Intoxicated teacher pleads not guilty

FOLEY, Ala. - "If this is what happened. She is a tragic figure, not a public figure," said Paul Cater. Cater says his client, Barbara Riley, struggles with alcohol and that is something she is dealing with daily. But that should not overshadow her character.

"I can get her the legal help, but I have recommended that she get some professional medical help and she is going to do that," said Cater.

Police say the former Foley Middle School teacher was intoxicated when she showed up for work in Mid-January. School administrators say students noticed something strange. That's when Foley Police came to the school and placed Riley under arrest.

Cater would not go into detail about what his client says happened the day she was arrested, but he did note his client's long term commitment to education., "She is a good person, a good teacher." "I'm hoping she will get through this," he added.

When the incident was initially reported, Baldwin County School Officials placed Riley on Administrative leave. However, a few days later she resigned.

Now, a municipal judge will have the final word on whether Riley will face any punishment.

Riley's court date is set for April 21 in Foley Municipal Court. Judge Mary Murchison will preside over the case. Riley had been with the school district for nine years. Before that records show she was a teacher in Decatur, Illinois.