As part of a plea deal to avoid the permanent loss of his job and jail time, a police officer in Barnstable will serve 10 days on a work crew and continue with alcohol counseling in exchange for a DUI guilty plea, as reported by the Burlington Free Press.
After the veteran officer, S.K., 48, entered his plea at the Vermont Superior Court in Burlington, Judge Brian Grearson approved it.
S.K., facing two charges of DUI, plead guilty to negligent operation of a motor vehicle to resolve a second charge of DUI.
In exchange for the guilty pleas Judge Grearson suspended a sentence of four to 12 months in prison.
Earlier in 2012 S.K. had been detained twice by police, in one three-month period, for DUI. In both instances S.K.'s blood alcohol percentage was recorded at being over the 0.08 legal driving limit.
Attorney Richard Goldsborough represented S.K. in court. Goldsborough told the court that his client was dealing with his problem with alcohol. Allegedly, after his second DUI, S.K. had admitted himself into the Brattleboro Retreat for a 12-day treatment plan.
On his own behalf S.K. told the court that he had learned from his errors in judgment and had promised not to commit drive drunk again. S.K. told Judge Grearson, "I am truly sorry and embarrassed for what my actions have caused in this community. What I shall guarantee you is that this was an isolated incident. ... I sought counseling and will continue counseling. This matter is resolved as far as my behavior is concerned."
Because S.K. was taking responsibility for his actions, and since the state did not want to cause him the permanent loss of his job by sentencing him to prison, Deputy Chittenden County State's Attorney Marry Morrissey said that the state accepted the plea deal.
Morrissey added that a prison sentence would have had a "significant impact on his employment" that could have included not only a loss of his job but also a lengthy suspension of his driving privileges.
Prior to his DUI charges S.K. had an "unblemished record" as a 24-year police veteran, according to Goldsborough. His record now reflected a change since "these unfortunate events of last summer."
Goldsborough added, "He recognized the human mistake he had made and he addressed it responsibly and appropriately. He wishes to complete the rehabilitation program that is in place and move on."
Barnstable Police Chief P.M. told reporters that S.K. has been place on "desk duty" since his first DUI, and will next be facing a hearing by their internal administration. The outcome of the hearing will determine what his future will be at the department.
S.K.'s first DUI occurred on May 26. Officers stopped him on Williston Road for speeding – and his blood alcohol content test came back showing 0.114 percent.
S.K.'s second DUI occurred on July 13. Officers pulled him over on Interstate 89 for swerving – and this time his blood alcohol content read 0.124 percent.
Whether you are charged with DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI, the best attorney to help you with your plea deal is a DUI attorney. Contact a DUI attorney near you today!