S.D. Public Doubts Fair Treatment For Janklow

[UpInArms]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15154-2003Sep2.html

FLANDREAU, S.D., Sept. 2 -- Rep. William J. Janklow (R-S.D.) went to court for the first time today to face a charge of manslaughter after the accident last month that killed a motorcyclist on a rural road.

<snip>

His political career is also in jeopardy. A statewide poll recently showed that a large majority of South Dakotans want him to resign from Congress if he is found guilty of causing the crash; 45 percent said he should resign now. If Janklow were to resign, a special election would be called. Analysts here say the seat might well switch to the Democrats if that happened.

Lawyers who handle traffic cases in this area say many cases like Janklow's would be resolved through plea bargaining, with the driver pleading guilty to some charge in return for a promise that he would not go to prison.

But such a deal may be difficult for prosecutors to accept in Janklow's case, because of a widespread public view that the four-term governor will get special treatment because of his political connections.

"If any of us had committed the crime he has, and with his driving record, we wouldn't be walking the streets without having posted a significant bail," read a letter to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader from reader Tim Borger. "But, because Mr. Janklow is part of the 'good ol' boy' network in this town, he is likely to get off without any serious ramifications."

...more...

[gratuitous]

1. So, which is it?

Would any South Dakota driver, with a driving record that had as many speeding citations as Janklow's, avoid a jail term by pleading out? Or would that hypothetical driver be looking at some time in the slammer? What happens to Janklow's license? Revoked? Suspended? Handed back to him with a frownie face sticker on it?

Janklow has a real Hobson's choice: Fight the charges and drag this episode out, earning much public approbation, or plead guilty and put himself at the mercy of the court system, which may not be too kindly disposed to him. Bummer, dude.

[otohara]

2. Considering A Dem Might Get His Seat

The good ole boys will make damn sure the murderer will get off, again.

[Walt Starr]

3. The good ole boy network worked for Scarborough in Florida

At worst Janklow will get a gig with Faux News over this.

[Fovea]

4. If they let him off with a slap on the wrist

I would expect this to be a sore point in SD for a long time.

I think traffic laws should follow drug laws.
Kill someone with your car in a negligent manner and
lose your house, car, etc, and go directly to jail manditory sentences.

This year has been like an abbetoir for cyclists and pedestrians around here.

[Melsky]

5. He knew he had a speeding problem

he thinks he is above the law and someone dies - he deserves some serious jail time.