Here is the thirty-fifth article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is Jean Boyd, a Texas State District Judge. She is so honored for making justice truly Republican, something that can be bought by the 1%.
16-year old Ethan Couch was driving drunk at THREE times the legal limit and had Valium in his system. He plowed into four people going 70 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone, killing them. Other victims are severely injured; one has severe brain damage. Even after he killed and maimed those people, he was uncooperative and combative with the emergency services and walked away from the police saying "I’m outta here".
He pleaded guilty, of course. But Ethan’s parents are very wealthy. (We are talking the 1%.) They hired an attorney that brought on a psychologist to say Couch was "a product of wealth" and was used to getting "whatever he wanted". Because he was so affluent and accustomed to never having consequences, the attorney argued that he should get therapy as opposed to jail…
…Prosecutors tried to get 20 years. The Defense argued for therapy and probation.
Texas State District Judge Jean Boyd bought the inane "I’m too rich for consequences" defense and actually sided with the Defense and gave him probation… [emphasis original]
Inserted from <Daily Kos>
Here’s video coverage:
In my volunteer work, I know a man with a very similar crime, with a few key differences. In his drunken stupor, he killed one, not four. He was contrite from day one. His family was not rick enough to sway a Republican judge, so he served thirty full years in prison. He is now a Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
Now some might ask why I’m assuming that the judge who handed down this horrid verdict is a Republican. First, favoring a non-repentant scion of the super-rich over the deaths of four children is a thoroughly Republican thing to do. But, just to be sure, I looked it up. Jean Boyd is a perfect example of Republican injustice.
19 Responses to “Republicans on Parade–12/14/2013”
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This story brought tears to my eyes – our justice system is so dysfunctional – it's very important to elect people who will appont judges who are truly adequate to their jobs – obviously they aren't\
Wow. Words pretty much fail me. So, when this kid shows up again (and he will), is this gonna be his permanent get out of jail free card?
So far, Jean Boyd wins Republican Asshole of the Year in my book.
And there are so many contenders for that award!
There is one very private and expensive Rehab that is willing (for a price) to take this kid and create a one year program, or essentially extend their 90-day program. That to one side, we do not know if this kid is really addicted, if he is, the way to clean up those addictions is by first and most important to want to make the change in one's life.
I don't believe a life sentence is called for here, but some jail time just might make this kid realize that he – no one has a pass on personal responsibility. He is still young, he might be able to redeem his life of useless and malicious behaviors, if he had to face the same consequences as you or I.
I don't think the judge or his parents have done him any favors. Next time, and we know there will be a next time, he just might find a democrat on that bench, or a republican that puts duty to law above this "Twinkie" style defense.
I hope all is going well with the move, TC.
This is so humiliating and sickening to me because I reside in this f***ed up fascist state of TX where this bullsh*t 'conviction' was handed down. If you think there are NOT two (inequal) justice systems in this state and in America in general, you are NOT paying attention….or one is living within the 1% bubble. How much more BLATANT can our Fascism be if not by this trajic miscarriage of justice and calculated and total DISREGARD for the LOST LIVES of HIS victims.
This useless, selfish, self-centered, devil-may-care-cuz-I-don't sociopathic POS will 'learn' absolutely NOTHING through his 1 year 'therapy'. I really hate to say this, having worked in the prison system, BUT, REAL prison TIME may be the ONLY thing that may snap this cockroach out of his little affluent bubble and welcome him into the REAL frikken world where there ARE real consequences for MURDERING 4 human beings and maiming others for life. Because, without that little 'reality check', this insect WILL do it again.
The Daily Kos has some info on the shrink. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/13/1262519/-Meet-the-psychologist-who-got-a-teen-off-because-he-was-rich At the end of the article in the sentence or two after the orange dingbat is a link to a petition to remove Ms. Boyd (do I have to say "The Honorable" Ms Boyd? Gag me!). I said on a Care2 post that perhaps the bribe was big enough to keep her in luxury the rest of her life, because she's gonna need it.
Someone else, on that post or another, there has been a lot on this in a short time and I'm not sure where, but someone had the bright idea of writing your children a letter apologizing for your bad parenting and never teaching them the difference between right and wrong (and a little more taken directly from the verdict) to provide them with a lifetime get-out-of-jail-free card. I know, it wouldn't work, but it's clever.
Thanks, Joanne. I signed the petition. After reading the Daily Kos article, I think she should be disbarred and the shrink should have his license to practice revoked.
Thanks, Joanne. Gladly signed.
Signed.
I'm in tears responding to this act of injustice — at the same time I don't feel that any of these people who are addicted or had an incidence involved with a drug or alcohol should necessarily be punished – regardless of the results of his/her actions – of course it's horrendous – and a penalty must be paid – I still blieve that rehabiltation is the answer – and that most of these sorts of crimes – regardless of the mayhem that results – should not be a prison sentance – but one of rehabilitation – meaning a long term of programs for abuse – I'm fairly sure most of these young abusers are not murderous – and ;our system of justice is very poor – this is not to excuse any "rich kid" – it's to excuse all "kids" who do a stupid thing!
Let the Civil Suits begin … and we'll see how "rich" Ethan's parents end up.
Ethan's wanton disregard for human life – and incredible assholish demeanor – will NOT set well with a jury.
He & his parents should have to do Community Service, get couseling, & lose their drivers' licenses – pay reparations of whatever amount the Victims' families demand and be put on the Terrorist Watch list for being Privileged Terrorists at Will!
Very distressing and it seems there is no justice for the power and priviledged 1%…. Unless you rob the one percent ex. Bernie Madoff… 😈
I was astounded when I first heard this story on the news. This kid essentially got off Scot free because he is rich. If he had been middle class or poor, they would probably have tried for the death penalty. I agree with those on here who spoke in favor of rehab, it is necessary and helps those who for some reason cannot help themselves. In this case, I am doubting much rehab will be done. His parents have probably all ready bought him a new sports car.
Hello Tom!…the REPUB clowns…scare the hell out of me..worse than the real ones do!..real REPUB clowns(re:teaparty and now 87% plus repub….their costumes, are the same as "the norm"..so subtle!(but the Koch's have been paying for women that have a pretty face and only 1/3rd of a brain, and getting them voted in to the place of power..OUR POLITICS!/OUR LIVES!!/OUR LAWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
repub 2014 lingo: Juggle , baby, Juggle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Nameless, let the punishment fit the excuse. If the so-called "reason" this budding young sociopath killed 4 people is his parent's wealth and thus their ability to shield him from the consequences of his actions, then a wrongful death civil suit brought by the families of the kid's victims against those parents for everything they have would seem an appropriate response.
The judge should be disbarred and tried as an accomplice in 4 counts of manslaughter.