House Impeaches Judge Kent Jun 20, 2009
As part of his plea bargain, Kent admitted that he tried to force Cathy McBroom, his former case manager, into unwanted sex acts in 2003 and 2007, and did the same with Donna Wilkerson, his secretary, from 2004 through at least 2005. The Associated Press does not normally name alleged victims of sexual abuse. (Click2Houston, TX)
More of this story Jun 19, 2009
But information on negotiations of a possible plea bargain came to light Monday upon his appearance before 5th Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano through Deputy Public Defender John Calma and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. Calma asked for and was granted a continuance in Moke s case Monday in order to continue plea negotiations, and asked Valenciano if Moke could be considered for referral to Kaua i Drug Court. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
* World News Quick Take Jun 19, 2009
Bubble-wrap salesman David Gabe Watson was sentenced to four-and-a-half years on June 5, but under a plea bargain most of the term was suspended, a decision that caused outrage among friends and relatives of his late wife. I have formed the view that this sentence is manifestly inadequate and the state will therefore lodge an appeal against the sentence in the Queensland Court of Appeal, Queensland Attorney-General Cameron Dick said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Doubts on diving death appeal Jun 19, 2009
" Watson, a qualified rescue diver, let Ms Thomas sink to her death while he resurfaced. "He virtually extinguished any chance of her survival," the Crown prosecutor, Brendan Campbell, told the Supreme Court. The state director of public prosecutions defended the decision to accept a plea bargain, saying there "no reasonable prospect" of a murder conviction. Today in National Story Tools Latest National News Video Judy Moran denied bail A magistrate has refused bail for gangland matriarch Judy... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
House Schedules Kent Impeachment Vote Jun 19, 2009
As part of his plea bargain, Kent admitted that he tried to force Cathy McBroom, his former case manager, into unwanted sex acts in 2003 and 2007, and did the same with Donna Wilkerson, his secretary, from 2004 through at least 2005. The Associated Press does not normally name alleged victims of sexual abuse, but McBroom's attorney and her family have used her name publicly in discussing the case. (Click2Houston, TX)
Talking Points Jun 18, 2009
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The plea bargain in this case was made public almost four weeks ago, and yet your announcement of being outraged by it and starting an investigation was not made until yesterday, almost a week after FOX News went national with the story and the same day of your official announcement to run for governor. What do you say to those who find something cynical in your statement. (Fox News)
Ra'Vae Edwards Jun 18, 2009
News Tribune - Local News. Central Missouri's information you need. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Manchester Man Sentenced For Three Home Invasions Jun 18, 2009
And despite the pleas for leniency the plea bargain called for a minimum of 25 years in prison Gold said the crimes Colon pleaded guilty to were so severe they required a harsh sentence. "These crimes ... cannot be sanctioned in any way other than by lengthy periods of incarceration," Gold said. (FOX61, CT)
Paralyzed boy to gunman: 'I forgive you' Jun 18, 2009
Clifford, 20, testified against Adams as part of a plea bargain and is expected to be sentenced to six years in prison on July 30. Boy's statement. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Plea deal gives child rapist only 1 year in jail Jun 17, 2009
Prosecutors said they agreed to the plea bargain only because the case rested largely on the testimony of the girl, now 5, who made contradictory statements during pretrial hearings. After initially testifying about the assault, she later said she couldn't remember. (AZCentral -- News)
Charged With Smashing Girlfriend In Face With Bottle, Man Rejects Plea Deal Jun 17, 2009
Vinroy Hines, accused of kidnapping his former girlfriend and their two children and then beating the woman as they drove down I-95 until she bailed out at 60 mph, rejected a plea bargain Tuesday and is now headed to trial. The Bridgeport man is charged with first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping, risk of injury to a child and violation of a protective order. (FOX61, CT)
Plea pact in assault rejected - Missoula woman was beaten with hammer Jun 17, 2009
Under the plea bargain, Allen would also have been ordered to pay a total of 30,000 in restitution to the victim, including 3,000 up front. He also would have been closely supervised during the suspended portion of the sentence, and any legal slip-ups would have landed him back in prison. (Missoulian, MT)
Two sentenced in Medford racial incident Jun 17, 2009
