INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- Tears were shed in the courtroom Thursday by both the victim's family and the man who was accused in his death.

Wilfredo Pujols Jr. cried uncontrollably and apologized on the stand.

A Jackson County judge sentenced Pujols to 15 years in prison for his role in the hit-and-run death of 17-year-old Christopher Cooper. Prosecutors were asking for the maximum of 20 years.

"The family is somewhat satisfied. We are glad to have it over with," said defense attorney John Picerno.

"They wanted the maximum, but they completely understand the judge's reasoning and accept it," said Cooper family attorney Sean Pickett.

Puljos pleaded guilty in December. He admitted to driving his car into another car near Lee's Summit Road in November 2007. When Independence police arrived, Pujols refused to stop his car and police gave chase. Puljos admitted to hitting Cooper during the chase, as the teen was crossing the street on his bike. Cooper died at the hospital.

Prosecutors pointed out to the judge that Pujols never stopped, although Cooper's body hit his hood.

The judge said he took all of the facts into account, but he believes Pujols is sincerely remorseful.

Pujols' family members told the judge that he had never been in trouble with the law and had no criminal background. They asked the judge for leniency for the 26-year-old father of three.

The Cooper family has a civil case pending. Pickett said there are more people than just Pujols responsible for Cooper's death. They question the Independence Police Department's chase policy and the procedure for how a victim is determined dead at the scene. They have filed a negligence lawsuit.