Texas Teen Sentenced To Probation For Deadly DWI Crash

[Newsjock]

Source: CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

A teenager who killed four people while driving drunk has been sentenced to probation.

Prosecutors were pushing for 16-year-old Ethan Couch to spend 20 years in prison. However, State District Judge Jean Boyd sentenced Couch to a decade of probation.

There was no debate about who was behind the wheel last June, when Couch plowed into and killed four people. Couch has admitted to being the driver, and court records show his blood alcohol level was .24 at the time of the crash, three times the legal limit for an adult.

... Couch’s attorneys argued his parents were responsible for the teen’s actions that night because of the way he had been raised. Defense attorneys put a psychologist on the stand who testified Couch was a product of wealth and got whatever he wanted. The psychologist also testified the teen was allowed to drink at a very young age and began driving at 13 years old. Defense attorneys argued Couch needed treatment, not jail and suggested a facility that costs almost half a million dollars a year.

Read more: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/12/10/teen-sentenced-to-probation-for-deadly-dwi-crash/

[MADem]

1. *****WHAT DO DUers THINK OF THIS?????????*****

Pardon my shouting--I am trying to get the attention of anyone who reads the thread but might not post. I would like to hear people's views on these kinds of questions:

Is ten years of probation "better" than any amount of prison time?

Do you think it will be effective in modulating the individual's behavior?

Do you think the young man will reoffend, or will he be sequestered in a "treatment facility" and coddled in private schools where his freedom is limited?

Do you think he should be allowed to drive ever again?

The reason I'm asking is because my family is enduring the pain of loss in similar circumstances--rich drunk punk, driving an overpowered, overpriced car, killed a beloved relative. High priced lawyers keep dragging it out...I am not confident that we'll see anything approaching justice.

[davidn3600]

3. It just reinforces the idea that the rich dont go to jail

...and for the most part, that is true.

[MADem]

5. Yeah....this is what we're concerned about. nt

[LisaL]

6. Being a "product of wealth" clearly pays off.

[Warren DeMontague]

7. First thing that comes to mind is, Texas will put people in prison for a dime bag of pot.

The fact that this kid killed 4 people and won't serve any time, when Texas Prisons are full of people doing 5, 10 years for being busted for pot possession, strikes me as espeically ludicrous.

I think two things, about the specific case- one, the very serious nature of the incident needs to be brought home to the kid, and two, there should be some hope of rehabilitation in the future because of his age.

I think 10 years of probation leans too heavily towards the latter and risks blowing off the former.

My opinion is, he should do some time for it. Maybe not 20 years, but some time.

[Warren DeMontague]

14. I suspect you are correct.

[MADem]

9. That is what we are thinking...

We don't want to ruin a life for a life, but we want some "sit yo' ass down in the jail" consequences, and then some probation--maybe even some community service; I think one of those MADD ads would do it for me. He's rich enough to fund the production costs, too. Or his "deddy" is. There needs to be some "consequence" in consequences--this sentence looks more like "inconvenience."

[LisaL]

10. What I am thinking is that this "sentence" is outrageous.

[MADem]

11. Me, too--but we're girding our loins to get slapped in similar fashion.

Rich people get away with shit.

[snooper2]

38. nah, I know many people busted with weed over the years...

small amounts usually get dumped in the street and you'll get a misdemeanor paraphernalia ticket...

My friend got busted with a couple ounces broken up and got two years probation. (they dropped the intent to sell)



Not as bad as one might think-

[bullwinkle428]

43. Are the people you know who were busted white, black or Latino?

I would hazard a guess that plays a factor.

[snooper2]

45. all of the above-

Actually, one night about 12 years ago seven of us were sitting in the bed of a truck in winter passing a one hitter behind a bar. All of a sudden like six cop cars showed up and a fucking helicopter with a spotlight on us. We all about shit a brick.

Long story short, The alarm was going off on a pawn shop (we were facing the back of it between bar/pawn shop) and they thought we might have been involved.

I miss that one hitter

[MagickMuffin]

17. Since You Asked!

This happened in the county I live in. I remember this well. It took several hours to process the "accident" because of this privileged boy's upbringing and his decision to steal alcohol and drive while under the influence and at high speeds.


Here's a better article:

http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/10/5408563/teen-sentenced-to-10-years-probation.html#my-headlines-default?rh=1

Not only was he drunk but apparently:

The teen admitted to being drunk when he lost control of his pickup. He had seven passengers in his Ford F-350 pickup, was speeding, had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit, plus traces of Valium in his system, according to earlier testimony.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/12/10/5408563/teen-sentenced-to-10-years-probation.html#my-headlines-default?rh=1#storylink=cpy


From the OP's link

Couch has admitted to being the driver, and court records show his blood alcohol level was .24 at the time of the crash, three times the legal limit for an adult. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Couch and some friends stole beer from a Burleson Walmart on June 15, the night of the crash. After consuming the alcohol, Couch and seven others got back into his pickup to go to another store.