Immergut said the sentences were what the government sought and that both men waived appeal under a plea bargain. Generally I believe human beings are kind and generous but in this case I think that veil has been pierced, Aiken said at sentencing. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Burress hearing delayed to Sept. 23 Jun 16, 2009
The key to the possible suspension of Plaxico Burress (right) is a paragraph on the second page of the NFL's four-page "Personal Conduct Policy 2008." It states, "a first offense will generally not result in discipline until there has been a disposition of the proceeding." Disposition is defined elsewhere in the policy as a conviction or an admission of guilt in a plea bargain. There is only one exception to this provision -- "bodily injury.". (ESPN -- Football News)
With plea agreement,Michael Yarnell enters pleato first-degreeinvoluntary manslaughter Jun 16, 2009
Ra'Vae Edwards wrote on Jun 11, 2009 11:58 PM:" Boxer, there was no crime of passion here. I have researched, studied, written about and followed this case for years. Trust me when I tell you that passion had nothing to do with it. In regards to his defense. He had no defense. There wasn't a trial. It was a plea bargain negotiated by HIS attorney and accepted by the prosecutor. Period. How many murder cases are ongoing in Central Missouri right now? Leslie Gregory, almost 7 years old.Jasmine... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Celebrities' 15 minutes of shame Jun 16, 2009
Presumed innocent, he will either negotiate a humiliating plea bargain or flail away at his accusers in a protracted show trial. But he does have something to look forward to: complete, absolute, overnight rehabilitation. (Boston Globe)
Beckett to serve 30 days Jun 16, 2009
Coquillian wrote on Jun 13, 2009 1:14 PM:He was not proven innocent of anything, he accepted a plea bargain ... MANY first time offenders get a break through the plea bargaining. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Briton fined over Iraq oil scam Jun 6, 2009
He had faced up to 20 years in jail but agreed a plea bargain in April ... Under the terms of the plea bargain, Judge Chin was recommended a sentence guideline of between zero and six months' imprisonment. (BBC News -- UK)
Woman who bought beer for teens prior to fatal crash pleads guilty Jun 6, 2009
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Jun 5, 2009 12:10 PM:" I agree with lilsue. Charge her with murder, if for nothing else but her own stupidity. 180 cans of beer. What could she have possibly thought MIGHT happen? They were all going to get drunk and act responsibly? What this story doesn't say but what I bet happened is that this is a plea bargain. ". somebodysmother wrote on Jun 5, 2009 12:16 PM:" I think six months is plenty. The ADULT was 18. ". (Longview Daily News, WA)
Tearful McCarty gets 3.5 years, begins sentence immediately; may get drug treatment in Texas Jun 6, 2009
He and friend John Parsons came to the courthouse to hand out yellow lapel tags with the numeral "5," to urge the five-year maximum spelled out in her plea bargain. McCarty's attorney, David Bogenschutz, urged the judge to sentence her to no more than a year and a day. (The Palm Beach Post)
The Internet Lynching of Marcus Epstein Jun 5, 2009
As for the assault Marcus was charged and a plea bargain was worked out. It took Marcus a year after this incident to start thinking about a future. (Human Events Online)
Brenham woman sentenced 15 years in fatal shooting Jun 4, 2009
Tyronza Nicole Powell, 30, Brenham was sentenced in district court action here Tuesday after a plea bargain agreement with prosecutors. Judge H.R. Towslee presided over Tuesday s court session. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Public defender offices are in crisis Jun 4, 2009
But even in the best of times, public defenders say a quick plea bargain is sometimes as good as it gets. Court-appointed lawyers often have only seconds to whisper with clients they've just met before standing while a judge sets bail. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Trial postponed 6th time for woman accused of stealing $1.6M Jun 3, 2009
Linda Bevins' trial was supposed to start Tuesday in U.S. District Court, but a judge agreed to give her more time to negotiate a plea bargain and to schedule a plea hearing after she is released from the hospital. Bevins, who has colon and lung cancer, has said she used the money she's accused of embezzling to pay for medical bills, vacations and her daughter's wedding. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Stoneleigh Place robber pleads guilty Jun 2, 2009
Benjamin Osayuyi Osifo, 21, took a plea bargain agreement with the Collin County District Attorney's Office on a lesser robbery charge in the 401st District Court, according to Collin County court records. Osifo changed his plea on Thursday and accepted a 15-year sentence in a Texas Department of Corrections prison. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Gray area: Aging prison population has state looking at alternatives May 31, 2009
