Is 45 years in prison too harsh for a DUI?

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  • Dad
    SBR Posting Legend
    • 11-26-08
    • 23245

    #1
    Is 45 years in prison too harsh for a DUI?
    5x drunk driver sentenced to 45 years in prison


    <!-- body start --> Stephen Andrew Hall
    (Credit: CBSDFW)
    (CBS) FORT WORTH - A judge has sentenced a North Texas man to 45 years in prison after he was convicted of driving while intoxicated for the fifth time, CBSDFW reported. Jurors only deliberated four minutes before finding 59-year-old Stephen Hall guilty. The Fort Worth man chose to have a judge decide his punishment.

    <!--pagebreak-->Hall was pulled over in River Oaks last summer. At the time of the traffic stop he admitted to having had two beers. A test later revealed Hall's blood alcohol level was .18, or more than twice the legal limit.

    During the penalty phase of the trial prosecutors detailed Hall's four previous DWI convictions, for one of which he served prison time.

    Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Erin Cofer said, "The 45-year sentence was fitting considering his prior DWI history. [The] sentence ensures that he will not be able to drive a vehicle on our roads for a very long time."
    Hall is required to serve a quarter of his sentence - approximately 11 years - before parole can be considered.
    This guy clearly should not be out driving on the roads ever again, but a 45 year sentence? He's 59 years old so he will probably die of old age in prison if he doesnt make parole in 11 years.
    45
    After a FIFTH DUI, 45 years is fair
    0%
    21
    45 years is ridiculous
    0%
    24
  • mh217
    SBR MVP
    • 12-05-10
    • 2226

    #2
    That's fukkin insane...no accident, nobody dead...I could see if he killed someone....damn that's just crazy..I can drain 3 pointers on .18...that's not even that much for an experienced drinker..I don't even understand how they can give someone that much time on that charge...I know ppl with 5 dwi's that did like 60 days!
    Comment
    • King Mayan
      SBR Posting Legend
      • 09-22-10
      • 21326

      #3
      No.. Deserved every year.. Also, lets put child molestors to death(1st time) Rope preferably.
      Comment
      • mh217
        SBR MVP
        • 12-05-10
        • 2226

        #4
        Lol you wanna compare hanging out at a bar and having a few drinks with child molesters?
        Comment
        • BIGDAY
          SBR Aristocracy
          • 02-17-10
          • 48245

          #5
          Guy had it coming. After just 1 I would be making some serious life changes.
          Comment
          • Dad
            SBR Posting Legend
            • 11-26-08
            • 23245

            #6
            Originally posted by mh217
            That's fukkin insane...no accident, nobody dead...I could see if he killed someone....damn that's just crazy..I can drain 3 pointers on .18...that's not even that much for an experienced drinker..I don't even understand how they can give someone that much time on that charge...I know ppl with 5 dwi's that did like 60 days!
            Thats the thing, most people that kill others as a result of DUI dont even get 45 years.
            Comment
            • mh217
              SBR MVP
              • 12-05-10
              • 2226

              #7
              I can't even understand a law that could allow for a sentence like that..cant have judges making up any sentence they want.
              Comment
              • itchypickle
                SBR Posting Legend
                • 11-05-09
                • 21452

                #8
                Originally posted by mh217
                That's fukkin insane...no accident, nobody dead...I could see if he killed someone....damn that's just crazy..I can drain 3 pointers on .18...that's not even that much for an experienced drinker..I don't even understand how they can give someone that much time on that charge...I know ppl with 5 dwi's that did like 60 days!

                he's been CAUGHT 5 times. Only a matter of time before he killed some family or kid. I would have went with 5 years but this probably saved some lives from this guy who doesn't really have much of one or is a productive member of society anyway.