Oh and just so everyone knows the Judge is a republican, as are most of Tarrant County judges.

So sad, that the four people who lost their lives can rest assuredly that their killer will be spending his time in a posh rehab facility that will cost his parents $450,000 a year. May the families of Breanna Mitchell, Hollie and Shelby Boyles, Brian Jennings, find solace during this tragic time in their lives, and especially during this time of year. They will not be able to spend the holiday's with their loved ones. However, Couch will be able to be with his.


More articles this one is about the victims filing lawsuits against the Couch's : http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/11/30/5380220/fifth-lawsuit-filed-in-deadly.html

I hope this helps!

[MADem]

19. Thank you.

I'm not alone in thinking that this kind of thing isn't right.

Like I've said, we're trying to wrap our heads around a serious loss, and at the same time, try to maintain a "quality of mercy," but when money enters the equation, there is a sick feeling that justice is gonna get short-circuited. And yeah, the perp in our case is out of the hospital and home with his family now getting medical rehab (supposedly) in their posh mansion. His lawyers are delaying his frigging arraignment and I think that's just pure bullshit.

[MagickMuffin]

59. I'm so sorry for your loss

It never ceases to amaze me how our "justice" system is geared toward the rich and powerful and the poor and powerless.

Even when someone uses the vehicles that takes a life away from this Earth plane, if you are rich, you walk without any consequences, if you are poor you will pay dearly for our actions.

However, ALL actions have consequences and it doesn't really matter whether you are rich or poor the Cosmic Law of Compensation is gonna catch up to you sooner or later and that is where KARMA is lurking.


So, rest assured that these perpetrators will have to pay the consequences of their actions.


Again my condolences to you and your family. May you receive some peace and solace during this difficult time, especially during this season of giving and receiving. Take some comfort in knowing that your loved one is always with you and light a candle in their remembrance and honor.

… …

[darkangel218]

30. Probation only is wrong.

He will learn nothing from it.

That's my take.

[MADem]

35. I agree. nt

[HappyMe]

40. I think you're right about that.

He should have done some time in jail, and 10 years probation.

[blueamy66]

46. He'll never last through 10 years of probation.

His PO will violate him and his probation will be revoked....and then, hopefully, after this happens 2 or 3 times he'll see some jail time. IMHO

[Blue_Tires]

47. And I'm guessing even when he DOES break probation

Mom and Dad will just throw money at it again so he gets a slap on the wrist...

UNLESS of course the victim(s) are also wealthy...

[blueamy66]

57. That's why I wrote 2 or 3 times....

His PO will eventually put his/her foot down and ask for jail time.

Too many dirty UAs will end his life of probation.

[Katashi_itto]

2. Personally he should burn in the chair or be serving a life X4. But I'm easy going.

[darkangel218]

32. Death penalty though? really??

[Katashi_itto]

48. 4 people Murdered? Really?

I said I would settle for life x 4

[darkangel218]

50. life in prison, maybe.

Not killing them. Otherwise we will become them.

[Katashi_itto]

54. Sorry don't agree there.

[Tx4obama]

4. The person on the link below...

The person on the following link should spend a bit of time in prison, here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10694186

[catbyte]

12. So the kid's "wealthy", privileged background is to blame? I also assume that same

privileged background also got the little creep off the hook this time too. I hate to even think this, but I wonder if he will learn anything besides the fact his "wealth" allowed him to literally get away with murder. A poor kid would be serving 10-20. Sickening.

[groundloop]

33. THAT is exactly what he learned.

Although I suspect the he knew that already. Judging from his actions I'm guessing he's been getting away with crap for years and years that would have gotten regular kids into tons of trouble.

And as far as him going directly into rehab, it ain't gonna' do him a bit of good. For rehab to be of any benefit the individual has to want it. He hasn't had enough time for his actions to sink in to want anything other than a get out of jail free card. He needed to sit in jail for a couple of years first, have some time to contemplate his actions and how he'd been living his miserable rich life, and then maybe he'd have come to the realization he needed to turn his life around - at that point rehab might have done him some good.

[catbyte]

49. My dad was a cop in a small town police department for 30 years. It was an unwritten rule

that the kids of rich, prominent people & politicians were to be driven home if they got into trouble or stopped for DUI, yet poor kids got thrown in the slammer. That incensed my dad and he ALWAYS did the opposite. He busted the spoiled rich kids & drove the poor kids home if they weren't a danger to themselves or others, of course. Needless to say, dad never, ever received a promotion nor got much in the way of "merit pay", but he always said at least he could sleep soundly & peacefully. That was almost 45 years ago, and nothing has changed today. Gosh I miss my dad.

