Deseret News | DUI standards differ?

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Readers' forum: DUI standards differ?

agree | 12:26 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

It looks to me like special treatment.

Anonymous | 12:38 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.

Enhanced DUI? | 7:21 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Jennifer, if you were charged with a felony, it may have been because it wasn't your first DUI, or because you caused damage to a person, not just property (most DUI arrests don't involve personal or property damage).

And the Midvale officer was charged with a class B misdemeanor because it was his first charge.

Comments continue below

Hypocrisy | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Jennifer, you should know by now that it's not what you know but WHO you know. Just ask that mayor in Stockton who got his son off and fired the police officer.

For all those interestsd | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

A typical DUI in which there are no children in the car and there is no accident is a class B misdemeanor. DUI is a class A misdemeanor when the driver inflicts bodily injury on someone as a result of driving in a negligent manner or has someone under the age of 18 in the car while driving. Bodily injury is defined as "physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition." DUI is a third degree felony if the driver has two or more prior convictions in the last 10 years, has a previous conviction for automobile homicide, or has inflicted serious bodily injury as a result of driving in a negligent manner. Serious bodily injury is defined as serious permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death. So, the Cop didn't hurt anyone and it was his first or second DUI. He will definitely be paying restitution out of his own pocket. Jennifer has had two prior convictions, previously killed someone, or caused serious bodily injury. That's why there is a difference in the charges.

Greg | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

My best friend had a DUI in 2005... He blew a .24, he wrecked into the side of the freeway... Only himself in the car & no injuries. He was taken to Jail, booked on a class A misdemeanor, no previous record or charges of any kind. He was an idiot & should have called me or someone else to come get him...no excuses.

With that in mind...how was this cop not booked into jail? Yes...totally special treatment. I think he should have been held to a higher standard because of the public trust. Should have at least gone to jail for the night......

Aw, c'mon, it's just a little | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

professional courtesy.

No harm in that, cops gotta look out for each other!

wallofvoodoo | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

No, the best way to break a law is to become a politician.

C'mom Jennifer! | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

If you were charged with a felony, it's because you have [more than one] priors, or because someone was seriously injured by your irresponsible behavior.

I'd have no problem with charging ALL DUI as a felony, but Utah law is too wimpy to do so.

Unfortunately, in this state, you have to be a career drunk or really hurt someone badly to be treated as you say you were.

Koker | 11:16 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Yes, there is special treamtment. I've never heard of someone getting a DUI without being booked. You may bail out immediately, but you still have to go to the jail facility to get booked. Unless you've got a license to break the law.

Ratman | 11:21 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Hypocrisy - yes, and when the people of his town found out, they voted him OUT!!!

Opinionated | 11:55 a.m. Nov. 9, 2009

Ever been on the freeway between 6:30-7:00 am and seen the Salt Lake City police officers "flying" to work? It's a double standard that police officers have grown use to. Power often makes one feel exempt from the law.

peperlake | 12:00 p.m. Nov. 9, 2009

I want to know why this cop was not charged with hit and run?

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