You usually expect a sheriff's deputy to be handing out intoxicated driving arrests, not being the recipient of a DUI charge. However, pending an investigation into a suspected impaired driving accident in Mill Creek, an unidentified 19-year veteran of the sheriff's department could face serious criminal charges.

The accident occurred early Friday morning when the deputy rear-ended his patrol car into another vehicle, reports the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. When Mill Creek officers arrived at the scene, they noticed signs of impairment in the deputy though they ruled out alcohol as a likely factor. It's unclear what made the officers rule out alcohol or whether they suspected that the deputy was high on drugs. However, a Washington State Patrol drug recognition expert was called to the scene.

The deputy took a blood test and results of that test are pending. The blood test may reveal whether the deputy had any legal or illegal drugs in his system. You should remember that someone may be charged with driving under the influence even for impairment due to an over-the-counter medication and that drugged driving does not have to be related to pot, cocaine, heroin, or other illicit drug.

The 47-year-old deputy who is assigned to Shoreline has been placed on administrative leave pending both the criminal and internal investigations.

Even if you stay away from alcohol and illegal drugs, you should know that you could be accused of driving under the influence. In some cases, a driver may be affected by cold medication, allergy pills, or other legal prescription medicine. If you are driving impaired due to taking these drugs, you could face criminal penalties and will want an experienced DUI attorney representing your interests.

To learn how an attorney can help you, schedule a consultation with a lawyer at Wolff Criminal Defense by calling 425-284-2000.