have been placed on administrative duties and is apparently cooperating with the investigation at this time. So far, no further information has been made public by Nevada authorities.
Accusing a police officer of DUI is a tall order, even if that officer is off duty. Even suspicion of such a crime can negatively influence his job prospects and continued job security. Nevada authorities have the burden of proof in this case, meaning they must present evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer was drunk at the time he was pulled over. If they are unable to produce such evidence, including a blood test that could corroborate their charges, the DUI charge could be thrown out of court.
Source: mynews4.com, “NHP Trooper arrested, charged with DUI“, Van Tieu, Jan. 25, 2016