Lincoln School Bus Driver Charged with DUI

On Friday November 6, 27-year-old Ayla Johnson of Lincoln, RI was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after she allegedly drove a school bus while intoxicated.

Modern LED light bar on police cruiser flashing red and blue emergency lights.

According to a news report at WCVB, Johnson stumbled off the bus she was driving and entered Northern Elementary School. An administrator with the school notified police, who found Johnson in the nurse’s office at the school. Police say the bus driver had a strong odor of alcohol, and they proceeded to administer a field sobriety test, which she failed. She was arrested for DUI.

Prior to arriving at Northern Elementary, Johnson had allegedly completed runs for Lincoln Middle and Lincoln High Schools. The Lincoln School District contracts transportation services through First Student Transportation, Johnson’s employer.

Several witnesses said they saw Johnson stumble off bus #10 around 3 p.m. At the time she got off the bus, Johnson and the bus monitor were the only two people on board. NBC10 reported that Johnson had been permanently barred from driving for Lincoln Public Schools according to Superintendent George Fortunato.

Michigan DUI attorneys recommend that no one ever gets behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking, particularly those who operate public transportation vehicles such as school buses. In doing so, many lives are put at risk. In the state of Michigan, those who have a CDL (commercial driver’s license) and who operate public transportation are not allowed to drive with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.04%, which is half the legal limit of 0.08% for drivers of traditional passenger vehicles.

The punishment in Michigan for first-time offenders who are charged with DUI include fines of up to $500, up to 93 days in jail, driver’s license suspension, and community service. In cases involving a school bus or other public transportation, additional charges such as child endangerment may apply, which will result in harsher punishment. A second or third DUI will result in extremely harsh penalties; many who operate public transportation vehicles will find that as in the case described above, they lose their job.

These types of cases are complex and require the assistance of an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer. If you have been charged with driving under the influence and have a CDL license which allows you to operate public transportation, it is imperative you take action immediately to protect your legal rights, freedom, and career. You must have a defense attorney who is committed to obtaining the best possible result in your case.

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