What the hell has happened to our justice system?

butterfly39

I have a rant. An issue cropped up in my family last year, and it was finally supposed to be over in the courts TODAY, but a sneaky ass defense lawyer managed to continue it without the commonwealth's knowledge and the judge is going to allow this lawyer to have her way, and now we have to wait until nov. 5th to see a final end to this whole situation. I hate that! It sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whatever happened to the courts being on the side of the victim? It seems to me that more and more the courts are willing to give the defendants breaks, and continue to make the victims endure agonizing waits to end the trauma the defendants have caused. There is a ripple effect that still can still be felt in my family over this event, and I really wanted it to be over today.

I guess I should consider my family lucky in some ways though. One, my son and his friend survive the horrible incident, two, the bastard has been in city jail since that night, three, he waved his right to a jury, so he can't appeal the judge's decision (Which the judge found him guilty of two counts of maliscious wounding, and there is --i believe anyway, a forty year sentence for each crime).

I have faith in the justice system, but now it's been shaken a little bit because the commonwealth reminded me on friday that there is a cap (And it isn't the forty years on paper) and all he can do is ask for the high end of the cap--which is fifteen years--and no it's not for each crime, it's for both!

That's what sucks!

The police had this criminal dead to rights, and the evidence to back up their case. I think this bastard should already be rotting in a hardcore jail. City jail is like a walk in the park. The commonwealth explained to me that even if this criminal gets the fifteen years, he will only have to serve 85%.

That's what has me so pissed. He could have killed two boys, and because of the way the law is set up, the criminal gets a break--especially since these crimes were his first offense as an adult. I think that since he committed TWO malscious woundings that THAT factor should be eliminated...It's hard to feel compassion or forgiveness at the moment for this man, because at the trials, he showed no remorse. I think that should be taken into account too, but there is nothing I can do to change this. I'm supposed to give a victim's impact statement on the 5th to the judge to try and sway him to give this man the maximum of time, and the commonwealth told me that i couldn't read from a speech, that i would lose the judge's sympathy.

That sucks too! And the commonwealth told me that the defense lawyer can cross examine me on my victim's impact statement--What the hell is that? I'm not on trial, I'm just trying to say what that bastard has done to my family.

Okay, I'll quit whining now, and wait for the next sentencing date...But it's not going to be easy. I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed that this bastard's defense lawyer doesn't pull anymore shit, and that this will finally be over on Nov. 5th...

em · Posted: Oct Mon 08, 2007 6:00 pm Post subject:

Wow honey, i am so sorry to hear that the asshole is still not sentenced for what he did to Nick, i am proud of you however i know you were worried about the outcome of that day and i think you did very well....I know it's still not final but i hold hope that the Judge will see what kind of monster this guy really is.

I am here if ya need me Butterfly just remember that after all said and done Nick is still here, so smile for that OK.

Take care
Em

butterfly39 · Posted: Oct Mon 08, 2007 8:41 pm Post subject:

thanks em. I am grateful everyday(Even those days when his anger is at full tilt, lol). I'll keep you posted on his sentencing. We aren't letting nic know about the continuence. We figure what he doesn't know won't hurt him for now.

butterfly

em · Posted: Oct Mon 08, 2007 9:29 pm Post subject:

and i supose for his state of mind at the moment thats prob a good idea, like you have said before his emototions are runnning on a high at the moment as he is still dealing with what happened, but my suggestion is that if he asks you do disclose some amount of details to him so he doesn't feel left out too, not only that i am sure you would rather be the one to tell him then him read it in a news paper too.....just something to be aware of!

OK well like i said i am always hear to listen Butterfly.

Talk to you soon,

Em

oldcloud · Guest

Hau Butterfly,
I think the OJ case said it all. If you have money you get out of anything.
The justice system sucks.... No justice just laws.
I feel for you. The oldway was deal with it imediatly, Hanging , cut fingers off. or the comunitity flogging the bastard.
The right to bare arms , exists for this reason. Auw this sucks, good luck friend.
Oldcloud

butterfly39 · Posted: Oct Thu 18, 2007 6:44 am Post subject:

Who are these people, oc? Can I hire them---JUST KIDDING--not--NO I REALLY AM KIDDING!