Jan 29, 07 11:37 PM

The California Highway Patrol has recommended that actress-singer Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter following a freeway crash that killed 38 year old female motorist, Awatef Aboudihaj, in December 2006.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Brandy was driving a Land Rover on Interstate 405 on Dec. 30 when traffic slowed and her vehicle struck the back of Honda driven by Aboudihaj  according to a CHP report. Aboudihaj's car hit another vehicle, slid sideways into the center divider and was then hit by another car, the report said. Aboudihaj, a Los Angeles waitress, died at a hospital from blunt-force injuries, according to the coroner's office. The California Highway Patrol alleges in a report that Brandy caused the accident by breaking a law against driving at a speed "greater than is reasonable or prudent" or that "endangers the safety of persons or property," according to a part of the report obtained by the AP.

Earlier this month, Brandy's publicist, Courtney Barnes issued a statement saying Brandy "wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased."