A gut feeling told us there was something wrong when a driver charged with being drunk when he struck and killed a fellow Immokaleean, a family man, in 2001 was sentenced to probation only and $150,000 in restitution as part of a no-contest plea.
It gave the impression that you can put a price tag on life and justice.
Then we see someone else — someone with official standing — speaking up to say he feels the same way. That person with standing is none other than Cpl. John T. Schultz III of the Florida Highway Patrol.
He and other troopers work hard at the grisly scene of such collisions. They help put together the evidence and have a stake in the outcome. They believe in punishment being a lifesaving deterrent.
The FHP also has to work with prosecutors and the courts on a daily basis. Statesmanship and good working relationships are vital.
Still, this officer is compelled to speak out. He feels it is worth the risk.
We applaud him for his courage and we ask the court system whether this is the best it can do. Will other DUI fatalities be settled in such a fashion? Is this to become business as usual?
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