Stallworth gets 30 days in jail for DUI killing

[grizzaholic]

Well we all knew he would get off light. Well he did. 30 days and an undisclosed sum paid to the victims family.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=a ... &type=lgns

MIAMI (AP)—Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) took full responsibility for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, according to Stallworth attorney Christopher Lyons. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving his black 2005 Bentley after a night drinking at a swanky hotel bar.

[Grizalltheway]

Fuck the legal system.

[JayJ79]

somebody should hit HIM with a motor vehicle.

[grizzaholic]

The only positive I can see from this verdict is that the victims family will be getting a financial windfall, I know money doesn't equal life. But with it I hope they will be able to pay off some debt, get some college paid for for family members and hopefully better their lives. That could be a reason that the judge ok'd such a light sentence. Is it right, probably not. But then again, if the family signed off on it, which often happens in DUI death cases, it is not any of my business.

[AZGrizFan]

The only positive I can see from this verdict is that the victims family will be getting a financial windfall, I know money doesn't equal life. But with it I hope they will be able to pay off some debt, get some college paid for for family members and hopefully better their lives. That could be a reason that the judge ok'd such a light sentence. Is it right, probably not. But then again, if the family signed off on it, which often happens in DUI death cases, it is not any of my business.

Basically his family got lucky that he got hit by a rich man.

[grizzaholic]

The only positive I can see from this verdict is that the victims family will be getting a financial windfall, I know money doesn't equal life. But with it I hope they will be able to pay off some debt, get some college paid for for family members and hopefully better their lives. That could be a reason that the judge ok'd such a light sentence. Is it right, probably not. But then again, if the family signed off on it, which often happens in DUI death cases, it is not any of my business.

Basically his family got lucky that he got hit by a rich man.

I would hope you got what I meant.

[AZGrizFan]

Basically his family got lucky that he got hit by a rich man.

I would hope you got what I meant.

Hey, don't get me wrong. Although I wouldn't want to go out THAT way, if I thought my entire family would be basically set for life, I'd go in a heartbeat. Sure beats the paltry sum I'll make in my lifetime or the amount of life insurance I'm payin' for.

[BlueHen86]

I don't have a problem with this. Reyes was not in a cross walk and apparently darted out in front of Stallworth. It's possible that Stallworth would have hit him even if he hadn't been drinking.

To Stallworth's credit, he stopped immediately, called 911 himself and told police that he was the driver that struck Reyes.

[SeattleGriz]

Ohhh that is harsh. That's the same time in prison Paris Hilton got.

[clenz]

I don't have a problem with this. Reyes was not in a cross walk and apparently darted out in front of Stallworth. It's possible that Stallworth would have hit him even if he hadn't been drinking.

To Stallworth's credit, he stopped immediately, called 911 himself and told police that he was the driver that struck Reyes.

No, the fucker killed someone!

What if I was just shooting my gun at an area that has people in it and my bullet accidentally strikes someone. I call the cops and explain I was recklessly shooting my gun, while drinking, and killed a guy. I'd be sitting in jail for YEARS.


The only reason he only got 30 days is his status and money.

[grizzaholic]

I don't have a problem with this. Reyes was not in a cross walk and apparently darted out in front of Stallworth. It's possible that Stallworth would have hit him even if he hadn't been drinking.

To Stallworth's credit, he stopped immediately, called 911 himself and told police that he was the driver that struck Reyes.

No, the fucker killed someone!

What if I was just shooting my gun at an area that has people in it and my bullet accidentally strikes someone. I call the cops and explain I was recklessly shooting my gun, while drinking, and killed a guy. I'd be sitting in jail for YEARS.


The only reason he only got 30 days is his status and money.

you are missing the point here Clenz. The family signed off on the plea bargain. Most DUI manslaughter cases are that way.

[clenz]

No, the fucker killed someone!

What if I was just shooting my gun at an area that has people in it and my bullet accidentally strikes someone. I call the cops and explain I was recklessly shooting my gun, while drinking, and killed a guy. I'd be sitting in jail for YEARS.


The only reason he only got 30 days is his status and money.

you are missing the point here Clenz. The family signed off on the plea bargain. Most DUI manslaughter cases are that way.

No, I get that happened, but I think any fucker that kills someone needs to be in jail for a long long time. Regardless if they called the cops about it or not.

[JayJ79]

No, I get that happened, but I think any **** that kills someone needs to be in jail for a long long time. Regardless if they called the cops about it or not.

so, if you're driving down the street, and all of a sudden someone jumps out in front of you, and is struck and killed by your car....
then you'd accept being sent to jail for a long long time?


