An Alabama man now faces additional charges after authorities say he drove drunk and crashed into a school bus.

The accident happened at 8 a.m. on Jan. 17 on Sulphur Springs Road in nearby Hoover. According to reports, the man crossed over the center line and collided with the bus as it was coming down a hill. The man apparently hit the front corner of the bus. The man was charged with DUI after the accident, and was taken to the Jefferson County Jail.

The driver of the school bus and one of the students riding the bus was injured in the accident. Neither injury was life-threatening.

In addition to the DUI charges, the man now faces first-degree assault charges. He remains in custody, and bond has been set at more than $30,000.

In this case, the man could face harsh penalties if he is convicted of DUI. If he is also found guilty of assault he could face even more consequences. However, as with all criminal charges, a person is presumed innocent unless it is proven otherwise in a court of law.

Anyone in Alabama who is facing similar charges may wish to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can not only mount an aggressive defense against the charges, but can also ensure that their client's rights are protected throughout the entire process.

Although police officials work to protect the citizens of their community, they sometimes act irresponsibly. An attorney can investigate a case to make sure authorities acted responsibly, and also to be sure an individual was charged appropriately.

Source: The Birmingham News, "Assault charge filed in Hoover school bus crash," Val Walton, Jan. 18, 2012