Jalen Carter pleads no contest to charges of reckless driving, racing
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Jalen Carter pleads no contest to charges of reckless driving, racing

Jalen Carter
Photo: Tony Walsh/UGAAA

Jalen Carter has pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, his attorney, Kim Stephens, announced Thursday.

Carter’s sentence includes 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. He also must complete a state-approved defensive driving course.

Arrest warrants were issued for Carter on March 1, 2023 as a result of the investigation into the fatal crash that resulted in the deaths of UGA football offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Per Athens-Clarke County Police, Jalen Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk while LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition “…in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 AM.” The fatal crash occurred on January 15, 2023.

“We are happy that we were able to work with the solicitor general’s office to reach a resolution that was fair and just based on the evidence in this case,” Kim Stephens said. “Mr. Carter continues to grieve for the loss of his friends and continues to pray for their families, as well as for the continued healing for injured friends.”

According to police, Carter was racing the vehicle being driven by LeCroy and her speed reached 104mph before leaving the road and hitting several power poles and trees. Police said that LeCroy’s blood-alcohol level was .197, which is about 2 1/2 times the legal limit of 0.8.

Per Stephens, Jalen Carter had not been drinking that night and was not under the influence of any drugs. Carter initially left the scene of the accident with permission but upon his return, police say they did not suspect him of having consumed any drugs or alcohol.

“If the investigation had determined otherwise, Mr. Carter would have been charged with the far more serious offenses of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle under Georgia law, both felony offenses, and would have faced a lengthy prison sentence,” Stephens said in a statement to ESPN.

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