A former Santa Rosa high school teacher pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of reckless evading, driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
Kathleen O'Brien Hahus, 57, of Forestville, who resigned her position at Cardinal Newman High School after her Friday arrest, faces at least six months in the county jail if she is convicted.
She declined to comment as she left the courtroom with her husband after her arraignment before Judge Rene Chouteau.
Her lawyer, Chris Andrian, said the English teacher likely panicked during a traffic stop on River Road shortly after attending a school football game. According to a CHP report, Hahus refused to pull over, instead leading officers on a chase to southwest Santa Rosa at speeds up to 100 mph.
"It's sad when this kind of thing happens to someone who is a very fine teacher and is loved by all her students," Andrian said.
Andrian said there was no evidence that she was driving under the influence. Results from a blood test are pending.
Prosecutors said she was charged based on her failure of a field sobriety test and the opinion of arresting officers. They have agreed to drop the marijuana possession charge in exchange for her admission to the other two counts.
"Reckless drivers in our community cause catastrophic damage and loss of life and property," said Bill Brockley, chief deputy district attorney. "They selfishly put innocent people and families at risk. And that's why this office takes these cases so seriously."
Hahus has no criminal history in Sonoma County, according to court records.
School officials said she was hired as a full-time teacher six years ago after working as a substitute.
Her next court appearance is Nov. 24.
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