Jamestown robber gets five years Aug 26, 2008
The terms of the plea bargain require Derossett to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before applying for parole, and do not exempt him from serving the rest of his probation on two other felony matters; forgery in Tuolumne County and second-degree burglary in Calaveras County. He may also have to pay a fine and-or restitution of up to $10,000, maximum, Judge Douglas Boyack said Friday. (The Union Democrat)
Man gets 18 months for possessing child porn Aug 24, 2008
STAMFORD (AP) A teenage mother from Vermont has taken a plea bargain and agreed to give up parental rights to her 13-week-old daughter, who was severely injured in what police say was a baby-shaking incident in Connecticut. Samantha Carr, 17, of Lyndonville, Vt. (New Haven Register, CT)
NEWS TRACKER Aug 24, 2008
He is expected to enter into a plea bargain ... Wallace and Maxwell accepted a plea bargain on July 16 ... What s next: Jorge Reyes is expected to enter into a plea bargain at his next court appearance. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Judge finds Mattoon man guilty of lying to police Aug 23, 2008
My Point of View wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:40 AM:" Once again plea bargains. We will read these same names again in 6 months to a year for doing something else. Slap them with a couple years of hard time and they may think twice. Our Judges are lazy and it is just to easy for them to accept a plea bargain and get it over with. ". jrhendren wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:17 PM:" I agree there are to many plea bargains, but did you read the parts: "A judge convicted a Mattoon man of lying to police", and... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
'Serial shooter': Execute me for my crimes Aug 23, 2008
He had pleaded to two murders, in one of them he pulled the trigger, and agreed to testify against Hausner, as part of a plea bargain. The hearing Friday, before Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle, is being held to determine whether Hausner's prior bad acts could be introduced in his upcoming murder trial. (AZCentral -- News)
Packers' Barnett wins appeal, won't be suspended Aug 22, 2008
He was charged with two misdemeanors, but reached a plea bargain in March that required him to remain on good behavior and pay a fine ... Barnett's message: Talk to the league before agreeing to a plea bargain. (ESPN -- Football News)
Five wounded in mobile home park shooting Aug 21, 2008
Robby Aug 20, 2008 12:35 PM I don't want to hear about another Platte County plea bargain this time. Here is a case that should hand out a stiff sentence (close to the max not the min) Let these "Gang Bangers" know they will not get a slap on the wrist for this stuff. (Beatrice Daily Sun, NE)
Barnett can play with no pay in season opener Aug 21, 2008
He was charged with two misdemeanors, but reached a plea bargain in March that required him to remain on good behavior and pay a fine ... Barnett s message: Talk to the league before agreeing to a plea bargain. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Barnhart Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Fatal Crash Aug 20, 2008
Under the plea bargain, the state agreed to drop charges of armed criminal action and careless and imprudent driving, Parks said. The sentencing range for a Class B felony is five to 15 years in prison, Parks explained. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Clown robber gets eight years A man who dressed up like a clown to rob the CVS in Fredericksburg last year was ordered yesterday to serve eight years in prison. Aug 20, 2008
Murders (posted by , Aug. 19, 2008 4:01 pm) bsp; This State doesn't have room for muderers, we're too busy putting pot smokers asnd shoplifters in jail for maximum terms, Murderers get off with little or no punishment after the plea bargain the charges down to misdemeanor assault and tell us Mr Zhang died when he tripped on the killers foot. Not in this Jurisdiction (posted by , Aug. 19, 2008 3:58 pm) bsp; The murderers of Mr. Zhang may face justice of some kind in a year or so but it won't be... (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Drug use returns convict to prison Aug 20, 2008
Lawyers have reached a plea bargain in that case, and are calling for a five-year commitment to the Department of Corrections with immediate placement in the Nexus Treatment Center, a meth-specific inpatient treatment program in Butte. But before Marble can get the drug treatment that everyone agrees is critical to his successful re-entry to the community, he must serve out a portion of the five-year prison sentence. (Missoulian, MT)
Hospital embezzlement suspect pleads guilty Aug 20, 2008
