A Pennsylvania woman faces DUI charges after driving under the influence while on the clock. At the time of her arrest, she was transporting four students.

DUIs can negatively impact anyone's career. This is doubly so for those who drive as part of their jobs. A DUI conviction may affect an individual's continued employment, including resulting in suspended licenses.

If you're facing DUI charges, being proactive in defending yourself can impact your future, including your job. If you're facing DUI or other driving charges, contact us at 888-535-3686 or on our website.

Drugged Driving

Witnesses initially tipped off police about a school van driving below the speed limit and weaving between lanes at 8 am on a Monday morning.

When police pulled over a school van, they found the driver, Heather Shumberger, had four students as passengers. Shumberger dozed off while speaking to police and failed the field sobriety test. After police took Shumberger into custody, they transported her to a local hospital.

Shumberger faces the following charges:

• One DUI count for controlled substance – impaired ability
• One DUI count for individual under influence of drug
• Four counts of endangering the welfare of children
• Four counts of recklessly endangering another person
• One count of careless driving

Impaired Driving Is Impaired Driving

Police believe Shumberger was under the influence of medication at the time of her arrest. It can be more difficult to determine if an individual is under the influence of medication compared to alcohol. Drivers who are under the .08 BAC limit but drive erratically may still face DUI charges.

The penalties for a DUI with a controlled substance depend on whether it's an individual's first, second, or subsequent offense. Individuals can face fines, jail time, and a suspended driver's license if convicted. Insurers may also increase a driver's car insurance premiums.

Careless Driving

Shumberger was charged with careless driving, which shouldn't be confused with reckless driving. Pennsylvania defines the two differently, with reckless driving requiring the intent to drive in a manner that puts others or property at risk of injury or damage.

Similar to DUIs, a careless driving conviction has a range of penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. For Shumberger, she faces the added complication of having put four children in danger, which Pennsylvania considers a felony.

News reports haven't stated whether the school district has suspended her or if she faces disciplinary action. Depending on the type of van she was driving and the license it required, she may also face losing her commercial driver's license.

Commercial Licenses

For drivers with commercial licenses, punitive measures can be even more severe. For commercial license holders, they cannot have a BAC higher than .04 and face the suspension of both their personal and commercial driver's licenses. Commercial drivers also face mandatory jail time if convicted.

Even if a driver doesn't hold a commercial license, a DUI conviction risks reduced employment prospects. In some cases, a DUI may be grounds for termination.

Protect Your Future

If you have a DUI conviction, you don't have to accept the charges against you. Extenuating circumstances and reduced charges are just two ways you can minimize the damage to your future.

The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you mount a defense against a DUI or other driving charges. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or on our website.