Superior Court Judge Robert Frank Floyd Jr. presided over the first non-jury trial in Johnston County Superior Court since a constitutional amendment took effect.
Under an amendment approved by voters during the November 2014 general elections, a person can waive their right to a jury trial in superior court. North Carolina was the last state that did not allow individuals on trial to select a bench trial before approval of the amendment.
On Monday, Crystal Elaine Toler, 26, of Princeton went on trial for driving while impaired, reckless driving, and having an open container of alcohol in her vehicle.
Toler was charged by Selma Police following a single car accident on December 22, 2013. Police said Toler was behind the wheel of a 2000 Ford SUV when it ran off West Anderson Street, struck a tree, and overturned in the front yard of a home.
Toler and three passengers sustained non-life threatening injuries in the accident.
After hearing testimony in the case, Judge Floyd ruled Tuesday Toler was not guilty of DWI and reckless driving. He found her not responsible for the open container charges.
The non-jury trial amendment took effect in all 100 counties across the state on December 1, 2014.
