After hitting two parked cars on College Drive in Fredericksburg, a 54 year-old University of Mary Washington professor has been found guilty of DUI, her license has been suspended, she must take an alcohol safety program, pay a fine of $454 and court costs, as reported by the Star Exponent.
Judge John R. Stevens ordered longtime English professor T.K. to enroll in the Virginia Alcohol Safety Program so that her safe driving habits can be improved.
Prior to hitting the two parked cars witness A.L. testified that he saw T.K. drive far too closely to several of the cars parked along College Drive. A.L. told the court, "Her vehicle removed two driver's side mirrors on two cars and the vehicle didn't stop." A.L. also noted the vanity plates on T.K.'s car that read, "UMW QN."
Fredericksburg Police Officer T.T. saw UMW Chief of Police E.P. and Sgt. M.G. speaking with the driver of a 2002 Jeep Cherokee Laredo on College Avenue at approximately 8:10 P.M. on August 17. Officer T.T. questioned the driver and at that time noted a strong alcohol odor when she answered.
Officer T.T testified, "She had bloodshot eyes and seemed lethargic. When she tried to exit the vehicle, she stumbled several times and tried to use the door to help her stand. I grabbed her so she didn't fall down."
T.K. then proceeded to fail most of the field sobriety tests given at the scene. Officer T.T. said, "She lost her balance during the walk and turn and blamed her flip flops so I said she could do the test barefoot. She also lost her balance during the one-leg stand."
Once T.K. was taken to the police station her blood alcohol was tested and it proved to be 0.11 percent. The legal limit to drive is .08.
T.K. told officers she had only consumed one alcoholic beverage prior to hitting the two cars. However, during her testimony, she said she had a glass of whisky over ice and a glass of wine while dining at a restaurant near the university.
T.K. testified, "I was not concerned about driving" and blamed her poor navigational skills on a migraine and eye trouble.
Another witness, former UMW interim provost I.N., had been at the same dinner. I.N. told the court that T.K. did drink at the dinner but didn't seem intoxicated. Instead, according to I.N., she appeared to be ill. He further testified to seeing her brace herself on the bar before she left for the evening.
I.N. said, "She asked if I would sign the bill for her and I noticed her hands were shaking. I told her 'This is not healthy.' But I thought she was OK."
T.K. has been with the university for 22 years. It is unknown as to whether the university administrators will penalize her since her DUI conviction.
If you have been charged with drinking and driving, or being under the influence of drugs while driving, contact a DUI attorney to help you in court.