By Mark Scott
Lockport, NY – A local judge who was accused of driving while her ability was impaired by drugs was acquitted on most charges at a non-jury trial Monday.
State Supreme Court Justice Amy Fricano was arrested after her sports utility vehicle struck a utility pole in Lockport in April. She was on pain medication at the time of the accident. But her attorney said the dose was not powerful enough to impair her driving.
Fricano was found guilty of two traffic violations and was fined $310.
"I want to confirm my belief in the criminal justice system," Fricano told reporters afterward. "I work in the courts because the courts work."
Fricano was suspended from her judicial duties following her arrest. Administrative Judge Sharon Townsend would not comment Monday on her plans for lifting that suspension.