Nun of this and nun of that but a whole lot of gin

Long Island nun arraigned on charges of drunk driving after she crashes church van

BY Henrick Karoliszyn AND Christina Boyle
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

Friday, September 4th 2009, 2:43 PM

Barcelo for News

Sister Lauren Hanley emerges from court after being arraigned on drunk driving charges.

It's going to take more than a few Hail Marys to get this sister out of trouble.

A Long Island nun who crashed her church-issued vehicle into a tree was arraigned on drunken driving charges Friday.

Sister Lauren Hanley of St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh was busted Tuesday for driving with a blood-alcohol level of .18 - more than twice the legal limit.

Police said a plastic bottle with booze was found inside her vehicle.

"The facts are being investigated," said her lawyer, Joseph Lopiccolo.

"The matter will be resolved in the best way possible for all parties involved.

"We ask for the prayers and support from the parishioners for her family at this time," he added.

Hanley, 68, did not speak during a brief hearing in Nassau County Criminal Court in Hempstead.

She told authorities she had been drinking since 3 p.m. then got behind the wheel and crashed in a residential neighborhood about 6:30 p.m.

She was charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated and released. She is due back in court Friday. The Rockville Centre Diocese issued a statement saying, "We pray that the Lord gives her strength to endure this difficult time."

With News Wire Services