AL: Unusually long prison sentences

[seamusTX]

In 2008, a man and woman robbed a convenience store in Dothan, Alabama. Police arrived during the robbery, and the man shot two officers. The woman had driven him to the store and acted as a lookout, informing him by cell phone of the police presence.

Yesterday she was found guilty of numerous charges, including attempted murder, and sentenced to 235 years in prison.

Her companion had already been found guilty and sentenced to 900 years in prison.

http://www2.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/lo ... ops/91349/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Don't get crosswise with the law in Houston County, Alabama.

- Jim

[mikeintexas]

Sounds about right to me.....

[Kevinf2349]

I guess people live longer in Alabama? .... or maybe it just feels like it?

[lonewolf]

How much to keep them in prison for the rest of their lives? How much for execution?

So much for fiscal responsibility......I don't know if AL is a death penalty state or not, but if it is, why would they bother with sentences like that?

[austin-tatious]

How much to keep them in prison for the rest of their lives? How much for execution?

So much for fiscal responsibility......I don't know if AL is a death penalty state or not, but if it is, why would they bother with sentences like that?

The article says the man and woman were lucky enough to just wound the officers. No homicide...no possibility of execution.

[seamusTX]

I don't know the ins and outs of Alabama law, but it sounds like those sentences amount to life without parole. I can maybe see the woman getting a commutation in 20 years or so.

- Jim

[lonewolf]

Valid point taken, Austin-tatious.

[casingpoint]

What's the problem? The punishment fit the crime.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

If they were in Dothan they may have assaulted the LAPD (Lower Alabama Police Dept.)!

SIA

[Captain Matt]

What's the problem? The punishment fit the crime.

Would they get the same punishment if they shot at unarmed bystanders instead of cops?

I think shooting at defenseless innocents is much worse than shooting at combattants.

Just my 2¢

[seamusTX]

Would they get the same punishment if they shot at unarmed bystanders instead of cops?

Probably not. Most crimes have enhanced penalties if the victim or target is a public servant.

I think shooting at defenseless innocents is much worse than shooting at combattants.

Civilian police and criminals are not military forces. Soldiers are agents of their governments. International law recognizes that attacking enemy forces in a war is not a crime.

Criminals are always in the wrong when they shoot at cops, and the cops are usually in the right when they shoot at criminals.

- Jim

[C-dub]

I think Matt was just being sarcastic.

Stiffer sentences for crimes against public servants are mostly directed at LE because of the position of authority, though, aren't they? Granted, it's dumber because it's more obvious that they can fight back, which is what I think Matt was probably referring to. I don't recall arsonists getting charged with capital murder if a firefighter dies fighting the fire the arsonist set.

[seamusTX]

I don't know what motivated legislatures in providing these enhanced penalties. Deterrence is probably a factor, but they are almost implying that the life of a public servant is worth more than the life of an ordinary schlemiel.

I don't recall arsonists getting charged with capital murder if a firefighter dies fighting the fire the arsonist set.

Arsonists who start a fire that kills a firefighter are charged with capital murder. GIYF.

The burden of proof for capital murder is high, and probably its a tactic to get then into prison until they're old and feeble, if not for life.

- Jim

[C-dub]

I don't know what motivated legislatures in providing these enhanced penalties. Deterrence is probably a factor, but they are almost implying that the life of a public servant is worth more than the life of an ordinary schlemiel.

I don't recall arsonists getting charged with capital murder if a firefighter dies fighting the fire the arsonist set.

Arsonists who start a fire that kills a firefighter are charged with capital murder. GIYF.

The burden of proof for capital murder is high, and probably its a tactic to get then into prison until they're old and feeble, if not for life.

- Jim

Cool. I just didn't remember hearing of any.

[seamusTX]

It's not an everyday occurrence.

I don't recall the details of this case -- it took place years ago. A firebug set fire to a building. The fire itself did not injure anyone. A fire truck on its way to the fire crashed, killing a firefighter. The firebug was charged with the murder of the firefighter.

I don't recall whether that case went to trial. I just remember the charge being brought.

- Jim