A recent wave of teacher arrests for being intoxicated at school has sparked public concern and legal scrutiny. Multiple cases across the country highlight how teachers caught drinking on the job can face criminal charges, job termination, and long-term reputational damage.
For instance, an Oklahoma teacher, Kimberly Coates, was arrested on the first day of school for allegedly being intoxicated while teaching. The reports detail her confrontation with school officials and law enforcement, her high blood alcohol concentration, and the circumstances surrounding her arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
But what happens when a teacher is arrested for being drunk at school? What legal consequences do they face, and do they have options for defending themselves?
Can a Teacher Be Arrested for Being Drunk at School?
Yes, a teacher can be arrested for being drunk on school property if they are found to be intoxicated during school hours. In some cases, such as the arrest of Kimberly Coates, the Perkins Police Department was involved in the investigation and arrest.
The specific charges depend on state laws and circumstances but may include:
- Public intoxication – If a teacher is visibly impaired on school grounds, they can be charged with a misdemeanor for public intoxication.
- Child endangerment – If prosecutors argue that students were put at risk, this can lead to felony charges.
- Possession of alcohol on school property – Some states impose stricter penalties for possessing alcohol in a school zone.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – If the teacher drove to school while impaired, DUI charges could be added.
- Professional misconduct – Even if no criminal charges are filed, school districts can fire teachers for violating professional conduct rules.
Recent Cases of Teachers Arrested for Being Drunk at School
Several high-profile cases have made headlines in recent months, illustrating how schools and law enforcement handle these situations. Coates began explaining her situation by stating she had taken anxiety medication. A cup of wine was found in Coates’ classroom. Coates refused to call someone for pick-up. Coates admitted to drinking half a box of wine the night before. Superintendent Doug Ogle told Coates that she seemed unwell. Coates was taken to Payne County Jail. Perkins Police Sgt. Spencer Gedon commented on Coates’ high blood alcohol concentration. Spencer Gedon told KWTV about the severity of Coates’ actions.
Oklahoma Third-Grade Teacher Arrested on the First Day of School
In August 2023, Kimberly Coates, a third-grade teacher in Perkins, Oklahoma, was arrested after school officials suspected she was drunk at work. Bodycam footage showed Coates failing a breathalyzer test with a BAC of 0.24—three times the legal limit. A cup of wine was later found in her classroom.
California Second-Grade Teacher Arrested but Not Charged
In another case, Wendy Munson, a second-grade teacher in Live Oak, California, was arrested in October 2023 for allegedly teaching while intoxicated. While deputies reported she failed a sobriety test, prosecutors later dropped charges, citing a lack of evidence that she was intoxicated when she arrived at school.
Virginia Special Education Teacher Found Drunk with Alcohol on Campus
In September 2024, Patrick West, a special education teacher in Stafford, Virginia, was arrested for public intoxication and possession of alcohol on school property. He was taken to jail and held until he sobered up. School officials declined to comment on his employment status.
These cases highlight the legal and professional risks teachers face when accused of being drunk at school.
What Happens After a Teacher Is Accused of Being Drunk at School?
Once a school suspects a teacher of being intoxicated, they typically follow these steps:
- School officials initiate an internal investigation – Administrators may interview colleagues, review surveillance footage, or inspect the teacher’s classroom for evidence of alcohol.
- Law enforcement is called – If impairment is suspected, school resource officers or local police may conduct a breathalyzer or field sobriety test. The school resource officer plays a critical role in confirming the teacher’s intoxication and assisting in the arrest.
- The teacher is arrested or removed from campus – If intoxication is confirmed, the teacher may be arrested and taken into custody or placed on administrative leave.
- Criminal charges may be filed – Depending on the evidence, prosecutors may pursue charges such as public intoxication, DUI, or child endangerment.
- The teacher faces disciplinary action from the school district – This can range from suspension to termination, even if criminal charges are dropped.
Is It Illegal for a Teacher to Be Drunk at Work?
While drinking alcohol on school property is illegal in most states, being drunk at work is not always a criminal offense. If a teacher is intoxicated but not disrupting school operations or endangering students, they may not face criminal charges—but they can still be fired.
For example, in the case of California teacher Wendy Munson, prosecutors determined that while her actions were unprofessional, no laws were broken. However, in Oklahoma, Kimberly Coates was charged with public intoxication, showing how laws vary by state. The incident involving Kimberly Coates took place in Perkins, a town situated about 60 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.
Can a Teacher Be Fired for Being an Alcoholic?
Yes, a teacher can be fired for drinking on the job, but they cannot be fired solely for having alcoholism if they are seeking treatment. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alcoholism is considered a disability, meaning employees cannot be discriminated against for having the condition.
The school district released a statement to parents regarding the incident involving Kimberly Coates, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
However, the ADA does not protect teachers who:
- Drink alcohol at work
- Arrive intoxicated
- Violate school district policies on alcohol consumption
Can a Teacher Be Breathalyzed at School?
Yes, school administrators or law enforcement officers may request a teacher to take a breathalyzer test if they suspect intoxication. However, teachers cannot be forced to take the test unless they are under arrest. Refusing to comply could result in administrative consequences, including suspension or termination.
Body camera footage captured the interactions between Kimberly Coates and law enforcement, revealing her admission of drinking wine.
Are There Different Legal Penalties Based on Blood Alcohol Concentration Level?
The legal consequences for a teacher caught drunk at school can vary based on their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest. The higher the BAC, the more severe the potential charges and penalties.
