New Jersey School Bus Driver Charged With DWI

We’ve all heard the news about Anaya, a private-school bus driver in Bloomfield, New Jersey. During the early afternoon on May 5, 2011, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura saw Anaya’s school bus run a red light and nearly collide with another vehicle. After pulling the bus over, Fontoura detected the smell of alcohol. On further investigation, the officer found that the 62-year-old Anaya had an open and half-empty beer can in her lap and an empty bottle of rum in her pocket.

Police said she failed a field sobriety test. Furthermore, a blood alcohol content (BAC) test revealed Anaya’s levels were nearly twice the legal limit for commercial drivers. The Hudson County school bus driver was charged with driving while intoxicated / DWI and running a red light.

Like other individuals charged with a first-offense DWI, Anaya faces potential time in jail, alcohol counseling, community service, large fines, increases in her insurance premiums, required use of an ignition interlock device, and loss of her driver’s license. Unlike others charged with DUI, she will also likely lose her job and her commercial driver’s license. Thus, much more than her reputation is at risk – her livelihood is, too.

Just last year, another New York school bus driver, Martha Thompson, was sentenced to six months of electronic monitoring, mandatory alcohol counseling and a dozen weekends in jail.

Defending Your License, Your Future

Drunk driving allegations are serious, especially when they can take away your job and/or make it hard to get another job. If you were charged with drunk driving or another alcohol-related offense, seek the advice of an experienced DWI defense attorney to protect your rights, privileges and future. A criminal defense lawyer can help you fight your DWI charges and protect your future.