Is it really true that a rich powerful American can get away with about any crime? (drug, Kennedy)

[PeaceAndLove42]

I got to thinking of that horrible story where that young punk teen was driving drunk and hit another vehicle and killed 6 people, only for him to have "affluenza" and be sent to a nice 5 star rehab facility.

So do you think that if you are:

A. American.
B. Rich.
C. Have connections/friends in high places

You don't have to worry about getting arrested, at least for the kind of crimes that our govt doesn't view as very serious such as rape, white collar robbery, murder, etc.

If you had like a billion dollars and lots of connections would you feel that you are above the law?

From what I have seen if I were rich and had connections I would do quite a few of the less serious crimes, such as smoking weed; I know I definitely wouldn't have to ever worry about getting arrested.

[hoffdano]

Bernie Madoff is in jail for a long time.

The top three at Enron - Skilling, Lay, and Fastow were all convicted and sentenced. Lay died before he went to prison.

I think very wealthy people in countries with high levels of corruption stand a better chance of avoiding conviction that in the USA.

In Pictures: Billionaire Convicts And Inmates - Forbes

As for small crimes like smoking weed, millions of non-rich people do that every day without fear of arrest, don't they?

[Europeanflava]

Yes. As long as its not murder, or stealing millions
of dollars.

[sxrckr]

Not necessarily.

Now if you work for the federal government, especially under a corrupt administration, it's much easier to get away with all sorts of things ranging from deliberate criminal activity to extreme incompetence.

[dizzybint]

Didnt the Kennedys overtep the mark a few times.. or so we were lead to believe in the news.

[2e1m5a]

Bernie Madoff is only in jail because he stole FROM very wealthy people...That's a big no-no.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Bernie Madoff is only in jail because he stole FROM very wealthy people...That's a big no-no.

The is not true.

I had a friend lose $20,000.......she was far from wealthy.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Somewhat, but money isn't all it takes. To really be above the law you need to be a politician. See Kennedy.

[burdell]

Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake

Somewhat, but money isn't all it takes. To really be above the law you need to be a politician. See Kennedy.

O J was a politician?

And Rush had no problem buying his way out of drug charges, eh?

[No_Recess]

The CJ system is a complex series of twists and turns in the name of money and power.

Basically each case is different.