Brandy Escapes Criminal Prosecution

is singing for joy after receiving word that she will not be criminally prosecuted for the chain reaction crash that claimed a woman's life. She's far from off the hook, however, and will have to face multiple civil suits that have been filed by crash victims and their families.

The Los Angeles City Attorney's office released a statement indicating that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Brandy Norwood. The fatal crash occurred on December 30, 2006 when the celebrity slammed her 2007 Land Rover into the back of a 2005 Toyota Corolla at a speed of 65 miles per hour. This caused a chain reaction accident involving four vehicles. The 38 year old Toyota driver, wife and mother of two, died of her injuries.

The California Highway Patrol had recommended that the star be charged with misdemeanor manslaughter. If convicted, the 28 year old could have been sentenced to a year behind bars.

Brandy's attorney indicated that it has been a difficult year for his client. She has been living under a cloud of suspicion and was fearful of being found guilty. She isn't off the hook by a long shot. There have been three civil lawsuits filed against the singer by families involved in the accident, which include a wrongful death complaint filed by the victim's husband, and another filed on behalf of her two children.

Brandy won't do any jail time but she'll likely have to dig into her deep pockets in order to settle the pending litigation that is stacking up against her.