Full Breakdown
Canton Man Sentenced to 15 Years for DUI Crash Injuring Two Women
2/21/2026, 10:23:39 PM
Overview of the Incident
On February 18, 2025, Deveric Louis Jones, a 58-year-old man from Canton, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a head-on collision that severely injured two women. The incident occurred on January 9, 2025, on Hickory Flat Highway, where Jones crossed the center line and collided with a Toyota RAV4. His blood tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines, and data from his vehicle indicated he did not apply the brakes before the crash.
Details of the Collision
Jones entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to two counts of serious injury by vehicle, two counts of driving under the influence, driving on the wrong side of the road, and improper tires. Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced him to a total of 30 years, with the first 15 years to be served in prison without the possibility of parole, due to his status as a recidivist. Witnesses reported that Jones's Chevrolet Silverado was seen drifting into opposing traffic prior to the crash, and deputies noted signs of impairment at the scene.
Impact on Victims
The crash resulted in life-altering injuries for both women involved. One victim spent three months in a wheelchair and now requires a cane for mobility due to multiple surgeries that left her with permanent hardware in her legs. The other victim was resuscitated twice before reaching the hospital and remained in a coma for two and a half weeks, suffering from severe internal injuries and fractures. In court, one victim expressed the emotional toll of the incident, stating, "I will never be able to live a normal life again because of my injuries."
Official Statements & Responses
Assistant District Attorney Pete Lamb emphasized the need for a significant sentence, citing Jones's extensive criminal history, which includes over 40 years of DUI convictions. Lamb remarked that the crash was "the culmination of a long pattern of impaired driving and disregard for the law." In contrast, the defense argued that Jones's prior offenses were a result of substance abuse and requested treatment instead of prison time. However, Judge Baker sided with the prosecution, reinforcing the importance of community safety. District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway stated, "Our community deserves to feel safe on our roadways, and that safety is jeopardized when someone chooses to drive while impaired."
Criticism & Opposition
While the prosecution advocated for a lengthy prison sentence, the defense highlighted Jones's struggles with substance abuse, suggesting that treatment could be a more effective solution than incarceration. This perspective reflects ongoing debates about how best to address repeat offenders with addiction issues.
What's Next
Following his prison term, Jones will serve an additional 15 years of probation, during which he is prohibited from contacting the victims, must undergo substance abuse treatment, and is banned from entering Cherokee County.
