Attorney: Female LAPD Commander Found Drunk, Sleeping In Patrol Car 'Treated Differently'

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — An attorney for a Los Angeles Police Department commander arrested for public intoxication and relieved of duty five months ago says the decision to fire her was sexist.

Tuesday night, LAPD board members ruled Commander Nicole Mehringer should lose her job for an incident that cost the department a whole lot of embarrassment.

Mehringer, a 22-year veteran, was busted along with a sergeant who was accused of being falling down drunk.

But Mehringer's attorney Brad Gage says the decision was "obviously disappointing" and fueled by sexism.

"I believe that my client is being treated differently than the male employees. I believe there is evidence that male employees have been charged with greater allegations and not even been disciplined at all," said Gage.

LAPD Commander Nicole Mehringer (credit: CBS)

The pair was arrested in Glendale in April for allegedly being drunk in an unmarked LAPD vehicle.

Mehringer was in the passenger seat and charged with a misdemeanor.

Even though the department's decision is final, her attorney now says an appeal will be filed in Superior Court.