                Enjoy the Apple Butter and toilet wine guy!
                Comment
                • mh217
                  SBR MVP
                  • 12-05-10
                  • 2226

                  #9
                  You can't give someone a 45 year sentence on your bullshit soothsayer prediction of what could have happened..you could have won a 100 grand but yet you lose your money everyday..its the same shit..gimme a break.
                  Comment
                  • yisman
                    SBR Aristocracy
                    • 09-01-08
                    • 75682

                    #10
                    Probably easier to just kill the guy. Obviously he'll never learn.
                    [quote=jjgold;5683305]I win again like usual
                    [/quote]

                    [quote=Whippit;7921056]miami won't lose a single eastern conference game through end of season[/quote]
                    Comment
                    • ttwarrior1
                      BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                      • 06-23-09
                      • 28459

                      #11
                      shouldnt of had judge decide
                      Comment
                      • Dad
                        SBR Posting Legend
                        • 11-26-08
                        • 23245

                        #12
                        Originally posted by yisman
                        Probably easier to just kill the guy. Obviously he'll never learn.
                        Yisman, instead of killing him they could surgically remove his eyeballs. That would stop him from driving.
                        Comment
                        • frogsrangers
                          Restricted User
                          • 04-25-12
                          • 5792

                          #13
                          Screw this guy.

                          Until you have a friend/family member directly involved in a drunk driving accident you truly don't understand the impact. I had a good friend get in a crash with a drunk driver and was launched 40 feet out the windshield onto the street like a ragdoll and somehow survived, the other passengers did not.

                          Drunk driving should carry a MANDATORY MINIMUM 1 YEAR IN JAIL PERIOD and loss of license for 3 years. Zero tolerance. Then maybe we won't have assholes drive drunk. The current system of justice for drunk drivers is not strict enough as people are driving drunk all the time still. Maybe if they knew a year in jail would result in getting caught, they would think twice
                          Comment
                          • Jayvegas420
                            BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                            • 03-09-11
                            • 28213

                            #14
                            Can't believe I'm agreeing with mh here, but DUI's are victimless crimes.
                            If you hit someone with your car there is a charge for that. You kill someone with your car there is a law that covers that too.
                            Drink, get in your car & drive, where's the victim?
                            These laws which are in essence, preemptive strikes (which are meant to protect people) may have their merits but... it's a lot like saying pot is illegal because you might commit a crime after smoking.
                            The only physical difference between vehicular homicide (Or vehicular man-slaughter) & DWI is that you drank before the crime occurred.

                            Victimless crimes need to be reexamined & placed in in entirely different category from those crimes where someone suffers loss or injury.
                            Comment
                            • frogsrangers
                              Restricted User
                              • 04-25-12
                              • 5792

                              #15
                              Originally posted by Jayvegas420
                              Can't believe I'm agreeing with mh here, but DUI's are victimless crimes.
                              If you hit someone with your car there is a charge for that. You kill someone with your car there is a law that covers that too.
                              Drink, get in your car & drive, where's the victim?
                              These laws which are in essence, preemptive strikes (which are meant to protect people) may have their merits but... it's a lot like saying pot is illegal because you might commit a crime after smoking.

                              Victimless crimes need to be reexamined & placed in in entirely different category from those crimes where someone suffers loss or injury.
                              Screw this line of thinking too. It's this line of thinking "I won't hurt anybody so whats the big deal" is what leads drunks to drive in the first place. I am sure every DUI accident has began with the driver thinking "It's no big deal as long as I don't hurt anyone"

                              Tell that to a guy I knew who would always brag about how good he could drive while drunk and how many times he got away with driving drunk and how it was no big deal. Until one night he got in a wreck with a child in the car. Spent 2 years in jail. Think he still thinks "It's no big deal"?
                              Comment
                              • itchypickle
                                SBR Posting Legend
                                • 11-05-09
                                • 21452

                                #16
                                Originally posted by mh217
                                You can't give someone a 45 year sentence on your bullshit soothsayer prediction of what could have happened..you could have won a 100 grand but yet you lose your money everyday..its the same shit..gimme a break.
                                you're right...but you CAN give a max sentence after giving the guy 4 previous chances to not break the same law

