“Principal of the Year” Arrested for DUI

A popular 52-year-old Orlando area principal was arrested in east Orange County earlier this month for suspected drunk driving. She was pulled over around midnight after a Sheriff’s Deputy saw her swerving, according to police reports.

Police alleged that upon spotting police lights, she stopped in the middle of the street and had to be directed to the side of the road. Reports indicated that she was returning home from a Rod Stewart concert at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando, Florida.

The principal is starting her fourth year at Edgewood High School. She was charged with a first degree misdemeanor, but has not yet been suspended by the school district. Individuals charged with DUI could face serious legal and professional consequences. It is unclear whether the principal will face suspension, however students and members of the community were speculating on her future as a principal at the school on social networking websites.

According to school district policy, employees have 90 days to resolve misdemeanors unless they were driving a district vehicle. While the principal was working the day she was arrested, she was not using a district vehicle. Employees can face penalties ranging from a reprimand or dismissal depending on the circumstances. The arrest was reported to school officials.

In addition to school official action, the principal could face serious criminal penalties. Police are alleging that her blood alcohol content was .147, nearly twice the legal limit of .08.

After an arrest it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to protect your rights. As this case demonstrates, even highly respected professionals can be arrested and charged with DUI and face serious penalties upon conviction. The principal was named the 2011-2012 “Orange County PTA’s Principal of the Year.”

Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Edgewater High principal arrested on DUI charges,” Bianca Prieto and Lauren Roth, August 6, 2012.

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