BLOOMINGTON -- Mike and Sandy Zogg will never be satisfied with the plea bargain reached between prosecutors and the man who killed their pregnant 19-year-old daughter ... FollowTheConsitution wrote on May 30, 2009 10:06 PM:" Always about the MONEY!!!! If the politicians are so worried about the MONEY it cost to keeps these thugs, then bring back the death sentence and be done with these scum! Liberals always want it both ways and everything they want ends up hurting the rest of the hard working... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Mack pleads no contest to sexual assault May 31, 2009
lovemyruger wrote on May 30, 2009 8:09 AM:" I hope the plea bargain was struck to protect the children from testifying.. BUT there are ways around them directly testyfing... this whole thing stinks... there is a judge somewhere.. that didn't give him what he deserved the 1st time.. just what did he plea bargain down to that time.. we will never know... was he ever profiled... was he classified to this or just stuck in the DOC "wonderful" sex rehab program and graduated before his time was up... (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
When is life really life? May 31, 2009
I don't kow much about this case and wasn't even born when this happened, but didn't Mr. Johnson plea bargain and give up on having a trial in exchange for the plea ... Since when does agreeing to a plea bargain result in a reduced sentence in the end ... My understanding is that a plea bargain may lessen the initial sentence. (The Herald-Palladium)
Phil Spector Sentenced To 19 Years May 30, 2009
Music Producer Was Convicted In 2003 Shooting Death Of Actress Lana Clarkson At His Mansion. LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2009. (CBS News)
Defendant Marries During Jury Deliberations May 30, 2009
A plea bargain finally brought the trial to a halt and Rehkamp sentenced Zalut to five years of probation. . (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Former firefighter gets 10 years for rape, child porn May 30, 2009
But Hunt, the deputy prosecutor, said Thursday that Hargrave was getting the maximum sentence allowed by law under the circumstances and that the plea bargain avoided a lengthy trial, which would have been difficult for Hargrave s victims. The state feels this is the best outcome for this case, she said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
> Travelgate MPs welcomed May 29, 2009
Acting secretary of the National Assembly, Michael Coetzee, said that by law, MPs who entered into plea bargains in the Travelgate probe were not barred from running for Parliament ... He has refused to enter a plea bargain. (iAfrica.com)
Student gets probation in BCC bomb case May 29, 2009
Under the terms of a negotiated plea bargain with prosecutors, Woodson of Melbourne also owes Melbourne police nearly $2,000 for the cost of investigation, owes BCC about $1,000 in restitution and is banned from all school property, including the King Center and Cocoa Playhouse. In accepting the plea deal, Earp agreed to withhold adjudication, meaning the conviction wont show up on Woodsons record. (Florida Today)
Whitworth Sworn In May 29, 2009
Most people who appear in general sessions court will reach a plea bargain with the district attorney but everybody has the option to have their case heard and to be sentenced by the judge if they so choose. Everybody also has the right to a trial by jury. (Camden Chronicle, TN)
UPDATE: Man Sentenced in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash May 26, 2009
Three counts of armed criminal action against Zerna were dropped under a plea bargain agreement. Pending Case. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Slaying victim's widow, a mother of 3, carries on with dignity May 26, 2009
"A year and a half ago, when Johnson was arrested, Manavoglu had no understanding of the American criminal justice system. She didn't understand the jury trial that was to come or the term "plea bargain" when it came up during the case. But a year and a half ago, she also didn't know how to run a restaurant or manage employees, either."I think that you call it 'justice is served. " she said. "Yes. (Boston Globe)
Should Vick be allowed back in the NFL? May 25, 2009
Special-T wrote on May 24, 2009 1:43 PM:" Should Michael Vick be allowed back into the NFL?Is michael guilty of commiting overly cruel acts on animals ?what do we define as cruel and overly cruel acts to animals ? is medical animal testing overly cruel ,or horse back ridding where one species inslaves another to carry them around on their backs .Well in order to clarify what is in fact overly cruel acts to Animals and to also help solve problems associated with these animals such as the high... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Coach passes lie detector (1) May 25, 2009
Terry said the test results were provided to prosecutors, but they would agree only to plea bargain, not to drop the case. "That's unacceptable," Terry said. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Plea bargain in sex case raises questions May 23, 2009
Modesto, CA Clear, 56. Web search powered by YAHOO. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Judge rejects plea deal May 23, 2009
