It’s simple: break the law, pay the price

After hearing the news of Erie County Sheriff’s deputy Michael E. Haug, a Kenmore resident who was recently involved in a DWI accident while off-duty, during which he alledgedly hit motorcyclist, Daniel J. Colosimo, 37, of the Town of Tonawanda, there have been quite a few different opinions floating around town.

Obviously, we have to keep in mind that Haug is considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. However, I question if every person who gets into an accident while their motor skills are impaired by alcohol or another form of illegal substance, is also considered innocent until proven guilty?

Clearly, any form of government or law enforcement agency will confirm to the public that everyone receives fair and equal treatment, but we (the public) are not that naive.

It was recently stated in a neighboring publication that upon Haug’s lawyer’s request, his case was adjourned and will resume at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in an Amherst courtroom.

How often does this happen?

In addition, it was stated that Haug was chatting with other officers in the Amherst courtroom and appeared to have cleaned up quite nicely.

I wonder is Colosimo is able to clean himself up yet? Or, if he is still laying in a hospital bed as a result of Haug’s choices that night?

Even if the incident was an accident, Haug is a representative of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department - he should be held to higher standards than the average citizen. The main purpose of his job is to patrol Erie County and aid in keeping it safe for citizens to live their lives. Rather than doing that, he chose to break the law and ruin another’s life.

And his lawyer gets to postpone his case?

I don’t know what the proper repercussions of the crime should be, but letting him off with a slap on the wrist wouldn’t seem very “fair” for the rest of the citizens, who often have to suffer the consequences if they break the law.

I hope to see the judge who is presiding over this case make the “right” decision for all who will be effected by the final decision.

Just because Haug is a member of law enforcement, that doesn’t mean he is above the law. Especially, if he partakes in breaking the law.