Woman Accused In Jubilee Days Accident Enters Pleas

The woman accused of drunkenly backing into and injuring multiple people during the Laramie Jubilee Days celebration appeared in Albany County Circuit Court today to make pleas on five misdemeanor counts.

Jennifer A. Finnerty, who prosecutors said is also known by the name Jennifer Rardin, pleaded No Contest for all charges before Circuit Court Judge Castor for her role in the accident that injured at least three people. Finnerty is charged with three counts of Misdemeanor Battery, one count of Driving While Under The Influence and one count of Reckless Driving. A sixth charge of No Liability Insurance was dropped after proof of insurance was provided.

Prosecuting attorney Kurt Britzius told Judge Castor that a blood test administered after the crash indicated Finnerty’s Blood Alcohol Content to be .15, nearly twice the legal limit. He said that three people sustained minor injuries in the incident and were provided medical attention.

A victim’s impact statement provided to the court requested nearly $500 in restitution for one of the victims.

Vaughn Neubauer, Finnerty’s attorney, requested that sentencing be scheduled for a later date. Judge Castor agreed that time should be provided to ensure all restitution has been considered and for a possible substance abuse evaluation to be completed. Sentencing has been tentatively set for January 14, 2015 at 9 a.m. Sentencing may be moved to a sooner date.

DWUI is a misdemeanor which can be fined up to $750, six months in jail, or both on the first offense. Misdemeanor Battery is punishable of up to six months in jail, a $750 fine, or both. Reckless driving is also a misdemeanor which can result in the revocation of a driver’s license for up to 90 days and fines not to exceed $750.