Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara pleads not guilty to criminal charges stemming from car crash

Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges related to a car crash last month where she veered off the road and struck a house in Jamaica Plain, injuring her child in the back seat.

"I have faith and trust in the court process and I will continue to go through it as is required of me," Lara said on the courthouse steps in West Roxbury after her arraignment. "My commitment right now and my focus is continuing to represent my constituents."

Lara faces charges of operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving with a suspended license. An assistant clerk magistrate on Wednesday added the charges of operating negligently and recklessly permitting bodily injury to a child.

Police records show Lara's license had been suspended since 2013.

Several Boston city councilors showed up to support Lara Wednesday morning, including councilors Tania Fernandes Anderson, Julia Mejia, and Ricardo Arroyo.

Lara faced a sea of cameras as she left the courthouse and had difficulty making it back to an awaiting vehicle. Multiple hecklers yelled that she should resign.

Councilor Arroyo, who himself faced pressure to resign as a councilor earlier this year, watched from a distance as Lara's ride pulled away.

"I think she's being accountable, she was here in court today to answer to this, and I think she's going to continue to go through this process as she should," he said. "I hope that folks give her some grace in a time that is very difficult for her and her family and the people who love her."

Lara was released on her own recognizance and ordered not to drive without a valid license. Her defense attorney indicated he'd be filing a motion to dismiss the charges.

Lara's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 16.