Eeron wrote on May 21, 2009 6:26 PM:" I seen many instences where a sex offense was the case in many of them alot of people point their finger before there is even a trial.What some people don't seem to understand is that just because someone takes a plea bargain does not always mean they are guilty a lot of these people can not afford good enough Attorny to fight their case for them to prove their not guilty let it face how many of us could? It costs around 20,-30,000 dollars to pay this kind... (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
WSJ: Obama Vindicating Bushs Detainee Policies May 23, 2009
"What the al-Marri prosecution and the soft plea bargain really shows," The Journal states, "is how hard it is to convict terrorists in civilian courts when much of the evidence against them is either classified or wasn't gathered on the battlefield at the time of capture.". 2009 Newsmax. (Newsmax)
Exchange program reports sex abuse May 22, 2009
And wait for a plea bargain. Q wrote on May 20, 2009 2:21 PM:First and foremost, I am saddened for this young exchange student and her family. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Sentences dealt to eight in court May 22, 2009
Published: Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:23 AM CDT Eight people were sentenced Wednesday in 21st Judicial District Court, Judge Terry Flenniken presiding, as a result of plea bargain agreements, according to District Attorney William Parham. Brent Leotis Maxie, 23, Brenham, was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a controlled substance (4 to 200 grams of cocaine). (Brenham Banner, TX)
Military Commissions: Still A Bad Idea May 20, 2009
It managed to win a six-month sentence for Osama bin Ladens driver and a plea bargain entailing immediate release from Guantanamo for an itinerant kangaroo skinner. It is hard to imagine that Obamas reconstituted commissions will do any better. (CBS News)
Man on run for 23 years enters plea for murder May 20, 2009
However, Chickene's attorney, public defender Ed Sheehy, announced that he had reached a plea bargain with prosecutors. The agreement calls for a sentence of 25 years in the Montana State Prison for the murder charge, and 10 years on each of the remaining counts, to run concurrently. (Missoulian, MT)
Man pleads guilty in child pornography case May 20, 2009
No Plea - get real wrote on May 19, 2009 3:22 PM:" Lock Bryon and John up and throw away the key!!! I can't believe that our judicial system would plea bargain with this type of individuals. Shame on - lawyers and judges. Poor children that were photographed and probably abused. 500 years would be too soon for scum like that. Thank goodness for a high court that will punish for eternity. ". Comments are limited to 200 words or less. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Lottery assault leads to 3-year sentence May 20, 2009
Brandon Hughes, a 20-year-old from the Los Angeles area, was sentenced to three years in prison under a plea bargain, said prosecutor Clint Campion. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
NH woman gets sentence, tongue lashing, from judge May 16, 2009
The Telegraph reports Superior Court Judge David Sullivan sentenced France to the maximum under the plea bargain, and told France she's lucky. He said he would have sentenced to her a lot more time, if not for the deal. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Trial date set in child's death after 2 year wait May 16, 2009
Typical wrote on May 15, 2009 11:31 PM:" Any guesses on how light the penalty from the almost certain to happen plea bargain that Yoder offers Mendez will be? ". Annienap wrote on May 15, 2009 7:53 PM:" I am sure I will be CANED for saying this, but - oh well. This guy has been here in this country apparently for at least two years. WHY does he not speak english? WHY do taxpayers have to foot the bill for him to have a translator when he should be speaking the language after two years? ". (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Lead lawyer relies on quiet diligence, not flash May 16, 2009
And he found himself in the witness chair at an inquiry last year into the case of one his former clients, Derek Harvey-Zenk, a Winnipeg police officer who was given house arrest in a plea bargain, following a conviction for dangerous driving causing death. Mr. Wolson was raised in a poor, single-parent household in the north end of Winnipeg. (Globe and Mail)
Message: 'You ended his life as he knew it' May 16, 2009
"Holcomb brushed tears from his cheeks as Donahue explained how her brother underwent extensive medical treatment for a broken arm, leg, ribs, a severe knee injury, punctured lung, spinal cord damage, and numerous cuts and bruises. In addition to the loss of memory, Carpenter lost his job, his home was foreclosed and he was forced into bankruptcy, Donahue said.Holcomb offered an apology before Judge Robert Jacon sentenced him to 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison as part of a plea bargain for his plea... (Albany Times Union)
Scott testifies he didn't rob or murder May 15, 2009
