Florida Teacher Patricia Eppley Back In Class After DUI

Patricia Eppley, a Hernando High School teacher in Brooksville, Florida, was arrested for DUI on October 19, 2012. According to police, Eppley was traveling north on U.S. 41 when she drifted into the oncoming traffic lane and struck another vehicle. The driver in the vehicle Eppley struck lost control and hit a tree just off the highway. Police found Eppley at Hernando High School, parked in the bus loop and asked her to perform a few field sobriety tests. Eppley failed the field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest by officers. Her blood alcohol content (BAC) level was later found to be .062%.”

Patricia Eppley has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and DUI property damage. Many people might be wondering how Eppley has been allowed back into her classroom to teach, but Josh Huston of the State Attorneys office has noted that her charges were only misdemeanors and do not result in teachers being kept out of the classroom. Superintendent Bryan Blavatt also noted that district policy mandates that educators and district employees only be investigated pending the outcome of felony charges, which Eppley does not face. Commenting on Eppleys charges, Huston said, “If her accident had resulted in serious bodily injury, she would likely be charged with a felony, but for first-time offenses, they’re normally charged as misdemeanors.” Patricia Eppley is scheduled to appear in court on November 21, 2012 for arraingment.

If you have been arrested for driving drunk, contact an experienced and skilled Florida DUI attorney for legal assistance.