Trier Hit-and-Run Driver Pleads Not Guilty

July 9, 2010 - The teenage driver who seriously injured a classmate in a hit-and-run accident pled not guilty in a Cook County court on Thursday. According to reports at CBS2 Chicago, the 18-year-old Wilmette teenager is facing two charges of driving under the influence, in addition to charges of leaving the scene of an injury accident.

The charges stem from an accident that occurred on May 14 on Winnetka Avenue. The 18-year-old driver hit a 16-year-old girl who also attended New Trier High School, and then fled the scene. The victim suffered serious personal injuries and was in a rehabilitation hospital for several weeks after the accident. Her family expects that she will make a complete recovery, but she is still suffering from a head injury.

The 18-year-old driver told police that she had smoked marijuana before the accident and toxicology tests confirmed that statement. She is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on July 21. If convicted on all charges, the driver could be sentenced to 3 years in prison.