Editor’s note: This story is by Jennifer Hersey Cleveland, staff writer at The Caledonian-Record, where it was first published May 23, 2013.
NEWPORT CITY — A former state representative from Hardwick will take a $262 speeding ticket to jury trial.
Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development Lucy Leriche, 49, of Hardwick told Judge Howard VanBenthuysen Tuesday, May 21, that while she hated to sap court resources, she would have to take the case to trial.
“I’d really like to be able to write a check and make this go away,” Leriche said during a pre-trial conference in Orleans Superior Court.
Leriche could just write a check and make it go away — by paying her fine. But Leriche said she doesn’t want the speeding offense on her record.
The former representative in the Caledonia-1 district and House majority leader said that after her recent divorce, her insurance premiums increased. Leriche said she fears that points on her license will cause her premiums to increase even more and create a greater financial burden on a single person.
Leriche was stopped by state police Sgt. Sean Selby while allegedly traveling 78 miles per hour in a 50 mile per hour zone on Route 14 in Craftsbury July 5, 2012.
Deputy State’s Attorney Sarah Baker said that because of the allegation that Leriche was traveling 28 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, the state is unwilling to reduce the fine.
Leriche again said that maybe she could just write a check or do community service, but VanBenthuysen said that’s something she’d have to discuss with Baker.
After a brief discussion, Baker and Leriche went back on the record. When VanBenthuysen asked if there would be a trial, Leriche said, “I’m afraid so, your honor.”
In traffic appeals, juries can be composed of fewer than 12 people with two alternates, the judge said, with the approval of both parties.
Leriche and Baker both said they were fine with a jury of six people with two alternates.
According to the Vermont statutes, if Leriche had been traveling two miles per hour greater — 80 miles per hour — she could have been charged with a criminal offense of excessive speed.
Leriche was first elected to the House in 2004 and was re-elected to consecutive terms until she decided not to run for re-election in 2012. Leriche then went to work for Green Mountain Power on the Lowell Community Wind Project.
