http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/06/us/youtube-drunken-driving-confession/index.html

In my AP English class we had a discussion on this man's story about his confession to killing a man, during a drunk driving crash. My teacher asked us if the judge in this case should view this video during trial? She also asked us how would we sentence this man.
Most people in my class said they would allow the judge to use this video in court, but what people got upset about was how to sentence him. So I want to ask people how they would sentence him and why.

Yes, he does need to be punished. However, I believe that serving time in jail might not be the best solution. This man is willing to take responsibility for his actions in the hopes that others learn from what he did. I would suggest that his sentence be community service to a DARE program, and that he spend his time showing his video and doing a Q&A at local middle and high schools, perhaps even colleges.

Yep MAKE this dude go through so much community service he'll bleed. Make his car have one of those breathing things that stop you from driving, and the first hint of alcohol gets you a murder charge (suspend from this case). I agree with Babe that he could be a useful tool in helping kids learn from this and that is the only reason I give him a chance. To put him in the can with a chance of him getting worse doesn't help anyone IMO.

I always thought that's what they should have done with Plaxico Burress instead of sending him to jail. What good did that do? Send him to middle and high schools, where he's idolized, to teach about the dangers of improper and illegal use of weaponry. Make him an ACTUAL role model.

If you've never had a DWI before, then I agree. But if you've already had one and completed an alcohol program in lieu of prison, and you get drunk and kill someone later, then I say you should do some heavy jail time.

The laws here in New York have finally caught up on this issue. Until fairly recently, you could be on your fifth DWI, kill someone while drunk, and get off with a relative slap on the wrist with a vehicular manslaughter plea. Not anymore, though.

Make that part of his sentence, but if you drink and drive regardless of the outcome, you should do prison time.

I believe Plaxico going to jail will serve as a much greater deterrent (among NFL players) than any lectures he gives to children. Players are all taught about the Plax story and will think twice before carrying a loaded gun into a public nightclub. Plax can still go to schools and lecture the students about the dangers of illegal use of guns. So, it does't have to be either or.

A better example would be Michael Vick. He served his time for dogfighting, which was a wake up call for other players to stay clear of that hobby. However, in addition to that, he gave lectures and taught others to stay away from dogfighting.

I believe I read recently that the USA has the highest number of prisoners per capita in the world. Regardless of why, unless you have been in jail or have a family member/friend in jail, you can't make a judgement of the rehabilitation factor jail has on a person. Jail sentences in many cases are a vengeance/feel good condition. It can be a very subjective condition. Some people are just bad; others just made a bad mistake. What value to they have to society? Or, should they ostracized completely?

Definitely some jail time.

Certain that there are sentencing guidelines in that state for that offense and judge can give him a relatively light sentence but he should serve time.

A person is gone FOREVER because of a set of bad decisions by this guy. That family doesn't get their husband/father/brother/son back.

Very well put, Gets. Good to see you posting again .

I'd have to agree with a light sentence and a massive amount of community service, as well as restitution to the family. but that's also easy for me to say because that is not my family member that was killed.


I think 1-2 years time would be reasonable, followed by several years of community service and programs.

theres no reason for a 10,20,30 year sentence thats just going to turn someone into a hardened criminal.

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theres no reason for a 10,20,30 year sentence thats just going to turn someone into a hardened criminal. [/quote]


What would make you say that.

The crime itself would not carry the same time as murder or rape. This would be voluntary manslaughter, which is still serious enough. Had he been sober and recklessly caused the death, it would be involuntary manslaughter, a charge that often would let him walk if his record is clean.

I would be reluctant to allow the video to mitigate his sentence significantly though. I don't doubt his sincerity, but in reality it's pretty easy to make a video after the fact. A concern would also be precedent. If you allow this guy to slide on a charge because of the dramatization, then subsequent drunk drivers, who kill people, will follow suit and make a sound argument that they should be treated under the same standard.

has to be jail... 8 years is nothing for that kid.. seen people get less time for a lot worse... crazy but true

thank you


here is a vid of the victim's daughter during the sentencing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_eaGGTrcOY