Thursday, December 18, 2014

COMPARED TO TORTURE, THIS IS ALMOST INSIGNIFICANT

(h/t Atrios)

Like torture, however, it does give us a snapshot of the American ethos.
Vance Deal: $400 Fine for Unlicensed Driver Who Killed Senior in Crosswalk

by Brad Aaron
Thursday, December 18, 2014
STREETS BLOG NYC

An unlicensed driver who fatally struck a senior as she crossed the street with the right of way will pay a $400 fine, pursuant to a plea arrangement with Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.

At a Fordham Law School event in November, Vance said he is prevented from prosecuting drivers who kill in cases that “may not have the facts to support a criminal prosecution and conviction.” For this crash and others like it, however, the Vance team clearly had enough evidence to bring a criminal case, yet declined to charge an unlicensed motorist who failed to yield for taking a life. Since the driver was charged with unlicensed driving and failure to yield, this case also seems to satisfy the so-called “rule of two.”

On Wednesday, Rodriguez, who was free on $1,000 bond, pled guilty and was sentenced to a $400 fine and $88 in fees, court records say. There is no indication that the court took action against his driver’s license. Rodriguez is scheduled to pay his fine in March.

No comments: