BURLINGTON, Vt. -
After three days of testimony it appeared the trial against Emma Vieira, 19, of Colchester, Vt., was winding down Thursday in a Burlington courtroom.
But everything changed after the judge broke for a quick break.
"I'll give you 10 minutes and then we're going to come out here and try to conclude this," said Judge Michael Kupersmith.
A few minutes turned into hours as Vieira came back in the courtroom and admitted to texting and driving while hitting Deborah Drewniak more than a year ago.
"And what is your plea to the charge count 2, negligent operation?" said Kupersmith.
"Guilty," said Vieira.
It was a deal Judge Kupersmith wasn't happy to announce so late in the trail.
"Even if you change your mind I would permit you to withdraw your plea only under extraordinary circumstances," said Kupersmith.
Vieira left the courtroom without saying a word.
She pleaded guilty to gross negligence resulting in serious bodily injury and negligent operation.
Instead of 15 years, Vieira will get five years probation and six months in jail or under home confinement.
A sentence that Drewniak is pleased with.
"I'm really happy with the State of Vermont and what Paul Finnerty has done for me," said Drewniak.
Prosecutors say they weren't sure they could win the case and were happy to make the deal.
"She made a mistake with tragic consequences for both parties and hopefully she's learned something through this," said Paul Finnerty.
For Drewniak, she hopes this sentence will get more people to put down their phones.
"I hope they don't use their cell phones for anything," said Drewniak.
Vieira will be sentenced sometime in 2013.
Until then she's home.
As part of Vieira's conditions of release she can not drive.
But after she's sentenced in 2013, she will be able to drive again, although prosecutors say her license could be suspended for a year because of the felony conviction.
Prosecutors say this conviction also helps Drewniak in civil court, if she chooses to go after Vieira for medical expenses.
