Public Defense

Judge for a day - part next

By Gideon

Just read a sentencing story today that I thought would make a good example for the next edition of “Judge for a Day!”

Defendant is charged with two counts of second degree robbery and four counts of third degree burglary. He robbed two Subway stores, making off with $1062 total. He was a polite robber, however, each time apologizing for robbing the stores. After the first robbery he apologized to the store clerk and thanked him and after the second one he said “I’m sorry, I have to do this.”

He robbed to keep up his prescription meds addiction, which turned into a heroin addiction when he couldn’t get any more meds.

No criminal record whatsoever; a productive member of society with a job. There was no violence during either robbery.

Remember folks, this is Connecticut - the State with the strictest sentences in the country.

What’s your sentence, Judge Commenter? There are no minimums and the max for the robbery is 10 and for the burglary is 5. But since there are multiple counts, you can run them consecutive, if you’re so inclined.

Full post as published by A Public Defender on August 10, 2008 (boomark / email).