Bond Set at $100,000 for Chicago Woman Charged with Sixth DUI

On March 26, 2021, at approximately 6:56 p.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department observed a vehicle, allegedly driven by Richardson, attempt to make an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Bond Street and Diehl Road where there is a sign that indicates no U-turn allowed. Additionally, as the vehicle was on the roadway, the driver was allegedly observed pulling her seatbelt from the rested position and across her body in an attempt to buckle the unbuckled seat belt. Based upon the above observations, a traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver, officers observed that the driver allegedly had bloodshot and glassy eyes, slow and slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol coming from her person. Officers initiated field sobriety tests after which Richardson was taken into custody. A search of Richardson’s vehicle allegedly yielded an open 200 ml bottle of vodka in the front passenger seat approximately two-thirds empty.

“It is alleged that after multiple DUI convictions and while on parole for a DUI, Wanda Richardson once again, thumbed her nose at the law and put the public at risk for a sixth time when she got behind the wheel of a car last weekend,” Berlin said. “Her alleged actions show a complete contempt for the rule of law and consequently, she is now looking at a possible prison term of up to thirty years behind bars if convicted. People have got to understand that driving is a privilege, not a right and with ride-sharing services at your fingertips, there is no reason whatsoever that anyone should get behind the wheel of a car if they have been drinking. I applaud the heads-up efforts of the Naperville Police Department for getting this alleged drunk driver off the streets. I would like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Kelly McKay and Michele Moreschi for their efforts in securing charges against this defendant.”

“Drunk driving enforcement continues to be a top priority of the Naperville Police Department to keep our roadways safe,” Marshall said. “Impaired drivers need to be held accountable and taken off the streets to avoid potential tragedies. I appreciate the efforts of the officers involved in this incident for taking the appropriate enforcement action in tandem with the DuPage County States Attorney’s Office.”

Richardson’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 19, 2021, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.