No one is above the law. That's the rule of democracy no matter what state you are in, including Tennessee. But just as no one is above the law, everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence. And doesn't matter what the allegation is. Due process is meant to be afforded to every person charged.

The reality, though, is that some charges result in immediate penalties, even before the matter gets into a court of law. One example of this is when the accusation involves driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). If a person stopped for a suspected DUI infraction refuses to submit to a breath or blood test in Tennessee, their license can be suspended, even if they are later acquitted. In the case of a Memphis police officer, the immediate punishment includes suspension from his job.

Authorities say that's the action they've taken against a 31-year-old officer after he was pulled over early this morning for alleged DUI and refused to take a breathalyzer test. Investigators say the officer in question was driving at about 3:15 this morning when his car left the road and hit a concrete embankment and then a fence. He suffered minor injuries.

His superiors say that the officer has been relieved of duty and pay. Meanwhile, the investigation continues.

This is not the first time that officers of the Memphis Police Department have been brought up on charges. In recent months five officers have found themselves facing allegations ranging from harassment of an ex-wife to various drug crime charges.

Source: The Commercial Appeal, "Memphis police officer suspended after DUI arrest," Jody Callahan, Jan. 30, 2012