Denver Legislator Exemption

A Colorado legislator was stopped for a DUI last week, but the surprising thing is that he was not arrested. It turns out that diplomats and law makers cannot be questioned for a DUI felony if no accident occurred. If an accident did result in the DUI, it would be a different story. The legislator would be arrested for the charge.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other organizations are not happy with the law because it seems unfair and does not set a good example for everyone. "I don't see why we should treat legislators different than normal people," said spokeswoman Emily Tompkins. "So it's time to clean that up. It absolutely sends the wrong message that those writing the laws we have to stand by are exempt from them."

Oddly enough, this law has been in place for nearly 100 years. It was originally set in place so a legislator could not be halted on their way to placing their vote in time. I find this flawed simply because the last thing I want is a law breaking legislator writing our government. We need the most honest law abiding citizens running this country.

Here is the Law which got him off but will not work for the rest of us:
Section 16. Privileges of members. The members of the general assembly shall, in all cases except treason or felony, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the sessions of their respective houses, or any committees thereof, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either house, or any committees thereof, they shall not be questioned in any other place.