COURT WATCH: Saturday ‘Advice of Rights’ session

SUMMARY

ST. CROIX — In a weekend session at the Superior Court in Kingshill, newly appointed Magistrate Judge Christopher M. Timmons presided over Saturday’s "Advice of Rights" hearings, addressing the fallout of recent roadside enforcement. The court calendar focused on public safety, with two defendants—Krystol Hodge and Laiysha Perinon—appearing on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) in violation of 20 V.I.C. § 493(a)(1).

The session marks one of the first weekend rotations for Judge Timmons since his elevation to the bench in late February 2026. While the proceedings lacked the high-intensity violence of recent island shootings, the court’s focus on highway safety mirrors the VIPD’s broader push for community vigilance and situational awareness during the holiday weekend. Under Virgin Islands law, a DUI conviction carries significant penalties, including potential prison time and heavy fines, as the judiciary continues to prioritize the safety of the St. Croix motoring public.