Bus Driver Charged with DUI Manslaughter

Joanne Madaule had eleven elementary school students aboard her bus on September 27^th when she hit and killed a pedestrian who was crossing the street at an intersection. The victim was a 75-year-old woman who was immediately rushed to the hospital with severe injuries. According to the Los Angeles Times Madaule was making a left turn near the school when she hit 75-year-old Marguerita McIntosh. The woman died later that day at a local hospital. The eleven children aboard the school bus were seriously shaken when they witnessed the messy and devastating accident.

Joanne Madaule was not charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, but further investigation found that she was using a controlled substance that affected her driving. The police are still trying to determine what controlled substance Madaule was taking. Once her tests arrive back, she will be held for charges of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Her DUI will most likely register as a felony.

Madaule may have been on a prescription medication that was dangerous to take before driving, or may have been in possession of an illegal drug. Regardless, she will face serious charges for her actions. She may also be pressed to compensate the family of the woman that she hit. In addition, she may need to compensate the families of the children that were on the bus during the terrible ordeal and may be psychologically traumatized from the experience.

If you have been charged with a DUI, DUI manslaughter, or another DUI offense, then you need to hire an attorney to come to your defense. This directory provides a variety of options for you to explore. Once you have professional on your side, you will want to carefully look into the options available for you regarding defense.