[CanonRay]

13. We have two justice systems

One for the rich and powerful, the other for the rest of us. So his defense is that he is wealthy? Well, that's getting right down to the nub, isn't it. It's been this way for years, but it is getting worse. At some point, people will decide they can only get justice on their own. Then the USA will be in deep shit.

[Dash87]

24. Might as well cut right to the chase.

"Your honor, my client is wealthy and white, and entitled to a heavily reduced sentence because of this. The defense rests."

[JI7]

15. it seems like punishment for drunk driving and killing someone is very small

[Blue_Tires]

21. Depending on your race and financial clout, of course...

We had a really ugly DWI case here in VA a few years back which was the source of a lot of Fox News/RW blogger outrage because an undocumented Mexican was driving...

And he got something like two life sentences (eligible for parole in his late 60s) and if he ever gets paroled he will be immediately deported...

[jsr]

41. Perfect illustration.

[exboyfil]

16. I wonder how much judge shopping went around

Quote from another paper:

"Other local judges are also announcing retirement, including state District Judge Jean Boyd, who oversees the county’s juvenile courts, and 2nd Court of Appeals Justice Bob McCoy.

Boyd will retire when her term ends in December 2014. McCoy announced that he’s seeking election to County Criminal Court No. 3."

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/06/13/4932549/veteran-family-court-judge-steps.html#storylink=cpy

Convenient the judge is retiring now.

[surrealAmerican]

18. If, as his attorneys argued, his parents are at fault ...

... have they been charged with anything?

[HappyMe]

20. No jail time?

This isn't a throw him in and toss the key scenario, because he could turn it around. But he should have spent some time in the slammer.
Money talks.

[Dash87]

22. "Got everything he wanted" - the trend continues

[randome]

23. Unless someone was in the courtroom during this case, no one knows if this is appropriate or not.

Much depends on how believable the kid is as well as how much remorse he may have expressed for his actions.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font][hr]

[LisaL]

25. How believable the kid is?

WTF does that mean? He drove drunk and killed four people. What is it he should be believable about?

[randome]

29. Whether or not he expressed remorse for his actions.

This is why judges have leeway in these matters. Sure, he comes from a privileged family. That doesn't, by itself, mean he isn't haunted by what he did. Throwing someone in prison when he already seems to have learned a lesson is counterproductive.

I'm not saying he has learned his lesson, only that the judge has some amount of discretion to make that call.

And that's how it should be.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font][hr]

[LisaL]

31. So if you drive drunk and kill people, all you have to do is express remorse?

And you are home free?
Well, that's nice to know.

[randome]

36. Look, for all we know this kid is scared to death for what he did.

Would it make sense to toss him in prison if he is?

All I'm saying is a judge has discretion. Hopefully this is a judge who knows enough about human nature to know whether or not he/she is being played by the defendant and/or his attorneys.

That's just my optimistic, alternate viewpoint, of course. The other explanation could also apply: money talks.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font][hr]

[LisaL]

56. Why would he be scared to death?

He got probation and treatment instead of prison.

[DragonBorn]

58. Really?

Unless someone was in the courtroom during this case, no one knows if this is appropriate or not.

I wasn't in the court room but I can tell right now, that this isn't appropriate. He killed four people. Is some part of that escaping you? No one should give a damn how much remorse he's expressed, sure if he was unrepentant hit him even harder but just because he's remorseful doesn't mean he should slide on the four people whose life he ended.

Four people are no longer walking this earth because of him. Think about that.

This punk steals beer, get high on vicodin, "obtains" (we do not know if it was borrowed without permission or what) a pickup truck kills four people and injures 12 and just because he is sorry you would support him not going to prison.

To answer your question yes It makes sense to throw him in jail for a decade if not more. He killed 4 people we punish people who kill others even if their sorry about it later. I don't give a damn how sorry he is, kid should be in prison and terrified.

I don't even know how you can excuse someone killing four other people.

[mstinamotorcity2]

26. maybe they are kin

to Laura Bush

[hatrack]

27. He's certainly no Alice Walton, I'll say that!

Meh.

If he had real clout, he would have simply had the whole thing expunged from his record, so that he could "get on with his life".

[LisaL]

28. What's the difference?

[FatBuddy]

34. pay to play legal system

pay to play government

The Banana Republic of Uhhhhmerica proceeds.

business as usual.

next.

