As Tustin drunk driving criminal defense attorneys, we're used to explaining that the license suspension from a DUI arrest can affect your work. But we were surprised to see an article suggesting that teachers in California face more direct consequences from too many drunk driving convictions. The San Francisco Chronicle's Crime Scene blog reported May 10 that Shirley Broney will lose her teaching credential for 60 days because she has three drunk driving convictions -- from 1987, 1997 and 2001. Broney had appealed the decision from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, saying the DUIs had nothing to do with her job. But a state appeals court in Sacramento upheld that decision, saying Broney's fifth-grade students could be affected by her convictions.
Broney is not accused of drinking at work or any other sort of inappropriate behavior as a teacher. In fact, her principal testified to the state commission that she is talented and dedicated to her work. Her most recent drunk driving charge stems from a 2001 incident in which police found her trying to leave a parking garage with a blood-alcohol content of 0.25%. The legal limit is 0.08%. For that conviction, her third in 14 years, she was sentenced to 30 days in jail, which she served at home and at work while wearing a GPS monitoring ankle bracelet. The credentialing commission said Broney was guilty of unprofessional conduct and handed down the 60-day loss of her credential, although it suspended the order in favor of three years of probation. The Third District Court of Appeal upheld that decision, saying penalties like the bracelet could affect her classroom control and make the wrong impression on students.
That decision may be appealed to the California Supreme Court, and if it is, our Colton DUI defense lawyers will follow the case with interest. We don't believe people should suffer professional consequences for conduct outside of work that doesn't affect their ability to do their job. If Broney had shown up for work drunk or otherwise posed a danger to her students, a loss of her teaching credential would be appropriate. As things stand, we think the commission's decision was somewhat puritanical, expressing disapproval of her behavior outside the classroom. Most teachers wouldn't want their students to see an ankle monitoring bracelet, but a brave teacher could make it into a "teachable moment" by discussing why drunk driving is wrong. It's also worth noting that Broney's most recent conviction was nine years ago and her oldest one is 23 years old, suggesting several isolated incidents rather than a pattern of alcoholism.
Even if you don't have a professional license or credential to lose, a drunk driving conviction can have serious negative effects on your life. The driver's license suspension alone can affect your ability to get to work or school, find work or take care of your family here in car-oriented California. That's why you should call Howard Law, P.C. as soon as possible after you're arrested for driving under the influence. Right away, we can challenge your license suspension, protecting your driving privileges. Our South Gate intoxicated driving defense attorneys can coordinate that hearing, which is an administrative hearing at the DMV, with defense of the criminal charges against you. Our goal is always to minimize the negative effects of a DUI charge on your life, whether that means an advantageous plea or a full, aggressive defense in the courtroom.
Howard Law, P.C. offers free, confidential case evaluations, so you can speak to us about your case without any further obligation. To set up a meeting or learn more, contact us through the Internet or call 1-800-872-925 today.
