The Chicago Sun-Times reported that former Mount Prospect bus driver Betty Burden, accused of driving several elementary school kids while under the influence of alcohol, will contest the felony DUI charge. Ms. Burden was arrested for the alleged offense on March 9.
It seems as though the court of public opinion already has condemned her alleged DUI. Understandably distraught parents of the student passengers called for the firing of Mount Prospect District 57's transportation director, Vince Ramirez, as reported in the Chicago Daily Herald. He was later fired.
Despite warnings from two co-workers who claim to have smelled alcohol on Ms. Burden's breath, she was allowed to board her bus and drive most of her route.
Ms Burden admitted to having had a vodka and orange juice at lunch according to police records and a breathalyzer test indicated that her blood-alcohol concentration was a tipsy .226 percent.
But Ms. Burden believes she has a good defense. Why?
Illinois DUI attorney Ernest Blomquist, who is representing Ms. Burden, claims many questions remain unanswered. For one, Mr. Blomquist said she drove her nearly seven-mile route with "no traffic offenses," hinting at a belief that police may have lacked probable cause for the traffic stop.
Mr. Blomquist also said he plans to challenge the results of her breathalyzer test for unspecified reasons. Mr. Blomquist was quoted more than once defending her "absolutely clear driving record" and her now-tarnished status as an "exemplary employee."
But neither of those factors matter as long as the evidence of her alleged intoxication holds up in court.
Ms. Burden faces a maximum prison sentence of three years if convicted.
Related Resources:
- DUI - Trial (FindLaw)
- School Bus Driver Charged with DUI (NBC Chicago)
- Consult with a Chicago DUI Lawyer (FindLaw)
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