A bus driver has been accused of driving several student athletes (several under 16 years of age) and their coaching staff while under the influence of alcohol, according to a recent report. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed the 47-year-old driver was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence. His attorney will build a DWI defense against the charges when the case is seen in a Minnesota criminal court.
What are the allegations?
According to the complaint, Minnesota State Troopers responded to texts sent by an individual on a bus being driven by the accused man on the evening of Dec. 30. The text informed police the driver was behaving erratically. Officers pulled the bus over on Highway 53 in Cotton and interviewed the driver, who allegedly admitted to drinking before driving the team to and from a tournament in nearby Hibbing.
Police on the scene say the man smelled of alcohol and was showing visible signs of intoxication. Witnesses later said the driver apparently struck a stop sign, made several wrong turns, went the wrong way on a street and argued with coaching staff about his condition. His preliminary breath test was nearly 3 times the legal limit of .08. Police obtained a blood sample after arresting the bus driver. The man had previously been convicted of DWI in a separate incident back in 2013.
Protecting one’s rights and interests when facing these accusations
Any DWI defense in this case will have to take into consideration his prior conviction. If he is found guilty again, he could face up to three years in a Minnesota prison, as well as potentially losing his license and his livelihood. This is why it is important to retain the services of a dedicated attorney in advance of a trial date. Representation improves the chances of reducing the penalties associated with a guilty verdict in this case.
