Above the law?

**IMGreat101** · 02-18-12, 06:13 AM

Does any profession come with a "Get out of jail free" card?

On top of the tickets issued by the officer, she will get another from the speed cam.

According to a police report, Kuestner said she didn't know why she was stopped.

Read more: Police Pursue Speeding ER Doctor - Des Moines News Story - KCCI Des Moines

**Five-0** · 02-18-12, 10:03 AM

If she would have kept her mouth shut she would not have gotten anything. If she had pulled over first she would have gotten a ride to the hospital from me. You know the legal way, in an emergency vehicle. Safer for everyone involved, including those on the road on the way to the medical facility. She is probably a fine surgeon, but a condescending idiot when it comes to common sense.

**Cidp24** · 02-18-12, 10:57 AM

I have never understood how doctors on an emergency run expect us to know who they are. I agree that if she had stopped, presented ID, and explained herself, she probably would have been let go and maybe even given assistance.

We used to get an occasional call late at night that a doctor would be coming through our town on the way to the interstate on an emergency run to the hospital. They gave us his vehicle description and route. I saw him a couple of times on his run and he would have his flashers on, ran about 10-15 over, came to complete stops at red lights and proceeded. That was a doctor with some sense. I often wondered what he did earlier in the evening if he got a call out because I never heard of him coming through earlier than 10-12 oclock.

**countybear** · 02-19-12, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by IMGreat101

Does any profession come with a "Get out of jail free" card?

No. Officer descretion is always weighed against the severity of the offense, and the attitude of the offender.

That said...

An physician headed to an emergency callout deserves some reasonable latitude. If he or she creates a life-endangering situation by refusing to stop and kicks off a high speed chase, this margin shrinks. My opinion.

**ChesCopPodz** · 03-13-12, 07:42 PM

I have no idea if it's a state law that they're allowed to or not, but about once a month we get a message over the MDC that a transport vehicle is transporting a viable organ for an impending transplant between Denver and here on the interstate, and to not stop him. He's in a marked car with yellow lights on it. To his credit, he stays in the 10-20 over range on the interstate and always uses his lights.

**krauty** · 03-13-12, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by ChesCopPodz

I have no idea if it's a state law that they're allowed to or not, but about once a month we get a message over the MDC that a transport vehicle is transporting a viable organ for an impending transplant between Denver and here on the interstate, and to not stop him. He's in a marked car with yellow lights on it. To his credit, he stays in the 10-20 over range on the interstate and always uses his lights.

I've heard of troopers here escorting organs.

**Captain America** · 03-13-12, 11:40 PM

She's probably a very skilled surgeon because she has absolutely no common sense and such a charming personality.

**mavriktu** · 03-16-12, 07:34 AM

Just how much time out of her busy life would it take to call and advise??Think about it,as she is walking to her car in the driveway,"this is dr.bitch,I have an emergency and will be in my (Beemer,Porshe,Caddy etc) and going down I-01 to St.Elsewhere hospital.I will be going a lil quick,but will obey most traffic laws.

**IMGreat101** · 03-16-12, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Captain America

She's probably a very skilled surgeon because she has absolutely no common sense and such a charming personality.

I met her and her sister a few years ago in a dark smokey bar listening to live blues. She is indeed one of the best vascular surgeons around and definitely not hard on the eyes. Too bad she had her "Super-Hero-Can't-Touch-Me" attitude.

**Trojan 42** · 03-16-12, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by IMGreat101

Does any profession come with a "Get out of jail free" card?

Yes, Monarch of the United Kingdom.

**Jim1348** · 03-16-12, 10:17 AM

While I wouldn't say it is a "Get Out Of Jail Free Card" or that they are exactly above the law, in Minnesota there are some statutes that give some protection to legislators while they are in session. I think they basically delay the process until the session finishes.

**Rhino** · 03-16-12, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by IMGreat101

On top of the tickets issued by the officer, she will get another from the speed cam.

Double Jeopardy? Or are the speed cameras civil citations?

**Jks9199** · 03-16-12, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Jim1348

While I wouldn't say it is a "Get Out Of Jail Free Card" or that they are exactly above the law, in Minnesota there are some statutes that give some protection to legislators while they are in session. I think they basically delay the process until the session finishes.

You'll actually find those throughout the US, effecting both state and federal legislators. Makes sense, too... Otherwise, by locking up legislators on BS charges and preventing their attendance at the session, you could shape legislation by fiat. And that's their exclusive domain!

**Bob Loblaw** · 03-16-12, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by krauty

I've heard of troopers here escorting organs.

heh...it will get a trooper in trouble from time to time...

**Jks9199** · 03-16-12, 08:13 PM

Y'know... thinking on this, if it was that urgent, she shouldn't have been driving. She should have been DRIVEN in an emergency vehicle. Had it been me chasing her, and she'd simply stopped and explained what was up -- I'd probably have told her to get in my car, and run her to the hospital. Especially since I don't think this case would have even involved leaving the jurisdiction (our closest hospital is a fair bit outside the municipality...)

**lewisipso** · 03-16-12, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by Jks9199

Had it been me chasing her, and she'd simply stopped and explained what was up -- I'd probably have told her to get in my car, and run her to the hospital.

Understood. However, at my former agency there was a time where we could not even escort an emergency vehicle. I can't imagine what would have been said had we put someone in the unit for escort.

**Jks9199** · 03-16-12, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by lewisipso

Understood. However, at my former agency there was a time where we could not even escort an emergency vehicle. I can't imagine what would have been said had we put someone in the unit for escort.

Better in my car than leading her in her own car, which doesn't have emergency equipment... or her car driving like a maniac without the benefit of lights and sirens.

**DeputyDuc** · 03-17-12, 10:22 AM

This is newsworthy?! Must be a slow few days there. The reporter makes it sound like Drs. getting stopped en route to emergencies never happens.

Anyway, she is not above the law but in the case of legitimate emergency latitude is warranted. As noted there are ways the surgeon could've handled this that would take nominal time, even would have worked out better for her.

**lewisipso** · 03-17-12, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Jks9199

Better in my car than leading her in her own car, which doesn't have emergency equipment... or her car driving like a maniac without the benefit of lights and sirens.

Oh believe me I agree.

**mavriktu** · 03-17-12, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by Jks9199

You'll actually find those throughout the US, effecting both state and federal legislators. Makes sense, too... Otherwise, by locking up legislators on BS charges and preventing their attendance at the session, you could shape legislation by fiat. And that's their exclusive domain!

In La.they are protected against DUI,---as well they should be,hell we have the best politicians money can buy.