I just did an interview with Stacey Deffenbaugh for ABC-7, discussing why the young man charged with causing a death after failing to stop for a school bus is in civil court and not criminal court. The story will likely air at 4 and/or 5 pm on ABC-7, and hopefully my comments are included.
Here’s an earlier story about the court hearing this morning. The family was understandably angry, due to the tragic loss of their son…
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/33047429/judge-to-decide-fate-of-man-accused-in-crash-that-killed-teen
The court was certainly not saying the teen’s life was only worth $1000, that was the maximum penalty permitted. This ruling does not preclude the victim’s family from proceeding on a wrongful death claim, which is likely to be worth many thousands of dollars. Nothing can take away the tragedy of the loss of life in these types of cases.
crimcourts : A Criminal Law Blog 