Co-defense attorney Michael Culler focused on the plea bargain both Cheeseboro and Jones have with the solicitor s office. For their testimony, both have been offered a recommended sentence of 10 to 30 years if they plead guilty. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Newborn baby left on kitchen table May 15, 2009
farmerziffel wrote on May 14, 2009 10:21 PM:" It appears that any defense attorney worth his credentials will work out a plea bargain and get this female sent to the psych ward. More sex goes on at the state mental hospital than folks realize and at least her next kid will be properly attended to - they just keep breeding. ". Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Social Security Doesn't Go So Far Anymore May 15, 2009
Two senior citizen sisters accused of selling heroin in northeastern Pennsylvania are trying to work out a plea bargain ... (AP) -- Two senior citizen sisters accused of selling heroin in northeastern Pennsylvania are trying to work out a plea bargain. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Weird News)
Katsav fights sex crime charge May 14, 2009
Moshe Katsav has called off a plea bargain that would have seen him plead guilty to sexual misconduct but avoid more serious charges ... The proposed plea bargain Mr Katsav, 62, agreed with Israel's attorney general angered women's rights groups, but was upheld by the Supreme Court in February ... July 2000: Elected president of Israel January 2007: Charged with rape and sexual harassment 28 June 2007: Strikes plea bargain to avoid rape charges and a prison term 29 June 2007: Resigns as part of... (BBC News -- Africa)
Ex-NBA player Blount to be sentenced in drug case May 14, 2009
As part of a plea bargain, prosecutors dropped two trafficking charges. Blount was arrested Dec. 4 after sheriff's deputies intercepted 11 pounds of marijuana sent to him at a relative's house. (FindLaw News)
Israel's Katsav rape trial opens May 14, 2009
Mr Katsav called off a plea bargain in 2008 that would have seen him plead guilty to sexual misconduct but avoid more serious charges, saying that he would stand trial in order to clear his name. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Africa)
Plea bargain gives man 15 years for attack May 13, 2009
But he won a new trial on appeal, and at the last minute, instead of facing a jury again, he agreed to a plea bargain with a 15-year sentence, according to Palmer Public Defender John Richard, who represented him at Tuesday's hearing. Oviuk had hurt Grace Oomittuk and threatened to kill her before. (Anchorage Daily News)
Natchez, Canton residents among 7 guilty in hazing May 13, 2009
BATON ROUGE Seven former college students have struck a plea bargain and will likely get probation for a violent hazing attack that sent two fellow marching band members to intensive care, a Baton Rouge prosecutor said Tuesday. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore said the former Southern University students agreed to plead guilty to hazing and criminal conspiracy to commit second-degree battery, a felony. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Across the area May 13, 2009
A former college student from Augusta and six others have struck a plea bargain and will likely get probation for a. violent hazing attack that sent two fellow marching band members to intensive care, a Baton Rouge, La. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Former Federal Judge Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison May 12, 2009
The sentencing Monday came after Kent to one count of obstruction of justice as part of a plea bargain, which also called for dismissal of five other charges against him. Kent, a former judge in Galveston, Texas, who was working in Houston prior to his guilty plea, has been out on bond pending sentencing. (Law.com)
FDLE error may delay triple-murder trial May 11, 2009
For nearly three years, she has lobbied prosecutors -- writing letters and holding rallies outside the courthouse before hearings -- to accept a plea bargain that would sentence Heyne to three life terms. In 2007, Heyne said in court that he would agree to the deal to give closure for himself and the victims' families. (Florida Today)
DNA Helps Free Inmate After 27 00004000Years May 10, 2009
James Waller rejected a plea bargain for a rape he didn't commit. "They offered me three years. I turned it down. And I said, 'We go to trial.' And I came out with 30 years," he tells Pelley. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Feds find fault all around in Cosco Busan spill May 9, 2009
Cota pleaded guilty in March to misdemeanor charges of violating the federal Clean Water Act and the Migratory Bird Act in a plea bargain agreement that calls for him to serve two to 10 months in prison and be fined between $3,000 and $30,000. He is to be sentenced June 19. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Judge denies Roman Polanski's bid to toss sex case May 8, 2009
He recently sought dismissal on grounds of misconduct by the now-deceased judge who had arranged a plea bargain and then reneged on it. Polanski risked arrest on a fugitive warrant if he returned to Los Angeles. (USA Today -- Life)
