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Irvine, California School Principal Arrested for DUI

Posted by Courtney Pilchman | Jun 09, 2008 | 0 Comments

Irvine, California elementary principal Nancy Bower was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence or what is known as DUI. Ms. Bower was driving on Jamboree and San Joaquin in Newport Beach on Saturday night when she was involved in a traffic accident. No serious injuries were reported and nobody was taken to the hospital but the victims, both of Newport Beach, did report neck pain.

Ms. Bower, was placed on administrative leave and will not finish out the school year at Westwood Basics Plus.

Typically, we don't provide commentary on our blogs, however today, we make an exception. Ms. Bower, like so many other residents of Orange County, California are arrested for Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) and 23152(b) or DUI. And, 99.9% of those arrested are never “outed” by the local news.

It is my opinion that a first time DUI should be treated as a civil matter, not a criminal matter. Many people do not know the difference between a .07 BAC and a .08 BAC. Many people do not know between being ok to drive or being impaired for purposes of driving. Many people do not know their limits.

In Ms. Bower's case, there was no indication that this was anything other than a first time DUI. But now, her personal matter has become public because she happens to be a principal of a school? Why does her profession warrant a news story? It doesn't!

It is sad this personal matter, while serious, has become public because the ramifications for her are likely to be huge. The Irvine school board will probably meet to discuss her employment. She could lose her job, her career, her passion to inspire children. I don't know what type of principal Ms. Bower is, but hopefully the teachers and parents will rally around her and she starts the 2008 school year as the principal of Westwood Basics.

Everybody listen up……it is not illegal to drink alcohol and drive. It is illegal to drive while impaired. Don't take chances, if you have more than two drinks, take a cab or find a designated driver.

About the Author

Courtney Pilchman

Courtney Pilchman was a Deputy District Attorney for over six years prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney. She was a member of some of the most elite prosecution units including crimes against children, family violence, and sexual assault. She prosecuted very high profile cases and had a ...

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