Why is it that people of importance get lesser sentences than normal people?
By Aurone
@Aurone (4755)
United States
October 8, 2008 11:46am CST
My dad sent me this article about Matt Jones who is a football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is up on drug charges and they are going to show him all kinds of leniency. First, they are not going to try him in criminal court--they will try him in Drug court so it won't be on his record and then they won't make him do the drug rehab in Arkansas where the infraction occured. They will continue to let him play football and do his community service and rehab there. I don't think this is right. I think everyone should be treated the same in the court system (he had more than one offense--his first trial was postponed because he was caught with cocaine a second time). Is this guy any example to show our children? What do you think about this?
Here is the link to the article
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3631894 (not a referral link--link to a news article)
1 person likes this
4 responses
@beccasthoughts (303)
• United States
8 Oct 08
It is sad when someone gets a lesser sentence because of money, power, or fame. This country was founded on many principles, one of which is the fact that all men (and women) are created equal. If one breaks the law, they should face the same punishment as the next person regardless of money, power, or fame. Unfortunately, that is something that doesn't happen. The harsh reality is that if you have money, power, or fame, then you have more ability to get a lesser sentence. You can afford the lawyers that will help you to get the lightened sentence.
1 person likes this
@goldeneagle (6743)
• United States
8 Oct 08
You don't think these teams can afford to have their star players in whom they have invested so much money locked away for years and years do you? Of Course not...so they "influence" the judge to go easy on them at sentencing. Don't be surprised if this judge ends up driving a new car soon after this is all said and done...
Bottom line is...the rich have the money to buy leniency or buy help in getting out of those situations...how do you think O.J. got away with murder???
1 person likes this
@genihanna (358)
• United States
8 Oct 08
Gosh, haven't you ever heard that 'money talks' - he has the means to get the best lawyers and the judges and prosecutors are probably big fans. If nothing else, they know what him playing means to the city as far as income goes. It's just the way it is unfortunately. Life is a sh** sandwich - the more bread you have, the less sh** you have to eat.
@Morbidbabe (511)
• United States
8 Oct 08
because they have the money to hire the best lawyers and more people like them
1 person likes this
