What's going on, Albuquerque?
90 Days House Arrest for Killing Someone
I am shocked and disgusted that this is the outcome of a tragic case. I understand the judge imposed the maximum penalty for the crime Carol Svinarich was charged with (though I don't get why she's not sitting in jail for 90 days), but I don't understand at all why she wasn't charged with involuntary manslaughter. She did something illegal--running a red light--and she killed a person. So why such a minor charge? Does someone know the reasoning behind this? I really hope the widow sues the driver in civil court.
Views: 426
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by gleejb on -
There are problems with NM law in cases like this. Bruce Wickensburg killed cyclist Dan Montoya and was sentenced (Careless Driving charge) to 90 days suspended license and $300.00 fine. Miranda Pacheco was sentenced (Careless Driving charge) to 90 days in jail and the $300.00 fine. And as you note, Carol Svinarich faces a similar penalty. Involuntary manslaughter doesn't apply in these cases (long story).
If you want to do something to change this situation, go to DukeCityWheelmen.org and see what we are working on, together with the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization (motorcyclists face the same problems as bicyclists!!).Jennifer Buntz
-
Permalink Reply by Kenny on -
Are there any conditions where a driver of a motor vehicle can be charged with involuntary manslaughter for killing someone after breaking the law criminally and causing an accident? Such as running a red light, DWI, drag racing, etc?
-
Permalink Reply by gleejb on
-
In short, no. Involuntary manslaughter is a felony while the conditions you mention, as well as many others, are misdemeanors. Several times in the 1990s, NM prosecutors tried to apply the involuntary manslaughter charge, but all convictions were eventually overturned on appeal.
-
Permalink Reply by Kenny on
-
Is this true in all states or just some? Perhaps there is precedent that could be applied to get some circumstances charged as felonies.
-
Permalink Reply by gleejb on
-
Colorado and Montana have statutes with stiffer penalties when another road user is killed or suffers great bodily harm due to careless driving. Oregon and Washington have been working on such legislation. Here, Duke City Wheelmen Foundation together with the New Mexico Motorcycle Rights Organization and Representative Miera will be working on such legislation when the 60 day legislative session begins in January. DukeCityWheelmen.org has more information on this effort.
-
Permalink Reply by Kenny on
-
It seems obvious to me that the consequences are not severe enough to deter this illegal activity. Distracted driving kills. Period. If someone takes a life, the penalties need to be appropriately high enough to make people think about it. Most of us do not rob banks because we are all aware of the extreme consequences. However, the majority of drivers have no problem with driving while distracted (talking on their cell or even texting while doing 65 mph on the freeway!)
Texting while driving kills.The evidence is all around us. The penalties need to match the crime.
-
Permalink Reply by Lahjik on -
What a joke. Maybe it's time to start riding armed and retaliating every time a driver threatens a cyclist?
-
Permalink Reply by Zuzu Petals on -
Yeah, great reaction. Actually, my car was vandalized by a "cyclist" when as hikers, we didn't yield to him and actually defended ourselves from him taking the right-of-way, which he didn't have. What is it about wheels vs. something less so that makes people think they've got all the rights and the other person has zero? So, your threats of violence really don't shock me at all, it is just-us, not justice, as the great Richard Pryor said.
-
Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on -
I think he was largely kidding. Your comments seem more than a little inappropriate on a thread about people on bicycles getting killed by cars.
-
Permalink Reply by Zuzu Petals on
-
What the heck does "largely kidding" mean in regards to threatening to shoot someone? And you think my comments are a "little inappropriate?" Carelessness, selfishness doesn't exclusively drive behind a steering wheel, pal.
-
Permalink Reply by Phil_0 on
-
You took someone's pretty obviously facetious comment about arming cyclists to protect them from the cars that kill several folks on bikes a year and used it as an opportunity to equate cars and bikes and complain about one solitary cyclist who you think vandalized your car. The moral equivalence there is a little off, I think. Sorry about your car, but do you really think that can be put on a par with people getting killed by reckless drivers?
Connect with Us!
Regular Features
• "Sunday Poetry" with The Ditch Rider
• Daily Photo by Dee
• "Morning Fix" with Adelita, Hettie, Phil_0 and Masshole in Fringecrest
DCF Flickr Photos
|
Latest Activity
© 2013 Created by MarketPlace Media.
