Jensen Buchanan’s legal drama of the past year took another dramatic turn.
A Changed Plea
Buchanan last week pleaded guilty in a Southern California court to Driving Under the Influence on Highway 154, resulting in a crash that seriously injured another driver, Bradley Asolas, according to the Santa Maria Times.
She could face up to a year in prison and five years of probation. Her sentence, to be rendered in October is conditional. It could be affected when the court hears the extent of Asolas’ injuries. If the sentence is modified, Buchanan then has the option of withdrawing her plea at that point.
The actress had originally pleaded not guilty to the felony charge.
Victim Reaction
The victim and his family were upset with the deal struck with the state.
Asolas and his wife, Sandy, told the Santa Maria Times they were “shocked and appalled” at the outcome of Friday’s hearing:
“I think it’s wrong. My life’s forever changed, and she got off with a slap on the wrist,” Asolas said.
He continued, “When I drive now, I always wonder, if I’m involved in a crash again where the airbags break out and my heart gives out again, I can actually die this time.”
“She drank, hit my husband and he almost died and I had to sit through that, watch him go through that, and all of our lives are changed forever,” his wife added.
Accident Background
In May 2016, Buchanan crossed a double-yellow line on a California highway, colliding with another car. She and the other driver were taken to the hospital. While she suffered “minor injuries,” the driver she hit received “major injuries,” according to Noozhawk.
“She faces several charges, including felony driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and felony driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or greater. She also is charged with causing great bodily injury to Bradley Asolas, 56, of Camarillo [California], and an allegation her blood-alcohol level exceeded .15 percent,” reported Noozhawk.
Two Sides at Odds
At a hearing in March to have her case continued until April 5th, lawyers for both sides made strong statements about their beliefs about what her sentence should be.
“It is the people’s position this is a case where the defendant deserves to go to prison based on the egregious facts of the case…and the ultimate consequences for the victim,” Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Dix said.
One of Buchanan’s attorneys, meanwhile, argued passionately in her favor.
Dmitry Gorin said that Buchanan has no criminal history and that she had completed inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation treatment. She had also been a model patient in those programs, Gorin added.
“She’s done an exemplary job in treatment. This type of incident will never happen again,” Gorin said. “This is the type of person that’s deserving of a probation sentence.”
An Impressive Daytime Resume
Buchanan most memorably played kind and caring Sarah Gordon on One Life to Live, and twins Vicky and Marley Hudson on Another World. She also brought Vicky to As the World Turns, and had minor roles on General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless.
Also: This OLTL icon broke some big daytime news on her Twitter account recently.
The actress was nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
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