It is not uncommon for the court of public opinion to convict people long before they have had the chance to defend themselves in a court of law. This was also the experience of a teacher’s aide in South Carolina. After her arrest for alleged drug crimes, she was terminated from her employment with Greenville County Schools.
Reportedly, the woman was employed as a substitute teacher in 2010. In 2011, she started going to hospitals and student homes as a homebound teacher to teach children whose health prevents them from attending school. In August 2014, she was reportedly appointed to a teacher’s aide position at a middle school.
According to the arrest warrant, the woman allegedly stole six amphetamines and 12 tablets that are typically used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is alleged the accused woman removed the prescription medication from a student’s locked cabinet on a recent Tuesday evening. Recognizing the impact a conviction can have on her future, this woman will likely be exploring her options for defense.
However, it is important to note that the drug crimes charge is only an allegation at this time. Only if and when the prosecutors have proved the accused woman’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt can a conviction take place. The services of a South Carolina criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in drug-related cases will be invaluable. A lawyer can conduct an in-depth analysis of the circumstances surrounding the arrest before working on a defense strategy aimed at obtaining the best possible outcome.
Source: wyff4.com, “Teacher’s aide arrested on drug-related charge, fired“, Carla Field, Aug. 25, 2016
