12/24/2024

IRON RIVER - An Iron River woman has been charged with six felony counts related to driving while intoxicated and causing serious injury. 37-year-old Amber Orchard was arraigned in Iron County District Court on Monday with one count of operating while intoxicated causing death, two counts of operating while intoxicated causing injury, and three counts of reckless driving in varying degrees after an October crash in which an Iron River resident died and two other passengers were injured.  Two of those charges carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison each.   The prosecuting attorney stated Orchard was a danger to society and asked for a large cash bond.  Orchard’s attorney asked for a lower bond as she has children at home and no criminal record.  Judge Donald Powell gave her a $50,000 bond as well as twice weekly substance testing.  He also banned her from using alcohol, cannabis or non-prescribed drugs as part of her bond.  Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 6th.