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She fucking killed an entire family while speeding in her Mercedes SUV and they’re not going to even take her license away (thelemmy.club)
submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by to c/fuckcars@lemmy.world
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https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/sf-west-portal-crash-driver-jail-time-no-contest-21352361.php

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[–] 65 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Murder is illegal unless committed with a car. In my country we have "vehicle murder" which carries a shorter sentence than a 1st degree voluntary murder but it's still ≈10 years behind bars. The US should do something similar

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  • [–] 46 points 6 months ago* (1 child)

    We do sort of have that. It's called manslaughter. Under normal circumstances, this woman would have been charged with several counts of manslaughter and would be in prison with her license revoked.

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  • [–] 28 points 6 months ago* (2 children)

    She was charged with 4 counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and she pled guilty; she just isn't being punished.

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  • [–] 29 points 6 months ago* (1 child)

    But she didn't plead guilty, according to the article. She pleded 'no-contest' so she didn't admit guilt, just stopped defending herself after she heard that she isn't going to be punished anyway.

    She just walked away after the judge said she can do that without consequences.

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  • [–] 2 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    You're right, I misread - still ridiculous but less so. Thank you!

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  • [–] 6 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 child)

    Pleading guilty would have at least demonstrated some remorse.

    I'd rather forgive someone that said "Sorry, I did something bad, and learn from it" then someone that just first say "I didn't do it." and then when informed that they aren't going to be punished say "Whatever." and walk away.

    So, she not pleading guilty and still not getting punished, while at fault is more rediculus to me.

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  • [–] 17 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    This is the type of situation that mandatory minimum sentences are meant for.

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  • [–] 14 points 6 months ago

    At her age that would be a life sentence.

    If the actual crime was driving when she’s no longer capable, then killing people, any justice needs to start with no longer driving. Plus, aren’t the people not taking her license also complicit with letting her drive when she’s is no longer capable?

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  • [–] 7 points 6 months ago

    Fully agree. Discretion needs to be removed from those who leave this kind of thing unpunished.

    I believe where I live those mandatory sentences are merely guidelines for judges though. Their word is law.

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