Mary T. Morrison, 53, was arraigned in Lowell District Court on charges of Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, 14 counts of Child Endangerment While OUI / DUI; and Leaving the Scene of Property Damage.
According to the Lowell Police Department, Morrison was allegedly driving the bus around 8 a.m. in late October with 14 children on board when she crashed into two parked cars. Lowell Police further allege that she did not stop following the accident.
With the passing of “Melanie’s Law” in 2005, the Massachusetts state legislature enacted the OUI / DUI Crime of Child Endangerment While Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, which now makes it a crime to operating a vehicle while under the influence with a child 14 years of age or younger.
The DUI / OUI Crime of Child Endangerment is punishable with imprisonment for not less than 90 days and up to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections, as well as a 1 year loss of license. 2nd or subsequent offenders can be punished by imprisonment for not less than 6 months up to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections; or 3-5 years in state prison.
Contact a Massachusetts DUI / OUI Lawyer.
Boston DUI Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis is available 24/7 for consultation on all Massachusetts Drunk Driving Charges, including OUI /DUI, Child Endangerment While OUI, and Leaving the Scene of Accident.
To schedule a Free Consultation, Click Here to Contact a Massachusetts OUI / DUI Lawyer or call 617-325-9500.