An on-duty sheriff's deputy was arrested for suspicion of physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence, reports The Bellingham Herald. The unidentified 46-year-old deputy was arrested and processed by Bellevue police before being released.

On New Year's Eve, a witness called 911 after observing the deputy hunched over the steering wheel of his car parked in Newcastle. The concerned witness apparently tried to shake the deputy awake, but was unable to do so. After the authorities arrived, a drug expert from the Bellevue police was called in to investigate. The drug expert indicated that he believed the deputy was under the influence of a drug, possibly a narcotic, and placed the deputy under the arrest.

In Washington, you may already know that individuals are not allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, you should also know that you may not be in physical control of a vehicle either. In these cases, you could face the same penalties for physical possession of a vehicle while drunk as you would for actually driving under the influence.

The 15-year veteran sheriff's deputy is now facing an administrative investigation from the sheriff's office. He could potentially lose his job. In addition, the Bellevue police is conducting a criminal investigation, and the deputy could face possible jail time and monetary fines as well.

If you have been charged with drunk driving or physically controlling a vehicle while under the influence, you will want to work with experienced counsel. The consequences for a conviction can be very severe. Learn how a King County DUI attorney at Wolff Criminal Defense can help you by calling 425-284-2000 to schedule a consultation.