Plea bargain pay back money, five years probation ... Jeanne Williams Jones, a former Beaufort County Hospital employee charged with embezzlement of nearly 100,000 from the hospital s fund-raising organization, avoided prison time on Tuesday by accepting a plea bargain in Beaufort County Superior Court ... The judge told Jones that she must abide by the stipulations of the plea bargain, which include a minimum monthly payment of 300 to the foundation, with at least 5,000 in restitution being... (Washington Daily News, NC)
Bill Allen waiting for 'ax to fall' Aug 18, 2008
While Allen couldn't make an immunity deal with prosecutors for Veco, he was able to protect his family, according to his plea bargain. Assuming Allen cooperates fully, "the government will not charge Allen's son Mark Allen, or other family members of Allen with any criminal offense arising out of the government's investigation or that have been disclosed to the government," the plea agreement says. (Anchorage Daily News)
AP IMPACT: Weak rules cripple appraiser oversight Aug 18, 2008
To help clear the backlog, Ohio began allowing appraisers to sign consent orders - a deal similar to a plea bargain in which an appraiser agrees to the facts of a case in exchange for a reduced punishment. That could be a short-term suspension, for example, instead of a license revocation. (Anchorage Daily News)
BMW coin thief takes plea bargain Aug 18, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008. By Sharon Woods HarrisPublished Saturday, August 16, 2008 1:13 AM CDT. (Pekin Times, IL)
Sentence for teen convicted of vehicular assault called 'ridiculous' Aug 18, 2008
It is also part of the plea bargain that he complete 100 hours of community service and pass a defensive driving course. Richard Sullivan, who represents Bourassa's estate, said his four daughters are satisfied. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Do homicide charges deter drug dealers? Aug 17, 2008
He was sentenced to four years in prison in June 2004 for involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea bargain. Berger also was required to get more drug treatment after prison. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
O Radler, Radler! Where art thou David Radler? Aug 17, 2008
But despite Mr. Radler's plea bargain and his extensive testimony in court against Lord Black and the others, five months into his sentence he continues to languish at Moshannon Valley Correctional Facility in Philipsburg, Pa ... "He has paid millions in restitution and was fined $250,000. As part of his plea bargain, prosecutors agreed not to oppose Radler's request to serve his time in his native Canada, a transfer that could reduce his sentence to as little as six months thanks to Canadian... (Globe and Mail)
Brothers sentenced to 11 years Aug 16, 2008
The Slawinsky brothers were convicted of aggravated manslaughter, a step up from the plea bargain of manslaughter without malice reached July 1. The "aggravated" sentence, recommended by the probation department and prosecution, ensured that the brothers would get the maximum penalty for manslaughter, 11 years. (The Union Democrat)
Letters from readers Aug 16, 2008
I know that the state attorney and his associates take it upon themselves to look at the evidence of the crime and choose not to prosecute or to reduce the charges as a result of a plea bargain to most of the offenders. Assistant state attorneys have told me that unless the case "in their opinion" is airtight, they choose not to take the chance of having it thrown out by a judge or not approved by the state attorney for prosecution. (Florida Times-Union)
Fatal Winnipeg crash inquiry unfairly targeted ex-cop: Lawyer Aug 15, 2008
Harvey-Zenk, who has since left the police service, pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in a plea bargain that saw him sentenced to house arrest of two years less a day. Under the deal, special prosecutor Marty Minuk agreed to stay three alcohol-related charges. (Canada.com)
Police deliberately botched fatal Winnipeg crash probe: Lawyer Aug 14, 2008
He later pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death, and was given a house arrest sentence of two years less a day as part of a plea bargain in which special prosecutor Marty Minuk agreed to stay three alcohol-related charges. The inquiry is investigating the conduct of the East St. Paul and Winnipeg police forces, which investigated the crash, as well as how Minuk prosecuted the case and how he treated Taman's family. (Canada.com)
DA: Investigation into elected official continuing Aug 14, 2008
Natola said there has been no talk of a plea bargain between parties. Buonomo was captured on video 18 different times opening the machines. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Manitoba officers did not cover up for colleague, inquiry told Aug 14, 2008
But because of a lack of evidence, most of the charges were stayed and he was sentenced to two years of house arrest for dangerous driving under a plea bargain that angered the victim's family. The lawyer leading the inquiry, David Paciocco, called the police investigation a "colossal failure of justice" this week. (Globe and Mail -- National)
SACRAMENTO BEE: A reminder why Guantanamo should be closed Aug 13, 2008
One plea bargain - a nine-month sentence for Australian Dennis Hicks - and one trial of a driver. As Sen. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Body find delays brothers' sentencing Aug 13, 2008
The Knights have been vocal in their criticism of how the District Attorney's Office offered a plea bargain instead of pressing murder charges against the Slawinskys, and failing to charge other people they believe were involved in the assault on Knight at the Slawinskys' home. By all accounts, Knight's death was linked to a fight. (The Union Democrat)
Prosecutors to seek death penalty in 2 cases Aug 13, 2008
He accepted a plea bargain for two consecutive life sentences. The last time a Galveston County jury heard a death-penalty case was for Robert Alan Shields Jr. in 1995. (KHOU.com, TX)
Taheri-Azar admits he tried to kill Aug 13, 2008
As part of a plea bargain, prosecutors dropped nine counts of aggravated felonious assault. According to a plea transcript, Fox indicated he would be willing to consolidate the nine charges into two attempted murder charges for sentencing purposes. (News & Observer)
HE GOT OFF EASY LAST TIME Aug 12, 2008
He got 15 years for that, under a plea bargain that prosecutors - fearful of an acquittal - reached after the jury had deadlocked for nine days. We understand that plea bargains are needed to keep the criminal-justice system from getting backlogged into virtual gridlock. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Accidental fire-starter furious at punishment Aug 10, 2008
Unlike Martinez, Rupp turned down a plea bargain - a deal that would have landed him in county jail for just a few months. Rupp took his chances at trial, where Hanna told jurors he mowed a dry field after 1 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2004, a day with temperatures above 105 degrees. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Woman in prison for 85 murder recants Aug 9, 2008
Finally, she said, she agreed to the plea bargain after Smith offered it a fourth time ... I especially can't see how plea bargaining for testimony should be used on such a regular basis as it is now - it's just too easy of a mechanism to abuse. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Contempt trial is halted by judge Aug 9, 2008
When prosecutors pursued a retrial, Arian struck a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to conspiring to aid the PIJ by helping a family member with links to the group get immigration benefits and by lying to a reporter about another person's links to the PIJ.. While serving his sentence, federal prosecutors in Virginia demanded his testimony. (Boston Globe)
Bin Laden's driver Salim Ahmed Hamdan may be in jail for life Aug 9, 2008
Its critics point to the case of David Hicks, an Australian who was sentenced to nine months in prison after striking a plea bargain before a US military commission. He was released last year. (Times Online)
Detroit mayor arraigned on new charges Aug 9, 2008
Resisted calls to quitKilpatrick has resisted calls for his resignation or a plea bargain as his legal woes pile up. City Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. would succeed Kilpatrick if the mayor resigns or is forced from office. (MSNBC -- Crime)
City Files Suit Against Cop In K-9's Death Aug 9, 2008
If a misdemeanor charge is filed and there's a conviction or plea bargain, Aguirre could have Hubka pay for the city's losses in connection with buying, training and maintaining the dog, estimating around $50,000. On the same day as Forrest's death, Hubka had signed a legal settlement worth $50,000 in pension benefits involving uncredited pay for handling K-9's for 18 years. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
Ex-Washoe County worker pleads to embezzling $2.2M Aug 9, 2008
54-year-old Paul Orphan looked down and spoke softly as he entered the pleas under a plea bargain in Washoe County District Court that also calls for him to pay $2. 2 million in restitution. (KRNV.com, NV)
Pinehurst Man Pleads Guilty to Murder Aug 9, 2008
On Thursday, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge James M. Webb sentenced Brown to serve 151 to 191 months in the prison as part of a plea bargain agreement. Brown is one of three suspects originally charged with killing Jonathan Elee Grice last May. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Apartheid murder plotters guilty Aug 8, 2008
Under a plea bargain, all five admitted trying to kill prominent black activist Frank Chikane in 1989 by lacing his underwear with a nerve toxin. Rev Chikane, who is now a director in the president's office, has said he did not want to see the men go to prison. (Yahoo News -- South Africa)
