An Atlanta mother who faced more jail time for jaywalking than the man convicted for the hit-and run accident that killed her 4-year-old son, will not be doing time.
Raquel Nelson, 30, was sentenced to 40 hours of community service and 12 months probation in Cobb County State Court, but then also given the option of a new trial in an unusual decision.
There was an outpouring of support for Nelson asking that she not receive any jail time. An online petition garnered more than 140,000 signatures in 48 hours.
Earlier this month, Nelson was convicted of second-degree vehicle homicide, reckless conduct, and failure to use a crosswalk during an incident that occurred on April 10, last year. Along with her three children, Nelson had gotten off at a bus stop and was trying to cross a four-lane highway without using a crosswalk.
Nelson’s 4-year-old son, was struck and killed in the process by Jerry Guy who was driving a van. Guy served 6 months in prison and was released on October 29.
According to news reports, Nelson said she is unsure whether she will seek a new trial.
