SAN ANTONIO - It was a tearful ending to an emotional trial. The driver who plowed into a mother and her two young children in their front yard will avoid prison time - at least for now.
A jury Tuesday gave Julie Bronson probation.
Bronson's Mercedes jumped a curb back in 2009, injuring Traci Lopez and her two daughters. Her youngest daughter, Ava, is now legally blind and still undergoes medical treatment.
Bronson had five glasses of wine and took the sleep-aid "Ambien" shortly before going to bed. She claimed no memory of the crash.
Jurors could have put her away for ten years.
Both sides admitted it was a no-win situation.
“Julie has had a tough time accepting that she caused this family harm," said defense attorney Patrick Hancock.
“I believe the jury did the best it could with what what information they had. I hope that Julie Bronson is remorseful, but I question it,” said neighbor Jennifer Wiedenhoefer.
Bronson will be back in court next month for formal sentencing. The judge can still order her to serve up to six months in jail.