Bin Laden's driver sentenced to 5 1/2 years Aug 8, 2008
Hicks, an Australian accused of the same material support offense, was freed last year after a plea bargain approved by the tribunal chief, Convening Authority Susan J. Crawford. The deal was seen as a favor to then-Prime Minister John Howard during a reelection campaign he ultimately lost. (Boston Globe)
Detroit mayor thrown in jail after bond violation Aug 8, 2008
The mayor has resisted calls for his resignation or a plea bargain as his legal woes pile up. But when asked about a possible deal, mayoral spokesman Marcus Reese said Thursday that "talks are ongoing" between prosecutors and the defense. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Date to give plea in drug case delayed Aug 8, 2008
Page was in court Thursday to determine if he would take a plea bargain when his attorney, Jay Frank, requested an additional week to review whether a recent court decision in an unrelated case would have a bearing on Page s case. If I object, it s just going to delay the process with another hearing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Stringer said. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Home Invader Pleads Guilty Aug 8, 2008
Warren pleaded guilty in a plea bargain agreement after the lunch break during the second day of his trial Wednesday. Warren pleaded guilty to one count each of armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated assault and false imprisonment and received a 30 year sentence, 15 of which will be spent in prison. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Eight sentenced in district court action Aug 7, 2008
The following cases were sentenced as per plea bargain agreements ... The following individual was sentenced by the court not a result of a plea bargain agreement. (Brenham Banner, TX)
'Sporadic' recall Aug 7, 2008
Three other serious charges -- including impaired driving causing death -- were stayed as a result of the plea bargain. Previous story: Next story. (Winnipeg Sun)
Witness: I Lied In Wilson Murder Trial Aug 7, 2008
E-Mail News Alerts Get breaking news and daily headlines. New DNA Evidence Suggests Men May Be Innocent. (7 KETV Omaha)
Justice has its Genesis in status Aug 7, 2008
Truth is, they could've saved themselves pain, humiliation and money with a plea bargain long ago. In his letter, Welty portrayed Bernard as a victim. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Former Oregon bank robbery suspect faults FBI (55) Aug 7, 2008
A plea bargain announced Tuesday will send another man to prison. Christie says the experience left him sympathetic to others the agency has made notorious, only to be proven innocent. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Dr. Schiess gets 20 year sentence Aug 7, 2008
Dr. Schiess and his attorneys withdrew the previous not guilty pleas for the guilty plea bargain arrangement with the district attorney's office instead of facing a jury trial in coming months. Cole questioned the disparity between Roberts murder conviction and Schiess plea. (CHerokee County Herald, AL)
Ark. House passes rule blocking Dobbins' return Aug 6, 2008
In 2005, Dobbins, of North Little Rock, resigned from his legislative seat and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment in a plea bargain reached after he was arrested on the felony charge. Prosecutors accused Dobbins of fondling a 17-year-old girl at his home. (WREG.com, TN)
McGlothlin loses bid to withdraw guilty plea Aug 6, 2008
This defendant received that and then was allowed to voluntarily enter into a plea bargain agreement with the state, said Kouri. What due process does not require is that the defendant receive two trials with the first being merely a dress rehearsal for the defense to weigh and assess trial strategy. (Pekin Times, IL)
'Waddling Bandit' changes plea in bank robberies Aug 6, 2008
He also admitted to robbing 20 additional banks, but won t be prosecuted for those crimes under his plea bargain. Dapolonia faces up to 200 years in prison and a $2. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Dead anthrax suspect told friends that FBI urged family to turn on him Aug 6, 2008
In what amounted to a collapse of the government's case, prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain in which Lee pleaded guilty to one of 59 counts. Type Size. (AZCentral -- News)
Insider trading law nabs no crooks, but does the job Aug 6, 2008
After several years and the consumption of considerable resources by the Securities Regulation Panel this case eventually made it to the magistrate's court in Pretoria, where a plea bargain was agreed. It is nearly impossible to determine how much insider trading takes place on the JSE but reasonably informed individuals do agree there has been a significant reduction since the Financial Services Board (FSB), which now oversees this piece of legislation, introduced the notion of civil plea... (Business Report, South Africa)
