There has been quite a bit of news regarding law enforcement authorities getting arrested for DUIs in recent weeks. This week a commander in the Mountlake Terrace police department was charged with drunk driving due to an incident two months ago at Lake Stevens, reports KOMO News.

The Washington State Patrol pulled over Don Duncan early one morning in February. Duncan was driving his personal vehicle at the time. The Snohomish County prosecutors reviewed the facts of the case and decided to officially charge the 18-year police veteran with the crime. Demonstrating that a DUI arrest can have more than a criminal impact, Duncan has been placed on administrative leave since the arrest and will remain on leave pending an internal investigation. He could face very serious professional consequences due to this lapse in judgment.

Also this week, the Seattle Times reports that veteran Seattle police officer John Fox's termination from the department for a DUI arrest in 2011 will be effective. Fox was arrested in 2011 following a drunk driving incident and accident in Mukilteo. It was Fox's second DUI arrest. The Seattle Police Department had fired Fox; however, the police guild had filed an appeal. The union finally decided to drop its appeal following an arbitration hearing last month -- meaning that Fox's termination will stand.

Contact a Seattle DUI Attorney

The takeaway from the police officer DUI cases is that you should be aware that a DUI charge can have a greater impact on you than just a criminal record. In the case of the police officers, one individual lost his job while the other is still facing potential penalties.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, you should talk to an experienced attorney to learn your options and defenses. Discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000.