School officials and law enforcement expressed concern that Kimberly Coates did not appear to be the same person they had interacted with earlier, indicating a possible change in her behavior due to alcohol consumption.
How BAC Affects Legal Consequences for Teachers in Michigan
| BAC Level | Potential Legal Consequences |
|---|---|
| Below 0.08% | May not be legally classified as intoxicated but can still face termination, professional misconduct charges, and disciplinary action from the school. |
| 0.08% – 0.15% | Potential charges include public intoxication, endangerment of minors, or disorderly conduct, which may result in fines and possible jail time. |
| 0.16% – 0.24% | Considered extreme intoxication—likely to face enhanced penalties, including higher fines, suspension or revocation of a teaching license, and mandatory alcohol treatment. |
| Above 0.24% | Often results in felony charges, especially if students were put at risk. May lead to permanent job loss and significant legal penalties. |
A high BAC can also influence whether the teacher is charged with child endangerment, which can carry harsher consequences than a standard public intoxication charge.
Can a Teacher Be Forced to Take an Alcohol Test at Work?
Schools may have zero-tolerance policies for drug and alcohol use, but can they legally require teachers to take a breathalyzer or blood test?
Legal vs. Employer-Mandated Alcohol Testing
- Employer Policies – Some school districts require teachers to submit to random or suspicion-based alcohol testing. Refusing may result in termination but does not automatically mean criminal charges.
- Law Enforcement Testing – If police suspect a teacher is intoxicated at school, they must have probable cause to conduct a breathalyzer test. Refusing a legally requested test can lead to charges of obstruction or license suspension under Michigan’s implied consent laws.
- Union Protections – If a teacher is part of a teachers’ union, they may have legal grounds to refuse random testing unless mandated by a contractual agreement.
Teachers should consult with an attorney before agreeing to any voluntary alcohol test at work. A lawyer can ensure their rights are protected and prevent self-incrimination.
What Should a Teacher Do If Accused of Being Drunk at School?
If a teacher is accused of intoxication on school grounds, taking the right legal and professional steps is crucial to protecting their career and future.
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Do Not Admit to Drinking – Anything said to school officials, police, or colleagues can be used as evidence.
- Request Legal Representation – Before answering any questions, contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss options.
- Do Not Consent to Testing Without a Lawyer – Unless legally required, avoid voluntary breathalyzers or blood tests without legal counsel.
- Gather Evidence – If accused wrongfully, collect witness statements, security footage, and medical records (e.g., if a medical condition mimicked intoxication).
- Cooperate With School Policies – If employment is at risk, teachers may need to attend hearings or disciplinary meetings with legal representation.
The right legal strategy can prevent a false accusation from damaging a teacher’s reputation or leading to criminal charges.
Alternative Consequences to Arrest for Teachers Caught Drunk at School
Not all teachers arrested for public intoxication or DUI on school grounds will face criminal charges. Many states offer alternative consequences that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Potential Alternatives to Criminal Charges:
- Diversion Programs – Some teachers may qualify for alcohol education courses or community service programs instead of a conviction.
- Probation Instead of Jail Time – A first-time offense may lead to probation with requirements like random alcohol testing and employment supervision rather than imprisonment.
- Rehabilitation Instead of Termination – In some cases, mandatory rehab can replace job loss, especially if the teacher can demonstrate a commitment to recovery.
- Plea Bargains – If facing criminal charges, an attorney can negotiate reduced penalties such as lowering a child endangerment charge to a disorderly conduct offense.
Seeking legal help early can significantly impact whether a teacher faces criminal penalties or alternative disciplinary actions.
What Are the Public and Social Consequences for a Teacher Caught Drunk at School?
Even if a teacher avoids criminal conviction, the damage to their reputation can have lasting effects on their career, personal life, and future employment.
Key Consequences of a Teacher’s Arrest Being Made Public:
- News Coverage & Social Media Backlash – High-profile teacher arrests are often covered by local and national media, making it difficult to restore one’s reputation.
- Employment Blacklisting – Many schools will not rehire a teacher with a public intoxication or DUI record, even if charges are dropped.
- Professional License Impact – The Michigan Board of Education may revoke or suspend teaching credentials, even if there’s no criminal conviction.
- Expungement Options – In some cases, a teacher may clear their record after a certain number of years through an expungement petition.
A criminal defense lawyer can help minimize long-term reputational damage by negotiating sealing or expunging records and handling employment-related legal issues.
Legal Defense Options for Teachers Arrested for Being Drunk at School
If a teacher is accused of being intoxicated on school grounds, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help build a strong case.
Potential defenses include:
- Challenging breathalyzer or sobriety test results – Improperly conducted tests can yield inaccurate BAC readings.
- Proving lack of impairment – A teacher may show signs of intoxication due to medical conditions, fatigue, or medication side effects.
- Arguing lack of intent – If alcohol was consumed the night before but residual effects remained, the teacher may not have intentionally been impaired at school.
- Disputing child endangerment charges – If there was no evidence of harm to students, prosecutors may not be able to prove child endangerment.
- Negotiating alternative penalties – In some cases, attorneys can work out a plea deal or diversion program to avoid a conviction.
Contact a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Facing an arrest for being drunk at school can have severe legal and professional consequences. If you or someone you know has been charged with public intoxication, DUI, or child endangerment, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
At D.G. Moore Law, we have helped countless individuals fight wrongful charges, negotiate plea deals, and protect their careers. We understand that everyone makes mistakes, and we are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome.
Call (269) 808-8007 today for a confidential no obligation consultation.
