Everyone is entitled to a fair hearing by either a jury of their peers or by a judge when they are accused of a crime. Some organizations, such as police departments and other civil entities have measures of their own in place for specific types of situations.

A Pittsburgh police officer, Vernon Gibson, 38, was charged with driving drunk on his way to work last year, The officer has waived his right to a preliminary hearing regarding his case.

Gibson was charged with two counts of DUI but was released on his own recognizance. According to a fellow officer, Gibson drove into the parking lot at the Pittsburgh Municipal Courts Building. Upon getting into the car, Gibson’s fellow officer noticed his glassy, bloodshot eyes and he smelled of alcohol.

In a mandatory test, Officer Gibson registered a 0.128 on two blood-alcohol tests, which is well above the 0.08 limit. It is unclear what Officer Gibson’s current status with the police department. Gibson was accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program that allows first time offenders to possibly fulfill requirements that might result in charges being withdrawn. In Officer Gibson’s case, he must complete community service and abstain from drugs and alcohol and maintain good behavior.

Facing the charge of DUI is very serious and having a conviction on your record could cost you your job as well as your license and the expense of having to pay higher insurance rates as a result. If you are facing the charge of DUI, give the Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis a call. Mr. Kellis has over 20 years of experience in both DUI conviction and defense, so he knows the law. Call us or use the contact form here on our website for a free consultation and legal analysis. We are here to answer your call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.