                                I'm sure he was told, hey next time you'll get jail...dude said "i'll drink and drive to that, then was told no seriously, next time you get jail time, dude said "i;m buying lets drink...and now suddenly he gets nailed and is being felt sorry for? Dont think so.
                                Comment
                                • mh217
                                  SBR MVP
                                  • 12-05-10
                                  • 2226

                                  #17
                                  No one here is saying drinking and driving is a good thing..but 45 years??...FOR NOTHING!!....nothing happened..you can't take 45 years of someone's life based on your psychic ability or fortune telling skills...if the guy hurt someone it's a diff case..but giving prosecutors,judges, and government that type of power is crazy....don't forget your boy president Bush had a couple of dwi's and did zero jail time.
                                  Comment
                                  • will2survive
                                    SBR Hall of Famer
                                    • 11-26-09
                                    • 8099

                                    #18
                                    I don't drink but 45 years is extreme. Take away the drivers license..... If I had a 45 year jail sentence I would commit suicide. There would be no reason to live. Jump off of a bridge or something
                                    Comment
                                    • Jayvegas420
                                      BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                      • 03-09-11
                                      • 28213

                                      #19
                                      Not the only law Bush broke!
                                      Comment
                                      • itchypickle
                                        SBR Posting Legend
                                        • 11-05-09
                                        • 21452

                                        #20
                                        Originally posted by mh217
                                        No one here is saying drinking and driving is a good thing..but 45 years??...FOR NOTHING!!....nothing happened..you can't take 45 years of someone's life based on your psychic ability or fortune telling skills...if the guy hurt someone it's a diff case..but giving prosecutors,judges, and government that type of power is crazy....don't forget your boy president Bush had a couple of dwi's and did zero jail time.
                                        The guy has probably had the sentences spelled out to him, in writing, and he chose to keep rolling the dice. I have no pity for him. You're right we can't base sentences solely on hypotheticals but I'd rather have a repeat offender be in jail than on the street. Has to learn somehow.

                                        And when you say he 'did nothing'.....there is a reason DWI is a crime. It's one thing if you want to get drunk and do donuts in your backyard and risk only falling in your own bonfire or whatever...but when you decide to get on the roads with me and my kid in the car....it changes into something else. You're now putting everyone else at risk for your own stupidity...deal with the consequences.
                                        Comment
                                        • Dad
                                          SBR Posting Legend
                                          • 11-26-08
                                          • 23245

                                          #21
                                          Originally posted by itchypickle
                                          The guy has probably had the sentences spelled out to him, in writing, and he chose to keep rolling the dice. I have no pity for him. You're right we can't base sentences solely on hypotheticals but I'd rather have a repeat offender be in jail than on the street. Has to learn somehow.
                                          I would like to see his record, his previous convictions other than 4 DUIS. I bet he has more than just that.
                                          Comment
                                          • onlooker
                                            BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                            • 08-10-05
                                            • 36572

                                            #22
                                            Yes, since nobody was killed.

                                            They could of just installed a breathalyzer in his vehicles. I think it comes with a monthly cost, but it would keep him from driving while intoxicated. Which should of been done after his 2nd DUI.
                                            Comment
                                            • MoneyLineDawg
                                              SBR Posting Legend
                                              • 01-01-09
                                              • 13253

                                              #23
                                              Originally posted by Jayvegas420
                                              Can't believe I'm agreeing with mh here, but DUI's are victimless crimes.
                                              If you hit someone with your car there is a charge for that. You kill someone with your car there is a law that covers that too.
                                              Drink, get in your car & drive, where's the victim?
                                              These laws which are in essence, preemptive strikes (which are meant to protect people) may have their merits but... it's a lot like saying pot is illegal because you might commit a crime after smoking.
                                              The only physical difference between vehicular homicide (Or vehicular man-slaughter) & DWI is that you drank before the crime occurred.

