NORWICH – Rita L. Warner, 33, was found guilty of driving while intoxicated by a jury of her peers. “Twelve people, impartial people, felt beyond a reasonable doubt that you were guilty,” said Judge Howard Sullivan during Warner’s sentencing this week. Warner was sentenced to 30 days incarceration at the Chenango County Correctional Facility, five years probation and over $1,200 in fees and fines.

Warner maintained her innocence throughout her proceedings. “This was a very troubling case, judge. Obviously the defendant has a drinking problem which she refuses to admit. To me that’s a first step in accepting your responsibility and a step the defendant has refused to make,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride. McBride also said he believes the defendant needs a “wake up call” and asked Sullivan to send her to prison for a year.

Warner’s attorney Patrick Kilker said, “Ms. Warner didn’t plead guilty because she didn’t feel she was guilty.” Kilker also mentioned that as a result of this felony charge Warner lost her internship, two teaching jobs and could not achieve her Ph.D. “Ms. Warner now has limited vocational and educational options,” he said. Warner has also spent thousands of dollars on her defense and expects to spend thousands more on her appeal.