If Drunk Drivers Who Kill Face Murder Charges, Why Not Charge City Councilman With Attempted Murder?
By Matt Coker in A Clockwork Orange, Crime & Sex
Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 12:28PM
9 comment(s) / Post a Comment
Alicia says:
Because no one was killed or in physical danger at the time of the incident. If I hold a knife in my hand while drinking and it slips and falls to the ground is that attempted murder? It becomes criminal when, in a drunken rage, I chase someone down and attempt to stab them. He should get more than his pat on this wrist I agree--I think all DUI penalties are a bit too light--especially since they can result in death.
If you make the choice to drink and drive and kill someone your actions and decisions lead to that death pure and simple.
However a dumb, potentially dangerous act that does not put anyone in immediate danger does not mean one attempted murder--attempted murder has to have a specific target not the world at large.
This question was incredibly stupid and not well thought out.
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 1:53PM
Matt Coker says:
Alicia, I come at this having trouble wrapping my head around the idea that a 24-year-old insurance man with no prior arrests committed murder by causing a drunken driving accident that killed two and maimed others. Yes, it's horrific and he should otherwise have the book thrown at him, but he was in no rage when he drove off, nor did he inform anyone he was purposely going to go out and crash head on into another car. He was advised not to drive by friends so, yeah, give him the maximum for manslaughter or whatever. But if that's murder, then it seems it could at least be argued that a drunken driver who clips another car attempted to murder the occupants.
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 2:04PM
The Bolsavik says:
Because the intent to kill isn't there.
"Attempt" crimes require a higher level of proof of intent than actual completed crimes.
OK - you may say - well then let's change the law and do away with the element of intent.
Imagine what happens if we do charge all DUI's with attempted murder.
Would that not dilute the seriousness of an "attempted murder" charge?
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 4:29PM
Matt Coker says:
If we charge a drunken driver who kills with murder, does it not dilute the seriousness of a murder charge?
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 4:55PM
Ivan says:
I don't think first offenders of drunk driving convictions should be charged with attempted murder, but I do believe the government should impliment harsher penalties.
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 6:51PM
mike says:
If driving and put on make-up at the same time and causing an accident or kill someone, is that attempted murder.
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 7:57PM
Art Pedroza says:
Let's see. Mike Schroeder's wife works for O.C. District Attorney T-Rack. Schroeder is a big time Trannie. Figure it out kids...Quach will be handled with kid gloves.
If he was a Mexican immigrant he would still be in jail!
However, I do think that at least his political career died in that crash on Saturday night.
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 5 2009 @ 10:36PM
cook says:
Automobiles are the weapon of choice for many murderers. And there is not a 2nd amendment protection there. And so many murderers are then set free after paying a fine to the government to drive again and even murder again behind the wheel of another car.
Posted On: Sunday, Aug. 9 2009 @ 2:50PM
autumn says:
this stinks why r u even talking about murder. they deserve it so u need to cry about it and then get over it u bunch of babies.
Posted On: Friday, Aug. 28 2009 @ 6:54AM
