Judge sentences teacher for DUI

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) - Traffic Court Judge Michelle Thomason sentenced Charles Lewis, Jr. to two years of probation and forbade him from going into bars or liquor stores. Lewis' DUI came after he wrecked his car on January 4 around 6:00 in the morning in Baldwin County. Records show Lewis blew a .11, which is over the legal limit of .08. That Monday morning teachers at Causey Middle School, where he works, came in for a teacher work day.

Lewis asked for a stipulation in his meeting with the judge. He did not technically plead guilty or not guilty. By asking for a stipulation, he acknowledged the fact that prosecutors could prove he was drunk driving when he wrecked. By not pleading guilty, Lewis reserved the right to appeal the charge within 14 days.

Lewis wouldn't make any comments about his sex abuse case or his DUI charge.

"The parents of these children want some answers, they have been in your classroom and they want to know what's going on. Do you have anything to say to them?" FOX10 News asked Lewis.

Lewis did not say anything, but his attorney John Beck did. He explained the reasoning behind the stipulation bargain.

"It's not really quite a guilty plea but we agree the prosecution can prove their case today and so that leaves us the option to appeal case if we want to," Beck said just after leaving the courtroom.

Beck also said Lewis' sentence is typical for first time offenders.

"It's a first offense DUI. He hasn't been in trouble a day in his life," Beck added.

The state has suspended his license for 90 days. If Lewis violates his probation, he faces 180 days in jail.

He is still on paid administrative leave with the Mobile County Public School System.