BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Emma Vieira, 20 took to the stand for the first time Tuesday.
The Burlington resident admitted to texting and driving in 2011 while she struck Deborah Drewniak and left her seriously injured and now she'll spend 30 days behind bars for that crime.
A sentence that Vieira says made her suicidal after she was arraigned.
"I didn't really want to live anymore," said Vieira.
In October Vieira pleaded guilty to gross negligence operation resulting on serious bodily injury.
She faced six months and a probation officer told her she hoped to avoid it.
"Ms. Vieira does not believe she should be incarcerated," said Clark Stever.
But Drewniak's family pleaded with the judge to send her behind bars.
"Emma you don't get it, you're not taking ownership for what you've done," said Karen Drewniak.
Vieira's mother pleaded for her to be sent home and that her daughter did feel remorse.
"Emma was devastated," said Regina Vieira.
Vieira apologized to Drewniak in court Tuesday and had a message to anyone who decides to text and drive.
"Put the phone away, it's not worth it," said Vieira.
After jail, Vieira will spend five months in home confinement, and perform 500 hours community service.
And the judge suggested she might spend some of that helping Drewniak out.
"What do you think about that?" said FOX44/ABC22.
"I don't have any comment on that right now," said Drewniak.
Vieira isn't in jail Tuesday night, she'll find out next week when she'll serve 30 days.
She must also complete a driver's education program if she wants to drive during her home confinement.
