Ainsworth woman gets probation for DUI following crash

Patsy-Kay I. Palmer, 20, of Ainsworth faced the Honorable Kale Burdick in the Holt County courtroom in O’Neill on Oct. 11, on four counts. She pleaded guilty to three counts, pursuant to a plea agreement, Count I, driving under the influence of alcohol, first offense, a Class W misdemeanor; Count II, driving left of center, a Class 3 misdemeanor; and Count IV, minor in possession of alcohol, a Class 3 misdemeanor. In return, Holt County prosecutor Brent Kelly dismissed a reckless driving charge.

Burdick sentenced her to a $500 fine; six months of probation, including fees totaling $210; and revoked her driver’s license for 60 days on Count I; a $25 fine on Count II; and a $300 fine on Count IV. She was taxed $105 costs of prosecution. Palmer was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed by a Nebraska State Patrol officer, Palmer was arrested after she received medical clearance at a local hospital following a May 2 traffic accident. According to the document, Palmer had crossed the center line and struck a truck approximately four miles east of O’Neill on Highway 20.

Alynn P. Stauffer, 27, of Elm Creek faced Burdick for pretrial conference on six counts alleged July 17 in O’Neill. A plea deal was announced, resulting in Stauffer pleading no contest and being found guilty by Burdick, to two charges, Count I, reduced from DUI to willful reckless driving, a Class 3 misdemeanor, and possession of open alcohol container, an infraction. In return, Kelly dismissed charges, including display of fictitious plates, driving on shoulder, failure to signal and improper parking. Sentence included a $500 fine and 30-day driver’s license revocation on Count I and a $50 fine on Count II, along with $50 costs. The license revocation was effective Oct. 12, after Stauffer was allowed to drive home from court. She was represented by Bergan Schumacher of Kearney.

William E. Roberts, 35, of O’Neill faced Burdick for further arraignment on two counts, possession of marijuana, an infraction, and no operator’s license, a Class 3 misdemeanor. Roberts entered guilty pleas to the July 17 offenses and was fined $300 and $100, respectively. He was assessed $50 costs. Roberts was represented by Smith.

Remus Hulea, 25, of Rancho Cordova, California, failed to appear for arraignment on misdemeanor charges including refusal to sign a traffic citation and no operator’s license, alleged Sept. 11. Burdick signed a warrant for Hulea’s arrest Oct. 12, setting bond at $10,000, 10% cash.