Now, I don't know if that was the case in the Stallworth case. But it's a possibility.
Though I don't know any of the details (his BAC at the time, and other factors).

I hate drunk drivers too, but others have brought up a good point.

[BlueHen86]

you are missing the point here Clenz. The family signed off on the plea bargain. Most DUI manslaughter cases are that way.

No, I get that happened, but I think any fucker that kills someone needs to be in jail for a long long time. Regardless if they called the cops about it or not.

If he goes to jail for a long time he probably doesn't agree to a settlement with the family, which means that they have to sue, which could take years. No doubt that Stallworth's money got him off light, but it's best for the family of the deceased.

[bluehenbillk]

I don't have a problem with this. Reyes was not in a cross walk and apparently darted out in front of Stallworth. It's possible that Stallworth would have hit him even if he hadn't been drinking.

To Stallworth's credit, he stopped immediately, called 911 himself and told police that he was the driver that struck Reyes.

86, you got the part about not being in a crosswalk right, but that's it. Stallworth admitted he flashed his high beams at the guy, hitting the brakes might have been a better idea don't you think??

This judgment is embarassing as an American. This is something you expect in a 3rd world country. Our legal system is corrupt. I guess the moral of the story is if you're going to drive drunk do it in Florida & make sure you have a wad of cash.

[Gil Dobie]

you are missing the point here Clenz. The family signed off on the plea bargain. Most DUI manslaughter cases are that way.

No, I get that happened, but I think any **** that kills someone needs to be in jail for a long long time. Regardless if they called the cops about it or not.

Money talks as anyone else with less means would have more jail time.

If Stallworth was sober and it was an accident, and he killed someone without doing anything illegal, I don't think he should go to jail. The DUI calls for punishment.

[BlueHen86]

I don't have a problem with this. Reyes was not in a cross walk and apparently darted out in front of Stallworth. It's possible that Stallworth would have hit him even if he hadn't been drinking.

To Stallworth's credit, he stopped immediately, called 911 himself and told police that he was the driver that struck Reyes.

86, you got the part about not being in a crosswalk right, but that's it. Stallworth admitted he flashed his high beams at the guy, hitting the brakes might have been a better idea don't you think??

This judgment is embarassing as an American. This is something you expect in a 3rd world country. Our legal system is corrupt. I guess the moral of the story is if you're going to drive drunk do it in Florida & make sure you have a wad of cash.

What did I get wrong?

Is it possible that flashing the high beams led to the guys death? The guy is standing there waiting to cross, a motorist flashes his brights and the guy assumes the motorist is giving him the right of way, so he crosses.

[JMU DJ]

Now, I don't know if that was the case in the Stallworth case. But it's a possibility.
Though I don't know any of the details (his BAC at the time, and other factors).

I hate drunk drivers too, but others have brought up a good point.

Stallworth's BAC = 0.12 ... Legally drunk.


You can knock the legal system here if you want... the judge didn't have to accept the plea agreement if he felt it wasn't appropriate. As you mention though, the scenario is up in the air. 86 has pointed out a few discrepancies and young Chad is ready to pull the trigger, that's why the judge is there to make a level headed decision. Two years house arrest, 10 years probation, 1000 hours community service (41 2/3 days of 24 hour straight community service, 125 eight hour days, 250 four hour days), never able to drive a car again and the undisclosed monetary value (which I assume was a lot of money) is a pretty hefty price to pay. Now I don't know how much you get when you actually go to jail for a while... is there the house arrest? probation? community service? restricted license? etc.

The Reyes family also didn't want prolonged legal issues and Stallworth has shown nothing but remorse for his actions and has accepted responsibility. That's more than you can say for people like Plaxico who are prolonging their stupidity.

[bluehenbillk]

Let's put this in perspective:

On what planet does this makes sense:

Michael Vick gets 21 or 23 months in jail for killing dogs.

Donte Stallworth gets 30 days for killing a human being.

I'm sorry, position this however you want, but, if I asked every single one of you which you;d be more pissed at, if I killed your dog, or if I killed your son or daughter, you know what the answer is.

[JMU DJ]

Let's put this in perspective:

On what planet does this makes sense:

Michael Vick gets 21 or 23 months in jail for killing dogs.

Donte Stallworth gets 30 days for killing a human being.

I'm sorry, position this however you want, but, if I asked every single one of you which you;d be more pissed at, if I killed your dog, or if I killed your son or daughter, you know what the answer is.

