NEW BEDFORD — Ward 3 City Councilor Hugh Dunn’s bench trial for three charges, including OUI, has been scheduled for March 22 after Dunn appeared in New Bedford District Court on Tuesday for a pretrial hearing. 

In Massachusetts, defendants in criminal cases have the right to decide whether to have a jury trial or a bench trial — the latter in which a judge hears evidence and testimony before deciding the case without a jury.

Dunn was arraigned on three charges in court in early November: operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of property damage and operating a motor vehicle negligently following a car crash on May 1, 2021, in downtown New Bedford.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment, the Standard-Times reported.

Attorney Tim Walsh is representing Dunn. Daniel Bennett is the state-appointed prosecutor for the case. 

Dunn has been serving as Ward 3 city councilor since the crash, and was re-elected in fall of 2021 after running unopposed. He was first elected to City Council in 2017.
Email Anastasia Lennon at alennon@newbedfordlight.org.

RELATED STORIES

Sign up for free

Our free newsletter will drop into your inbox weekday mornings, giving you all the highlights of our in-depth news stories and community arts and culture coverage.

SUPPORT OUR WORK TODAY

As an independent, nonprofit news outlet we are reliant on reader support to help fund the kind of in-depth journalism that keeps the public informed and holds the powerful accountable. Thank you for your support.

New Bedford Light is an IRS-determined 501(c)(3) Public Charity; all gifts are tax-deductible. Our EIN number is 86-2407296.

DONATE NOW

Thank you to our sponsors

Irwin and Joan Jacobs, Founding Benefactors

RECENT STORIES