Despite plea, little admission of guilt Aug 5, 2008
Nearly five months after he was arrested and jailed with an initial bond of 8 million, Mike Haveard took a guilty plea bargain on drug distribution charges but he's not willing to take all of the blame ... Haveard said the plea bargain to which he agreed was presented to him a half hour before his trial was set to begin. (Brewton Standard, AL)
HOW MUCH WILL RYAN PLAY? Aug 5, 2008
Because of his high profile status, the U. S. District of Attorneys office had declined any other plea bargain in order to make an example to other celebrities and athletes that such barbaric behavior would not be tolerated. Tonight on Nightline, we will have a town meeting of former fans who are eager to vent their frustations and disappointment about someone whom they once considered a hero. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Fourth co-defendant cops plea in Simpson trial Aug 5, 2008
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- O.J. Simpson's lawyer says he's not sure yet what impact another plea bargain may have at Simpson's kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault trial in Las Vegas. Charles Ehrlich is the fourth co-defendant to strike a deal with prosecutors. (KRNV.com, NV)
COLUMN: Stoops shows double standard by dismissing Jarboe Aug 4, 2008
In May, Jarboe received two years probation and 80 community service hours as part of a plea bargain for carrying a gun on school property at his high school in Decatur, Ga. According to ESPN, an assistant principal caught him in possession of a pistol in the school parking lot. (The Daily Texan, TX)
Anthrax case raises issues about risk level Aug 4, 2008
Ivins' lawyer, Paul Kemp, said by e-mail on Saturday that news reports that his client had been considering a plea bargain were "entirely spurious.". Spending surge. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Anthrax case renews questions on bioterror effort Aug 3, 2008
Dr. Ivins's lawyer, Paul F. Kemp, said by e-mail on Saturday that news reports that his client was considering a plea bargain were "entirely spurious.". Nearly seven years have passed without another biological attack, which has reduced the sense of urgency about the bioterrorist threat, even among some specialists. (International Herald Tribune)
Bioterror research questions resurface Aug 3, 2008
Ivins' lawyer, Paul F. Kemp, said by e-mail Saturday that news reports that his client had been considering a plea bargain were "entirely spurious."Nearly seven years have passed without another biological attack, which has reduced the sense of urgency about the bioterrorist threat, even among some specialists. "I think it's an important risk, but frankly I'm more concerned about bombs and guns, which are easily available and can be very destructive," said Randall S. Murch, a former FBI... (News & Observer)
Ex-TSU Students Win Suit Against School Officials Aug 3, 2008
In a plea bargain, Slade agreed to repay nearly $130,000 of the half-million she misspent in school funds on clothes, home furnishings and landscaping. Jurors awarded actual damages totaling nearly $200,000 for all three students, and the jury is set to return next week to decide punitive damages. (Click2Houston, TX)
County rejects grant for special attorney Aug 2, 2008
Thanks to their years in office of using every excuse under the sun to drop cases when they couldn't plea bargain, the Gage County taxpayers are now seeing what is really out there ... WE FINALLY HAVE A COUNTY ATTORNEY WILL DO SOMETHING BESIDES PLEA BARGAIN ... He plea bargains plenty. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Hacker McKinnon looks to Europe to avoid extradition Aug 2, 2008
Five law lords, in the UK's highest court, unanimously decided that a plea bargain offered to McKinnon by US officials was not coercive and an abuse of the extradition process ... 31 July 2007 - Law Lords agree to hear whether the US was coercive in seeking a plea bargain deal that required McKinnon to give up his right to an extradition hearing. (ComputerWeekly.com)
Scientist Set to Discuss Plea Bargain In Deadly Attacks Commits Suicide Aug 2, 2008
Investigators were so certain about the connection that they had scheduled a meeting for last Tuesday with Ivins's attorneys to discuss a plea bargain that would have sent the scientist to prison for life but spared him a death sentence, according to sources briefed on the government's case. But barely two hours before the meeting was to occur, Ivins died of an overdose of Tylenol that he had ingested over the weekend, the sources added. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Autopsy: Ex-Charger Was Drunk At Time Of Fatal Crash Aug 2, 2008
He had pleaded guilty in February to felony and misdemeanor drug charges under a plea bargain. Previous Stories. (NBCSandiego.com, CA)
