An Athens woman convicted of vehicular manslaughter received the maximum sentence this week.
Farah Holter, 26, of U.S. Route 33, will serve a 90-day jail sentence, pay a $750 fine plus court costs and have her license suspended two years for causing a fatal car crash Nov. 22, that killed 48-year-old Ricky Smith of Shade, said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Richard Ross.
On June 27, a jury found Holter not guilty of vehicular homicide and possession of cocaine. They did find her guilty of the lesser charge of vehicular manslaughter. She was sentenced July 7.
Ross said Judge Michael Ward gave the maximum sentence because of the severity of Holter's crime.
Her attorney, William Grim, said Holter was sorry for causing Smith's death.
"She realizes she took a life, but it was an accident," Grim said.
Two of Smith's family members -- his father-in-law and sister-in-law -- spoke at the sentencing. Ross said Ward would consider ordering Holter to pay restitution to Smith's family. The family can submit bills that were a direct result of the crime, such as funeral costs and vehicle damage, and Holter could be required to pay them as part of her sentence.
Ross said his office has been told the Smith family will be submitting some bills. The family also has filed a civil suit against Holter.
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Matt Hutton