Driving while impaired can carry serious consequences. Anyone who is charged with driving while ability impaired or with drinking and driving can face imprisonment, fines and court costs. Because the charges and the penalties can be severe, it is important that anyone charged with such crimes seek legal counsel so he or she can mount a vigorous defense. Our Suffolk readers might be interested in an incident that occurred recently that involved a woman and a school bus carrying disabled children.

The accident happened on Sept. 18 at around 8 a.m. A 29-year-old woman driving a Jeep southbound on Connetquot Avenue crossed the double yellow line and hit a Suffolk Transportation Service school bus head on. Both vehicles caught fire after the collision.

The school bus was carrying two wheelchair-bound 4-year-old boys, two aides and the bus driver to a local school. All five occupants of the bus were taken to a local hospital. The bus driver and the two aides were treated for minor injuries. The two children were not injured. It was not reported whether or not the driver of the Jeep suffered any injuries.

The driver of the Jeep was charged with several offenses, including driving while ability impaired by drugs and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Her arraignment was set for Sept. 19. Although no one was critically injured, the woman is still facing some serious charges. Anyone in this position would be wise to seek professional legal guidance so a strong defense can be mounted. A legal professional would know if proper procedures were followed at the scene of the accident, and whether the charges fit the alleged crimes committed. A legal professional would also be in the best position to speak with prosecutors and negotiate for any plea deals that might be available and in the best interest of the defendant.

Source: ABC Local, “Jeep crashes into mini school bus carrying disabled children” No author given, Sep. 18, 2013