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Warrent issued for woman hospitalized following March 8 accident in Byron

By Howard B. Owens

A warrant was issued in Genesee County Court today for a woman involved in a one-car rollover accident March 8 and expected to be released from Strong Memorial Hospital today.

Michelle Crawford, who in 2009 was the first person in Western New York charged with felony DWI under "Leandra's Law," was placed on the court docket for an alleged violation of probation.

"I would request a warrant," said Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, "especially considering the circumstances that required her appearance, which included drinking and driving and getting into a serious motor-vehicle accident."

No charges have been filed related to the March 8 accident. The Sheriff's Office is awaiting results of blood tests before determining what, if any, charges are filed.

According to attorney William Harper, of the Public Defender's Office, Crawford was taken out of the intensive care unit yesterday.

Crawford will require ongoing medical care upon her release from the hospital, but Zickl said outside of court that if she is arrested and jailed, the jail can provide for her care.

Reportedly, Crawford's jaw has been wired shut.

The 26-year-old Batavia resident has three children and was arrested for alleged DWI in November 2009. Her children were reportedly in her car at the time of her arrest, making it a felony DWI under a fairly new law that made driving while drunk with children in the car a more serious crime.

However, in a bench trial in Erie County, Crawford was acquitted of the felony charge and convicted of driving while ability impaired and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Lisa Falkowski

I'm confused? Was she released yesterday or today? If she's not out yet, then she's not been given a chance to turn herself in. Otherwise, I agree with the warrant.

Mar 14, 2012, 10:57am Permalink
Paul Witkowski

Another fine example of our justice system! I am so glad Zickl is taking such a hardline...which of course is a joke considering his record. She will appear in front of Noonan and believe me the record will reflect.....another person will be allowed to perpetrate another felony!!! If you question my conclusions..please inquire of the questionable relationship of noonan and zickl

Mar 14, 2012, 8:12pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

"If you question my conclusions....please inquire of the questionable relationship of noonan and zickl"
To whom shall we inquire?

Mar 14, 2012, 8:39pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Well that just doesn't make any sense. If there is some sort of "questionable relationship" between the DA and the judge, you would think that there would be a stiffer penalty, not that she would be "allowed to perpetuate another felony."

Mar 14, 2012, 9:03pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'd delete Paul's comment as a personal attack, but then we'd all be deprived of the comedic value.

Or to put another way, I'd delete it as a personal attack if I could make any sense of it.

Mar 14, 2012, 10:31pm Permalink

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