                                              Victimless crimes need to be reexamined & placed in in entirely different category from those crimes where someone suffers loss or injury.
                                              No DUI and Smoking pot in your own home are not even close at all

                                              I see what you're saying, but DWI is extremely likely to cause a disaster, whereas doing drugs in private there is no correlation

                                              You can go fire off guns around people in public, but not hit them and that is also technically a victimless crime......I think thats a lot closer to DUI.....whereas one slip up will lead to disaster

                                              Dude deserves every year in prison.....After five fukkin times

                                              Not gunna lie, I probably have driven a few times over the years where I was technically over the limit, so I'm not being a hypocrite here, but the guy above me that said first DUI offense should be mandatory year in jail is absolutely correct......

                                              I mean the US spends all of this time, money, and effort warning people not to drink and drive but it's obviously not working......Up the fukkin ante and give people a fukkin real punishment instead of a slap on the wrist
                                              Comment
                                              • mh217
                                                SBR MVP
                                                • 12-05-10
                                                • 2226

                                                #24
                                                Guy just had a bad lawyer and a crazy judge and he got massacred...plenty of other venues..you can take his car, you can take all his money so he can't get another car, you can put a breathlyzer in his car..you can make him have to show up to a probation place every other day to check his sobriety..this is like those laws that had people being caught for selling a few bags of weed a bunch of times doing life...murders and rapists don't get 45 years..guy is prob a scumbag but the sentence is way off...plus those crimes are premeditated..this is a guy having a few drinks and driving home.
                                                Comment
                                                • Jayvegas420
                                                  BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                                  • 03-09-11
                                                  • 28213

                                                  #25
                                                  Installing breathalyzers in cars is a flawed system. Just drink all you want & have a sober person blow into your machine before you drive. If there is no one there to administer the test properly it can't work.
                                                  Comment
                                                  • onlooker
                                                    BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                                    • 08-10-05
                                                    • 36572

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by Jayvegas420
                                                    Installing breathalyzers in cars is a flawed system. Just drink all you want %& have a sober person blow into your machine before you drive. If there is no one there to administer the test properly it can't work.
                                                    Who ever does that, should be in jail for 45 years.
                                                    Comment
                                                    • itchypickle
                                                      SBR Posting Legend
                                                      • 11-05-09
                                                      • 21452

                                                      #27
                                                      Originally posted by Dad
                                                      I would like to see his record, his previous convictions other than 4 DUIS. I bet he has more than just that.

                                                      Yep, and the article above says he did do prison time for one of the other DWI convictions....so you have a 59 year old, not a 17 year old with some time to learn, and he's already done prison for it before and still keeps it up? The guy is a waste of air at this point.
                                                      Comment
                                                      • MoneyLineDawg
                                                        SBR Posting Legend
                                                        • 01-01-09
                                                        • 13253

                                                        #28
                                                        Originally posted by mh217
                                                        Guy just had a bad lawyer and a crazy judge and he got massacred...plenty of other venues..you can take his car, you can take all his money so he can't get another car, you can put a breathlyzer in his car..you can make him have to show up to a probation place every other day to check his sobriety..this is like those laws that had people being caught for selling a few bags of weed a bunch of times doing life...murders and rapists don't get 45 years..guy is prob a scumbag but the sentence is way off...plus those crimes are premeditated..this is a guy having a few drinks and driving home.
                                                        They probably did that the first four times dude

                                                        No sympathy here for DUI NUMBER FIVE
                                                        Comment
                                                        • Emily_Haines
                                                          SBR Posting Legend
                                                          • 04-14-09
                                                          • 15917

                                                          #29
                                                          Since this country has money to piss away why not spend 20k a year for 45 years on a non violent crime? America is becoming more of a police state every day and only a matter of time before people start rebelling against the government.