Big difference between the two... Vick intentionally killed the dogs... many of them. Yeah, I think I'd be more pissed if a loved one (human) was killed over my dog... but that's your emotional problem. The judge and jury who are overseeing the trial should not bring emotion into their decisions. So really whether or not you are pissed or whether or not you think the decision was wrong, it's based off of your emotional opinion on this matter which has nothing to do with the law or judgement.

[Gil Dobie]

Big difference between the two... Vick intentionally killed the dogs... many of them. Yeah, I think I'd be more pissed if a loved one (human) was killed over my dog... but that's your emotional problem. The judge and jury who are overseeing the trial should not bring emotion into their decisions. So really whether or not you are pissed or whether or not you think the decision was wrong, it's based off of your emotional opinion on this matter which has nothing to do with the law or judgement.

Stallworth intentionally drove after he intentionally drank. Although he didn't intentionally run over the guy, he has to responsibility for his actions. IMO, Vick punishment was too harsh compared to Stallworth's.

[BlueHen86]

Big difference between the two... Vick intentionally killed the dogs... many of them. Yeah, I think I'd be more pissed if a loved one (human) was killed over my dog... but that's your emotional problem. The judge and jury who are overseeing the trial should not bring emotion into their decisions. So really whether or not you are pissed or whether or not you think the decision was wrong, it's based off of your emotional opinion on this matter which has nothing to do with the law or judgement.

Stallworth intentionally drove after he intentionally drank. Although he didn't intentionally run over the guy, he has to responsibility for his actions. IMO, Vick punishment was too harsh compared to Stallworth's.

Didn't Vick lie and try to cover up his actions? Granted that Stallworth's actions cost a human life, but doesn't the legal system usually give a break to those who show remorse and cooperate as opposed to those who lie and deceive?

[JMU DJ]

Stallworth intentionally drove after he intentionally drank. Although he didn't intentionally run over the guy, he has to responsibility for his actions. IMO, Vick punishment was too harsh compared to Stallworth's.

Gil, you're letting your emotions be the judge. The point here is that Stallworth has done nothing but show remorse for the accident and accepted responsibility, the judge has taken this into consideration with the plea agreement that was signed by the Reyes family. BH86 brings up a good point that Vick tried to cover up his actions at first, Stallworth has done nothing but accept responsibility for his actions.

But those outraged over Stallworth’s sentence are overlooking several factors, legal experts say.

For starters, the case wasn’t a slam-dunk for the prosecution; the victim was not in a crosswalk when he was hit.

“Stallworth actually had a defense, that it may not have been his actions alone that caused the death,” said Atlanta defense attorney Steve Sadow, who represented T.I. during the rapper’s recent gun-buying case. “I’m certain the settlement was substantial to take care of the needs of the family, and that might not have been forthcoming if the criminal case had been pursued and lost.”

Prosecutors said the victim’s family, particularly his 15-year-old daughter, wanted to avoid any more pain.

They noted Stallworth stopped immediately after the crash, called police and told officers he hit Reyes.

“Michael Vick’s situation was entirely different,” Sadow said. “He didn’t attempt to resolve the matter early on, he took a position that essentially, he didn’t have anything to do with it. He only worked out a resolution when he had no other way to dispose of the case, after the three co-defendants had already cut deals on him.”

Finally, Vick’s case was federal, Stallworth’s was not. There’s a lot less leeway in federal sentencing guidelines.

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/spor ... worth.html


Do I think he got off easy? Possibly leaning towards yes, but I'm taking into consideration other factors here. The Family, the scenario, Stallworths actions post accident, etc. These play into the decision.

[Marcus Garvey]

Things like this make me realize that I chose the wrong profession. That was some mighty nice lawyerin' on the part of Chrisopher Lyons.
If I could get a "do-over" for the past 17 years, I'd do pre-law in undergrad, then law school and become a defense attorney specializing in DUI. I'd do high profile cases for wealthy clients. Maybe then I'd be able to say: I'm on a boat!!!


Oh, Stallworth should be suspended from the NFL though. I'm not sure how long however.


/ Looking for excuse to post above picture

[clenz]

Let's put this in perspective:

On what planet does this makes sense:

Michael Vick gets 21 or 23 months in jail for killing dogs.

Donte Stallworth gets 30 days for killing a human being.

I'm sorry, position this however you want, but, if I asked every single one of you which you;d be more pissed at, if I killed your dog, or if I killed your son or daughter, you know what the answer is.

Vick didn't go to jail for killing dogs, he went to jail for lying about it and breaking federal laws about dog fighting and crossing state lines.