Mundelein woman pleads not guilty in fatal crash
A Mundelein woman has pleaded not guilty to charges she was intoxicated during a fatal traffic crash in Libertyville just over one year ago.
Amanda Auld, 23, of the 300 block of Balmoral Drive, faces two charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol that resulted in death and one count of reckless homicide.
The two aggravated DUI charges could put her behind bars from 3 to 14 years, Judge Christopher Stride said during the hearing Thursday in Lake County court. The reckless homicide charge is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Auld cannot be sentenced to periodic imprisonment or probation on the aggravated DUI charge unless the judge determines there are special circumstances that should keep her out of prison, Stride explained. She can be sentenced to probation or periodic imprisonment on the reckless homicide charge.
Auld remains held in Lake County jail on $500,000 bail, officials said.
She was driving a Volkswagen Beetle with passenger Steven Daskauskas when the car hit a semi truck at Harris and Peterson roads in Libertyville on March 7, 2015. Authorities said the truck was preparing to turn left when it was hit from behind by Auld's vehicle that was heading east on Peterson.
Daskauskas was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
Libertyville police said a delay in witness statements contributed to the time it took to bring charges, authorities said.
Auld is due back in court March 23. Her trial is set for April 25.