The trial for Nicole Hamlett Behler, formerly of Keysville, was continued to June, Lunenburg County Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Clement said.

“On Aug. 29, 2017 in Circuit Court, Nicole Behler faced a charge of Felony Animal Cruelty as the result of abandoning a pet dog in her home that died from dehydration/malnutrition,” Clement said.

“She and her attorney entered into a plea agreement in which she stipulated the evidence sufficient for guilt, but the adjudication was deferred for one year until Aug. 6, 2018 subject to conditions attached hereto,” Clement said. “If she failed to comply, she would be found guilty of the felony and sentenced by the judge. If she complied, she would be found guilty of a misdemeanor of Cruelty.”

Clement said Behler’s probation officer notified the county that Behler had failed to complete 100 hours of community service and tested positive for use of marijuana on three occasions.

“As a result, a Show Cause Order was issued to bring her back into court for failure to comply,” Clement said.

“On April 24, 2018, she was brought in for determination of attorney, and the matter was set for May 1, 2018, however, the attorney requested a continuance to June 4, 2018,” Clement said. “At this time the judge will hear the evidence of her non-compliance and decided whether he will find her guilty of the felony and then sentence her, or whether he will give her more time to comply. I will be asking that he find her guilty.”