The 24-year-old Bloomington woman whose car was allegedly involved in the hit-and-run death of Eastern senior Lauren Leffler, 21, was formally arraigned on three felony counts on July 13.

Katie Lawson, 24, was allegedly the driver of the car that hit Leffler and Leffler’s friend Nicholas Jefferson while they crossed Washington Street in Bloomington at 2 a.m. on June 24.

Lawson has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence in an accident that caused death, failure to report an accident involving a death and leaving the scene of an accident that involved personal injury.

The arraignment took place early Friday, and the case will continue in a July 27 status hearing, said Matt Banach, the assistant to the McLean County State’s Attorney.

Associate Judge Rebecca Foley, who hears all of McLean’s felony DUI cases, will be hearing the case

“It’s a typical court hearing wherein the attorneys will touch base and the (Lawson’s) attorney will let us know if there is anything additional they need as far as reports and discovery material,” Banach said.

This is also where motions can be scheduled, he said.

“As of right now, no motions have been scheduled,” Banach said.

Lawson has not entered a plea of guilty or not guilty, but Banach said he still thinks she will start the initial proceedings with a plea of not guilty.

Lawson is not expected to speak during courtroom proceedings anytime soon, Banach said.

“Typically, a defendant doesn’t speak until either trial or sentencing—neither of which are set right now,” Banach said. “During the next month or couple of months, (Lawson’s) attorneys will review the evidence and the discovery presented by the state and consult with her about what they wanted to do.”

The July 27 status hearing will take place at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 4C of McLean County Law and Justice Center, 104 W. Front St., Bloomigton.

Nike Ogunbodede can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].