The information in this story cannot be correct. The sentence for second degree theft is five years and there is no mandatory minimum term. He had to have pled guilty to second degree ROBBERY to receive a 10 year term with a mandatory seven year minimum.
Everyone who actively participates in the crime is equally guilty in the eyes of the law and every accomplice is responsible for the acts of the others done in furtherance of the commission of the criminal offense. If four people work together to rob one bank then they are all equally guilty even though only one bank is robbed.
Actually, the sentence for Robbery 1st is the same as it is for Attempted Murder; 25 years in prison and the defendant must serve at least 70% of the sentence before being eligible for parole.
Actually, the defendant is charged with committing the same crime in alternative ways; either by drunk driving or by driving recklessly. If the jury finds him guilty of both, the sentences "merge" into one sentence. Or the jury may find him guilty of only one version of the offense or not guilty on both. Ultimately, the decision will be up to the jury.
I'm sorry if I misunderstood your comment. It appeared to me you were suggesting that a person who is asking for a court appointed attorney should be allowed to "choose whomever you want."
I'm sorry if you were offended but I think you were missing my point. I wasn't objecting to a change in counsel if there was an actual conflict of interest. My issue was that the reason for the conflict was not being disclosed in open court. When defendants are allowed to discharge their court-appointed attorneys and seek new ones without a legitimate legal reason then it costs everyone not just in terms of tax dollars but in delaying the administration of justice.
I take exception to your comment and I believe you are mistaken. A person charged with a crime is free to choose any attorney when they are paying for their services at their own expense. However, if you are indigent, and you ask the court to appoint an attorney to represent you at taxpayer expense, you do not have the right to pick and choose your own attorney. That decision is left to the discretion of the court.
The "stimulus spending" of over 800 billion dollars by the federal government hasn''t accomplished much in terms of creating new jobs either. We're just deeper in debt. I find it offensive that politicians ask anyone, rich or poor, to take on more of a tax burden when the federal government squanders our hard earned money. Now there is talk of a new 50 billion dollar stimulus bill. When does it end?
If the cop was "pissed off" it was probably because of something the suspect did, like being drunk and obnoxious and then pissing out in public. Don't try to make out the drunk and unruly to be victims. I feel more sympathy for the peace officers that are charged with the responsibility of keeping some semblence of order and safety for the public.
Actually, to be convicted of indecent exposure, you have to not only expose your genitals to another, but you have to do so "to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either party". I doubt that public urination does it for either.
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Medley