A DOTS Shuttle-UM driver, who was arrested Jan. 24 for failing a sobriety test after she crashed into another bus, has been granted a trial continuance and will now not appear in court until May 9.

Renee LaShawn Robinson, 40, was originally scheduled to appear in Hyattsville District Court on Friday on charges that she operated a Department of Transportation Services bus while intoxicated. According to University Police Capt. Marc Limansky, her court date was pushed back nearly two months to allow the defense more time to review accident photographs.

“The most common [reason is] at the request of the defense,” Limansky said. “But any party can request the continuance. Also, a judge could continue the case if they desire, usually to give a defendant time to speak with an attorney.”

According to a DOTS employee, who asked to remain anonymous because department employees are forbidden from speaking with The Diamondback, Robinson waited until the last minute to get representation from the state Public Defender’s Office in order to get her case delayed.

Limansky said Robinson could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted of driving under the influence.

Officers first responded to calls Jan. 24 from DOTS’ bus facility on Greenhouse Road after Robinson crashed her bus into another parked shuttle, police said. She was arrested after officers allegedly smelled alcohol on her breath and tested her blood alcohol content, which was not disclosed.

Although police said at the time no students were on the bus, Limansky confirmed yesterday that another DOTS driver was on the bus Robinson hit. Neither Robinson nor the second driver were injured, although substantial damage was done to both vehicles.

“We’re grateful and thankful that the accident happened on our bus yard and no civilians outside of our department were affected by it,” DOTS Director David Allen said. “We’re still shocked by it.”

Allen said regardless of the postponement, DOTS will support whatever the court decides.

“We fully support the legal process, whatever that may be, when it comes to her fate,” Allen said. “We will deal with her in an appropriate manner within our department.”

Robinson could not be reached for comment last night.

egan at umdbk dot com