Breaking News: Judge Revokes Hardwick's Probation; Avoids Jail Because of Appeal

A judge has revoked the probation of a woman charged with intoxication manslaughter in the death of a high school student from Lumberton, and although he sentenced Ashley Hardwick to 2 years in state jail, she was able to post bond and avoid going to jail because her attorney filed an appeal.

In December, Hardwick was charged with intoxication manslaughter in the death of Zachary Spears, 17, a Lumberton High School student.

Investigators say Hardwick was driving an SUV and struck Spears on December 18 while he was walking on Old Silsbee Highway. Witnesses say she left the scene.

The Jasper County District Attorney's Office filed a motion to revoke Hardwick's probation on a drug charge in that county.

According to public records, in February, 2007, Hardwick received three years probation for an October, 2005 arrest in Jasper County on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. The charge is a State Jail Felony.

Judge Joe Bob Golden held a hearing Friday morning in Jasper on the motion to revoke probation.

 He revoked her probation and sentenced Hardwick to 2 years in state jail.  Hardwick's attorney, James Makin, filed an appeal, allowing her to post bond and avoid going to jail.

 She could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of intoxication manslaughter. 

KFDM reporter Jennifer Heathcock covered Friday's hearing.

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