Three charges have been dropped against Boston City Councilor Kendra R. Lara in relation to last summer's car crash, including speeding, reckless driving and a seatbelt violation, reports the Boston Globe. The councilor now faces only six charges, as the case progresses further.
Following the car crash on June 30 in Jamaica Plain, where Lara's 7-year-old son, was injured, nine charges initially were filed against the District 6 councilor. Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.'s office has succeeded Suffolk County prosecutors in handling the case to prevent any conflict of interest. Legal representative of Lara, Carlton E. Williams, advocates for the dismissal of remaining charges, says NBC Boston.
Detailing reasons for dropping charges by the Worcester District Attorney remains to be divulged, however Lara's attorney asserts that prior to the crash, vehicle's electronic data recorder indicated a speed of about 27 miles per hour, contradicting the Boston police report of over 50 miles per hour. Williams expressed his confidence in achieving a favorable outcome with the dismissal of recent charges, via a telephone conversation.
In an attempt to avoid another car on Centre Street, Lara swerved and crashed through a front yard, finally hitting a porch of a house. A cut on Lara's son's head required a visit to the Boston Children's Hospital, as reported by CBS News. As per another Boston Globe article, the child was not in a booster seat at the time of the accident, which is a requirement for children who are under eight years of age or less than 57 inches tall.
Having pleaded not guilty to all charges, Lara has been released on personal recognizance since the incident. Claiming that she swerved to avoid a sudden car that entered into traffic, thereby losing control of her car, Lara and her attorney argue that the authorities have exaggerated the charges. "For someone who is one, driving without a license and gets into a car accident, the severity of charges I received is unprecedented," stated Lara.
Discrepancy in police reports and third-party investigations regarding her speed at the time of the crash has been acknowledged by the councilor, and they argue that the lower speed exonerates her from the accusation of negligent operation. The attorney criticized the severity of the charges filed against Lara, stating, "She did everything she could to avoid hitting people."
With Lara's next court date scheduled for November 15, the outcome's potential impact on her political career and future aspirations are awaited.
