Chasity Jones was tearful as she addressed the family of Atlanta Police Special Officer Gail Thomas.

"I just want to apologize to her father and to her daughter," Jones said while still wearing a Fulton County jail uniform and shackles.  "Her daughter was my age, so I feel her pain every single day."

Jones, 23, pleaded guilty to a charge of First Degree Vehicular Homicide in the death of Officer Thomas. 

She was sentenced to the maximum of 16 years in prison.

"I remember the accident like it was yesterday," she told the packed courtroom.  "I continue to have dreams about it.  I know I was in the wrong to get behind the wheel when I was drinking."

Thomas was working an accident on the ramp from I-75 to I-85 last January 24.  She had blocked the two left lanes of the highway with her patrol car in order to give another police unit and a HERO truck room to work the site.

Jones was driving her 1998 Honda with three of her friends as passengers.

She admitted that the four had smoked marijuana at a friend’s house and had been drinking before getting in the car.  Jones estimated she had two shots before heading out.

The foursome were on their way to Buckhead, to the Tongue and Groove nightclub and they were in a rush.  They had no money and, if you get to the club before 11:30, there is no cover charge.  Jones told police she left the apartment in Cobb County at about 11:08 and were trying to get to the club in time.

According to the police investigation, Jones slammed into Thomas going about 62 miles per hour.  The impact threw the officer into the windshield of the patrol car.

Police say immediately following the crash Jones stopped her car, got into the back seat and told her friends not to tell the police she was driving.  They refused because they knew one of them would be held responsible.

Jones was indicted on 13 counts, but pleaded to two.

During the hearing, Earl Thomas, Officer Thomas' brother, spoke for his family.

"The crime will never fit the punishment, due to the fact that my sister is no more," he said.  "We just ask that justice be done."

Jones expressed remorse for what she did, admitting to the tragic mistake.

"I was wrong that I shouldn't have gotten behind the wheel," she said.  "But I just want to apologize to the family for everything you've been through."

She then addressed her own family.

"I apologize to my family for the pain that I have sent to you all," she tearfully told them.  She then issued a warning to others.

"I advise anyone, if you just have one drink or two drinks or just a sip, do not get behind the wheel because something like this can happen."