[4Q2u2]

37. All too often

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Mars-co-owner-faces-trial-in-fatal-Va-crash-234569801.html

I guess it is not perfect but, the rich use their asset's to the fullest extent to get their way. Maybe us Po folks should use our assets that we have. Looks like a perfect time for a Jack Ruby scenario. Find that very old or dying family member and have them rely the proper message to the other family. That justice is not always meted out in the Halls of Justice. Let us see how remorseful you can be now that it is JUST US.

[mountain grammy]

39. Wonder if the families of the victims are good Republicans

who will continue to support wealthy oligarchs who pay no price for the destruction of lives. Oh, I'm sure plenty of money will be redistributed to all involved, but there can never be enough money for the loss of a mother or father or child or for the kid who can only communicate by blinking.
Wonder how many dangerous children of the wealthy elite, like this kid or Adam Lanza or James Holmes, who grow up privileged with unlimited access to the weapons of their choice, are just waiting to be unleashed on an unsuspecting public.

[jsr]

42. Couch's father would pay $450,000 for "therapy"

http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/Defense-pushes-for-intensive-therapy-for-teen-in-drunken-crash-that-killed-4-235288101.html

Outrage follows probation for teen who killed four in crash

At the time of the fatal wreck, Couch had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, said Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson, four times the legal limit for an adult.

It is illegal for a minor to drive with any amount of alcohol in his or her system.

Judge Boyd could have sentenced Couch to up to 20 years.

Defense attorneys asked that he be sent to a small, private home in California which offers intensive one-on-one therapy. They said Couch's father would pay the entire $450,000 price tag.

[joeybee12]

44. Well, that defense apparently worked for Laura Bush also...nt

[JimboBillyBubbaBob]

51. He killed,

he ought to be in Huntsville!

[elehhhhna]

52. TEXAS notwealthy 23 y/o plead guilty, killed 2, and got 38 years

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2383940/Nicole-Baukus-Sobbing-wrong-way-drunken-driver-killed-teenagers-binging-alcohol-sentenced-38-years.html


Too bad her parents weren't enablers who could afford to offer alt "punishment" in Malibu @ 400K per year


or she'd be on the beach right now.

MERICA!

[Xithras]

53. He's 16

I think that people who advocate life in prison, or the death penalty, for CHILDREN are all closet Republicans.

Prison serves two purposes 1) To protect society from criminals. 2) To redirect criminals to a life that doesn't place society at risk. I completely reject the notion that prison should be punitive. That's a right-wing ideal, and it's disgusting to see it repeated here on DU.

When a judge sentences a minor, he has to ask himself two questions: Is this child a danger to society? And what options are available to set this child on a better path? If probation and mandatory treatment can accomplish that, then I don't have a problem with it.

Rich or poor makes no difference to me.

[avebury]

61. I think that the victims' families would have a good

chance to nail the parents in a civil case. They are responsible for their child and now the court has deemed their child rearing practice to be negligent. The defense attorney essentially placed the blame for the accident and resulting deaths/injuries squarely on the shoulders of the parents.

I would have no problem with all that affluent wealth being taken away from that family. Actions must have consequences. Let us see how well they do if they become dirt poor.

If this boy had come from a poor family, his sentence would have been very different.

[Paladin]

63. I hope it happens. (nt)

[avebury]

65. And probation worked so well in the

case of Chris Clary.

http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/judge-who-gave-ethan-couch-his-affluenza-punishment-should-have-studied-chris-clarys-case.html/


Maybe if Clary had spent some time in jail, Latonya Lyons might be alive today.

[Ikonoklast]

55. The only thing thing this kid will learn is what he already know...scions of wealthy families

can kill people and go unpunished.


If he was a poor minority kid, chances are he'd never see one day of freedom much before he was ready to die of old age.

[avebury]

60. What the Prosecutor should do now,

based upon the judges ruling is charge the kid's parents. I am sure that they could dig up some type of murder charge to level at the parents (negligent homicide, contributory negligence, whatever). If you blame the kid's behavior on the way he was raised, can't you then make a claim that the parents should have known that the boy's actions could (at some point) cause the death or serious bodily injury to others). They were negligent in their child rearing practices.

The victims' families should go after the parents in civil court and have all that affluent wealth taken away from them. The parents are adults and do know the difference between right and wrong.

[sendero]

62. Judge Jean Boyd..

... needs to be unemployed. Nobody that stupid or corrupt should be sitting on the bench.

[Jacinta]

64. Where's the justice for the rest of us

Ethan couch will not learn anything. Driving a big truck that drunk is beyond ignorant. His friends must be just as stupid to have been with him.
If the defense claims his parents are responsible then they should be liable and held accountable. I hope the victims families sue his parents.