                                                          However this sentence was handed out in Texas where most of our nations trailer trash resides. Actually kind of surprised he didn't get sentenced to death there.
                                                          Comment
                                                          • Jayvegas420
                                                            BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                                            • 03-09-11
                                                            • 28213

                                                            #30
                                                            45 years for faking a breathalyzer test?
                                                            Thank God some of you aren't legislators
                                                            Comment
                                                            • MoneyLineDawg
                                                              SBR Posting Legend
                                                              • 01-01-09
                                                              • 13253

                                                              #31
                                                              Originally posted by Emily_Haines
                                                              Since this country has money to piss away why not spend 20k a year for 45 years on a non violent crime? America is becoming more of a police state every day and only a matter of time before people start rebelling against the government.

                                                              However this sentence was handed out in Texas where most of our nations trailer trash resides. Actually kind of surprised he didn't get sentenced to death there.
                                                              Emily I'm with you in general.....but DUI for me is one major exception. Too many innocent people's lives ruined due to horrible decisions of others, and it's pretty rampant
                                                              Comment
                                                              • HoulihansTX
                                                                BARRELED IN @ SBR!
                                                                • 02-12-09
                                                                • 30566

                                                                #32
                                                                These types of punishments only happen to poor people, without the resources to find the proper representation.

                                                                Also

                                                                Comment
                                                                • itchypickle
                                                                  SBR Posting Legend
                                                                  • 11-05-09
                                                                  • 21452

                                                                  #33
                                                                  Originally posted by MoneyLineDawg
                                                                  No DUI and Smoking pot in your own home are not even close at all

                                                                  I see what you're saying, but DWI is extremely likely to cause a disaster, whereas doing drugs in private there is no correlation

                                                                  You can go fire off guns around people in public, but not hit them and that is also technically a victimless crime......I think thats a lot closer to DUI.....whereas one slip up will lead to disaster

                                                                  Dude deserves every year in prison.....After five fukkin times

                                                                  Not gunna lie, I probably have driven a few times over the years where I was technically over the limit, so I'm not being a hypocrite here, but the guy above me that said first DUI offense should be mandatory year in jail is absolutely correct......

                                                                  I mean the US spends all of this time, money, and effort warning people not to drink and drive but it's obviously not working......Up the fukkin ante and give people a fukkin real punishment instead of a slap on the wrist
                                                                  I'm with you on this. If you wanna drink til you have liver failure, have at it, I'll probably buy you a shot since I see you at the bar so much...but don't jeopardize the rest of us by flying down the road in a car. I'm for legalizing drugs at the same time...just you tell me I can now buy crack at WalMart for cheaper than I can on the street...doesn't mean I'm going to go out and become an addict.

                                                                  Bottom line boys, the dude is 59 years old and not new to this....he put his own freedom at risk willingly so fukk him...let him go away.
                                                                  Comment
                                                                  • minet123
                                                                    SBR Posting Legend
                                                                    • 02-17-07
                                                                    • 10280

                                                                    #34
                                                                    it's not free to keep someone locked up
                                                                    but when states contract to private prisons and the private prisons through lobbyist write the legislation that includes a minimum number of convection with a minimum number of mandatory years or the state pays a huge penalty than we must protect the contract
                                                                    did the guy deserve to be locked up
                                                                    yes
                                                                    for 45 years
                                                                    come on
                                                                    Comment
                                                                    • itchypickle
                                                                      SBR Posting Legend
                                                                      • 11-05-09
                                                                      • 21452

                                                                      #35
                                                                      Originally posted by mh217
                                                                      Guy just had a bad lawyer and a crazy judge and he got massacred...plenty of other venues..you can take his car, you can take all his money so he can't get another car, you can put a breathlyzer in his car..you can make him have to show up to a probation place every other day to check his sobriety..this is like those laws that had people being caught for selling a few bags of weed a bunch of times doing life...murders and rapists don't get 45 years..guy is prob a scumbag but the sentence is way off...plus those crimes are premeditated..this is a guy having a few drinks and driving home.
                                                                      Yea...DONT DRINK AND DRIVE and then play victim after you get caught.
                                                                      Comment
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