What does Justice/Money have to do with it?
After weathering a tirade of abusive comments, I received the government’s generous counter offered to have my client plea to one DUI and the remaining counts in both jackets. They agreed to dismiss one of the DUIs. Does that seem reasonable? Since when did one DUI count equal over twenty similar offenses? The last time I asked the government to drop three counts in exchange for a plea to the lead DUI count, I got a look that made me duck for cover.
From the government's stand point, my client’s offer would have exposed my client to a greater amount of jail time and fines. Moreover, the government would have secured more then twenty more convictions then their original offer. My question remains, is it reasonable to have such resolve to secure a DUI conviction in light of the overall case. Could there be a monetary incentive? Is there some personal bias the demands a conviction for alcohol related offenses? Any other thoughts?
Oh did I forget to mention that my client is already serving a 70-month sentence on U.S. District Court charges that stemmed from the same underlying events and transactions? I did not represent him on the District court charges, but I did agree to take the D.C. Superior Court traffic cases on at the request of the presiding judge of the DUI court. I intend to take a close look the money trail and its affect on the decision making process in this case and all alcohol driving related cases. Any information, ideas, or comments would be appreciated.
The defendant adamantly holds to his innocence on the DUI counts, and I intend to see justice done in this case. It touched my heart to see the resolve in his eyes as he held true to his beliefs and said I don't care if I have to do more jail time on this case, just fight for me and prove my innocence on the two DUI counts. I will not admit to something I did not do! When money forces citizens to compromise their principles by using their liberty as a bargaining chip, society has failed, the government has become corrupt, and defense attorneys must fulfill their Constitutional mandate to protect the rights of all. As Thomas Paine said so well, "It is the responsibility of the patriot to protect his country from its government." "We do not want a police state, and it seems we are on the precipice of becoming one in the name of DUI." - Martin v. Commonwealth.