Utah Bus Driver Arrested on DUI Charges While Driving Kids and Parents for Field Trip
A Utah school bus driver was pulled over and arrested on DUI charges on Monday, October 13th, while driving a bus full of students and 7 adult chaperones on a field trip to Brigham Young University.
Lycia Martinez, 39, did not have alcohol in her system but was believed to have taken prescription anti-anxiety drugs and muscle relaxers, meaning her DUI was for drugs. Officers found the pills in her purse.
Both a parent on the bus and another driver on the road called 911 about Martinez’s erratic driving. They said several cars honked their horns as Martinez failed to stay in the carpool lane. Fortunately, despite Martinez’s drug-altered driving, no accidents occurred and no one was hurt.
“She can’t stay in the lanes, she’s crossing the double lines, and the adults are getting scared,” said the woman who called 911 from the bus. “We have a long ways to go with this lady, and we are not feeling secure.”
“Oh my hell. … I don’t get scared very easily, but my heart is pounding,” the woman reportedly said later in her DUI call to the Utah Highway Patrol.
Davis School District spokesman Chris Williams said that Martinez has worked as a bus driver for the district for 6 years without any previous incidents. All bus drivers are required to get drug screenings before being hired, and are subject to at least one random drug test per year in an effort to prevent such DUI incidents.
South Carolina Laws Regarding DUI for Drugs
In South Carolina, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of prescribed or over-the counter drugs or medication in addition to driving while under the influence of illicit drugs. States are under pressure to tighten laws for convicting DUIDs and set clear legal definitions. For now, the South Carolina DUID lawyers may have more opportunities for reducing and expunging driving under the influence of drug charges. Note: A DUID that involved illicit drugs may have other criminal drug charges attached.
Although South Carolina legislators are discussing laws to legalize medical marijuana use, currently the state does not allow any type of marijuana use, and will criminally charge users.
The penalties for a conviction of driving under the influence of drugs are identical to the consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina.
If you are pulled for driving under the influence of prescription drugs or medication, you may be asked to submit to a screening test in which your urine is screened for the presence of drugs.
Circumstantial evidence may be used to prove that you were driving under the influence of drugs including how you were driving, how you appeared when you were pulled over, the recording of your field sobriety test, any chemical test results, as well as expert testimony.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with DUI Charges
If you face DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you have received DUI charges does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
