Do famous people get lighter (court) sentences?

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Batman

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Topic # 123460 8-Jul-2013 19:07

Is it me or if you have a "reputation" that could be jeopardised you get a lighter sentence or even be discharged without conviction?

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/8891505/No-conviction-for-drink-drive-cricketer

Swype on iOS is detrimental to accurate typing. Apologies in advance.

DravidDavid

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Reply # 851166 8-Jul-2013 19:33

Yes. But Kim Dotcom got a pretty rough deal if that is the case. Im not sure why these people seem to get off so lightly. Perhaps they are making a donation somewhere that isn't so publicised?

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joff_nz

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Reply # 851184 8-Jul-2013 19:48

I think that in some cases, the increased damaged reputation compared to a non famous person, would be fair to take into consideration when sentencing a famous person.

That said, you could argue that famous people should be held to a higher responsibility?

I do think though that it is probably must that we see it a bit more when a famous person is involved and that there are probably a tonne of regular joes who get off far too easily too.

scuwp

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Reply # 851206 8-Jul-2013 20:27

Judges are required by law to take into account all consequences when determining sentence. The sentence penalty cannot be out of proportion to the offending, or out of context with similar cases.

Can't say I agree but that's how life goes.

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gzt

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Reply # 851208 8-Jul-2013 20:28

To answer your original question: "Do famous people get lighter (court) sentences?" Statistically, yes. There are many reason for that. Good lawyers would be near the top of the list.

Look at the facts of this particular case. This guy cannot really be called a famous person: "A promising Manawatu cricketer has escaped conviction after driving drunk because a conviction would have seriously damaged his prospects of playing overseas"

My guess is - if your own business job took you overseas to a jurisdiction where a conviction would disqualify you from working - you would also be able to get off without conviction if it was your first offense and you did all the 'right' things your lawyer advised you.

This particular case I think is not about being famous at all.