key chain bass guy Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 Can anyone explain to me how taking a life while driving under the influence is only worth 30 days in jail? I respect the fact that Donte Stallworth is taking responsibility for his actions, but only 30 days. I am dog lover and all, but Mike Vick does two years and Stallworth only gets 30 days?
NHfroggin Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 I think this might be your answer. Stallworth, 28, received the sentence after pleading guilty to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking and killing Mario Reyes while driving drunk March 14 in his black 2005 Bentley. The athlete also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of the 59-year-old construction worker. The last sentence mostly. here is the link to the article. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-CLeMDPwyX2iShZyyhlE_wWxjlgD98S4LI00 -Matt-
key chain bass guy Posted June 17, 2009 Author Posted June 17, 2009 Thanks for the information. Still seems like he's not getting much of a punishment though. I don't know what an appropriate consequence would be, but less than a month in jail isn't it.
NHfroggin Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 I completely agree with you Key Chain, It was not intentional but he should not have been under the influence and driving over the speed limit. This is another case where money and fame proves to be a MAJOR factor in punishment. -Matt-
Super User Bassn Blvd Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 More than likely, the family of the deceased had input as to the punishment and since he has $, I'm sure they would rather have that then see him go to prison. He did get 10 yrs probation though. Probation can be very difficult to complete. Some people would rather do 3-4 yrs in prison then 10yrs probation.
Super User Muddy Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 I really have to disagree with the above statement. I have been around prisons and prisoners a good portion of my life. I currently work with prisoners and ex cons on a volunteer basis. I have never heard of anyone who would rather sit in the joint for a day more than they had to, no matter what kind of tail they have following them on the outside.
slomoe Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 30 days for killing someone? wow :-? p.s. I sat in court and watched a guy ask the judge to sentence him to the remaining 6 months he had over his head instead of two years probation he was supposed to get.
Super User Muddy Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Wow,Slo , thats a first for me, unless he was hiding from something on the outside, or had a dope habit he wanted to get back to :-?
slomoe Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 , or had a dope habit he wanted to get back to :-? Most likely.
CFFF 1.5 Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 From what I read the family wanted $$$. I'm sure he is paying a few million to the family of the deceased. The judge stated that he takes the family's wishes into account when sentencing. I still think he should be doing more time.
MitchIsFishin Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 Brent, as a long suffering Browns fan, I know a little about a lot of the players. Stallworth is alleged to have a history of driving drunk. I don't know if that's true, it is only what I've read. That aside, he killed someone by virtue of drinking (thus impairing his judgement), then driving. Granted, an accident, but a crime nonetheless. 30 days? To me that's about 14 years & 11 months too short.
Super User Muddy Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 I guess things are a bit different with fellas doing skid bids in county jails as opposed to fellas doing long time in State and Federal Penitentiaries. This is the crowd I am familiar with. I should have considered this when I answered the first time.
key chain bass guy Posted June 17, 2009 Author Posted June 17, 2009 I guess I just find it interesting when you compare the two most recent NFL players getting in trouble with the law. Vick commits a crime where no human life is lost and gets 2 years and indefinitely suspended by the league. Stallworth's actions cost a human life and gets 30 days. I don't know if the league has taken any action yet or not. I am pretty sure that there are others in the NFL that have committed vehicular manslaughter. Again I just find it interesting how justice is determined from case to case. I am sure Stallworth is remorseful and has learned a lesson, but that shouldn't preclude a more serious consequence for his actions.
Super User grimlin Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 I hope he paid that family his entire 35 million dollar contract. That guy doesn't deserve a penny of it. They should keep him broke too. I have not yet to this day have gotten behind the wheel after i drank.Call a cab or have a sober friend bring you home...plain and simple. I refuse to feel sorry for anyone who drinks and drives.
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Hmm... The money resolves any "civil complaint", a settlement rather than a lawsuit in court. However, vehicular manslaughter is a "criminal complaint" which is "We The People" or "The State" vs the defendant. Thirty days in jail? >
tyrius. Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 His actual punishment is 30 days in jail, 2 years of house arrest, 8 years of probation, drivers license suspended for life, and 1,000 hours of community service. Plus whatever civil agreement was reached. Us armchair message board posters can think he deserves more time, but if the actual family of the victim is satisfied with the punishment then who are we to disagree?
jimmieO Posted June 17, 2009 Posted June 17, 2009 Regardless of the sentencing and fees and crap, DRUNK DRIVING IS A TERRIBLE, RIDICULOUSLY IRRESPONSIBLE CRIME. WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE TAKE THIS WAY TOO LIGHTLY.
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 ...but if the actual family of the victim is satisfied with the punishment then who are we to disagree? We are "The State". The criminal act is against "We The People", regardless of the sentiment of the family. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_justice
Super User senile1 Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 ...but if the actual family of the victim is satisfied with the punishment then who are we to disagree? We are "The State". The criminal act is against "We The People", regardless of the sentiment of the family. ....and 'we' ..... 'the state' have handed down 'our' sentencing?? Done deal, i guess...... : Where's Irene? b RW's point is obvious. He believes that those representing "the state" handed down a sentence that does not truly represent the sentiments of "the state" regarding justice in this situation. Just because those who represent us make a judgment doesn't mean we have to like it. *** stated: Maybe i just don't put these 'star athletes' in any sort of 'special position'. As a corporal of a jail, my mom sees bunk sentences everyday. Sentences that make this 30 day deal seem smart. She's seen a mother and father who drowned their baby both get off as they weren't 'sure' which one of them held the kid under last. NO sheet. That same week, a pot dealer (second offense) gets 60 years. Try to figure that out; there is no rhyme or reason. You are correct. There is no rhyme nor reason, but in the interest of justice, shouldn't there be? I don't know what this guy's sentence should be, but I can understand those who question it. Too often, those with the cash seem to escape with lighter sentences.
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 17, 2009 Super User Posted June 17, 2009 Where's Irene? Good call, Brent. This thread is going nowhere and just gets people (like me) worked up. This thread is closed. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator
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