A school bus driver is facing criminal charges after hitting the brakes. The problem is she wasn't stopping to avoid hitting another car or at a stoplight. She hit the brakes because kids on the bus were misbehaving.

Listening to screaming kids while on a bus isn't enjoyable, but neither is facing criminal charges. Several children were injured, and two suffered injuries severe enough that they were taken to a local hospital.

All of us have moments of frustration and reacting in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately, we sometimes react in a way or at a time that elevates losing our cool to a potential criminal case. If you're facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Bad Brakes

On the afternoon of April 11 in Pike County, bus driver Kerry Sullivan allegedly hit the brakes unexpectedly. When talking with the police after the incident, Sullivan, who was driving students from East Stroudsburg Area School District, said that she had told students on the bus to stop screaming. When they didn't, she hit the emergency brakes.  Sullivan was subsequently charged with:

• Endangering the welfare of children
• Simple assault
• Recklessly endangering another person
• Harassment
• Careless driving
• Reckless driving

In June 2024, she turned herself in. A judge released Sullivan without her having to post bail.

Allegations Aren't Guilt

Sullivan is facing multiple charges, all of which carry different penalties. Each charge has different requirements for finding a person guilty, and a person may be found innocent of all the charges against them, none of the charges against them, or some of the charges against them.

That someone is facing criminal charges doesn't mean they're automatically guilty or that they should simply accept those charges as true.

Individuals may have reasons for their actions. In this case, they should prepare defenses to show their version of events and why they had to act as they did.

Even if an individual is guilty, they may plead or be found guilty of a lesser charge. This can mean lower fines or a reduced sentence, if not avoiding jail altogether.

Reckless Driving

Being charged with careless or reckless driving is one of the more common traffic charges in Pennsylvania. That doesn't mean such a charge isn't serious. It can result in not only fines but also the loss of your driver's license for several months and increased insurance rates.

For those who drive as part of their job, a reckless driving conviction may mean the end of employment. Even once you pay the penalties and fines and have your license restored, you may still be limited in employment opportunities.

Fear of Harm

Simple assault and reckless endangerment are closely related to crimes. With reckless endangerment, someone doesn't have to cause injury to be found guilty: Acting recklessly and in a way that could have caused serious injury is enough.

There's nothing simple about being charged with assault. If found guilty, an individual faces potentially thousands of dollars in fines and up to two years in jail. In Pennsylvania, even attempting to make someone fear imminent and serious bodily injury may result in assault charges.

Defend Your Future

Everyone has bad moments, and one bad choice shouldn't negatively impact your entire life and your future. If you're facing criminal charges, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team.

We help our clients understand their potential defenses and the best ways to navigate their cases. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.