Thank you for sending this along for posting. I suppose I should be shocked but I am not, sadly enough. As a victim of violent crime, what I found terribly disheartening, was how the system failed me. I understand that there are laws which we must abide by; many make sense, some do not. I also understand that some things are truly black and white however, many many shades of gray fall in between.
I know there are times that the system does work, and rightfully; and I also understand that sometimes there is such public outcry about a case, situation, that the pressure on law enforcement, prosectutors and judges is such that they do in fact do everything by the 'chart' and that include unfortunately, those who have no records, have not been in trouble, ever.
I also understand, as I was certainly one of them, that believed completely in the system, sort of the Law and Order/Perry Mason kinda thing. As such, I personally put on my faith in that very system which did not work. I know that I am probably still and will continue to reel with my situation, not only because nothing happened to my offender but because the system, and I hate to use this term, victimized me again.
I think this particular woman, sure, she knew what was going on, sure might have done a couple of things that were not completely legal, perhaps a little of the gray, however, to give her a life sentence because of 'charting' and thus, quite possibly, repeating another situation where her children do not have all the guidance they may need....it is one of those vicious cycles that somehow must stop.
Clearly, I do not have all the answers, I probably have a .01% answer/solution to how the system could be changed. However, what I feel is very important for everyone to do is to learn about legislation in their states, go on their legislative sites and read the bills and what is being piggybacked on some of these potential laws. And, when there are public hearings over these bills, attend them. Speak up. Sometimes laws just have to make sense. I have learned, as I have become a strong advocate on behalf of victims in my state, that the majority of the time, legislation is presented as a reaction to something, not as a pro-active position. This, I believe, can create serious problems because a bill is not throroughly researched; not even questions asked and not enough... "what if's"...one of the big debates with minmum-maximum sentencing laws...Jessica's Law as an example.
Another aspect of this conversation is how many people, I have learned, have no idea, which can be a good thing
what is involved in a prosecution...victims' right...sentencing laws, plea bargaining and thus, make assumptions which are not necessarily constructive.
I would hope, in this particular case, somehow, the life sentence can be set aside; she pays a price in some way for perhaps misguided loyalty, or for stopping at Western Union more than once to wire funds. Consequences for that, perhaps so, life in prison, I think that might be a little over the top.
My friend's mom was murdered; after a long period of time with pre-trial motions, continuances, etc. what was supposed to have been a trial turned into a plea bargain. The woman who murdered her mom, and it was premeditated, was sentenced to 15-life. She had been incarcerated for 3 years before the trial/plea agreement. With the 'good time served' law, she ended up serving 8 years and has been released. So, for murdering a woman, 8 years and wiring money with Western Union, life sentence. Not quite sure I can understand the rationale behind the sentences for these two crimes.
And, interestingly enough, regarding the offender in the murder case, she has a list of conditions of release, she has already violated a few of those conditions and although there is a 48 state warrant out for her arrest, the likelihood of finding her is slim...and with the promise that she does get caught, she will have to serve her full time, maybe. Clearly, to me, a person who murders is a bit more of a risk to let out of prison than the woman in this documentary.
For whatever this is worth....
Thanks for letting me vent!
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
