On Feb. 7, North Carolina authorities arrested a high school teacher on suspicion of drunk driving after she was involved in a one-vehicle accident. The accident occurred on Interstate 77 in Charlotte.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the defendant was taking the Interstate 77 ramp to Interstate 85 when she veered off the highway and smashed her car into some trees. When responding troopers reached the scene of the accident, they said they detected the scent of alcohol and noticed that the defendant’s eyes were red and glassy.

When the troopers spoke with the defendant, she reportedly gave them a false name and told them that she is a teacher at Harding University High, which is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. However, the troopers eventually learned her real name and discovered that she is a teacher at Garinger High School. The defendant also allegedly became verbally and physically combative as the troopers attempted to take her into custody. Eventually, she was placed in the rear cage of a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department police cruiser. She allegedly refused to submit to a breath test, so a blood sample was taken. She has been charged with DWI and resisting arrest.

Individuals charged with drunk driving might want to contact a criminal defense attorney for assistance. The attorney could review the arrest record to determine if the police violated the defendant’s rights at any point during the investigation. If they did, the attorney could work to get the charges dismissed. If the case is solid, the attorney could attempt to arrange a plea deal that reduces the charges and penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.

Source: WSOC TV, “Highway Patrol: CMS teacher combative with troopers, arrested on DWI charge after crash“, Feb. 12, 2019