Heatley indicted on vehicular homicide

[Arashi Kage]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=91272

"If convicted on all counts, the Calgary native faces up to 20 years in prison and fines totalling $5,000 US."

Heatley has such potential, I hope we don't lose 'em. Honestly, if the family has forgiven him, legal action should not be necessary.




:'(

[BCWWF]

20 years in prison, thats nothng, its the 5,000 thats gonna kill him

[YOUR Hero]

Yeah 5,000 dollars compared to the 20 years seems quite rediculous.

[Lara Emily]

The forigveness of the family is and will always be irrelevant in the question of should he be charged.

[BCWWF]

I don't think he will be put away. Also, wouldn't this technially be manslaughter and not homocide?

[Lara Emily]

I don't think he will be put away. Also, wouldn't this technially be manslaughter and not homocide?

I believe it's because it was his reckless driving that caused the death he gets charged with homicide. I believe that's how Georgia law works, if I reall the article I read awhile go correctly.


BTW it should be noted that Georgia is incredilby strict with reckless driving related deaths. The average sentence is about almost 7 and a half years. I will not be surprised if Heatley gets at least 3 years or so, in fact I'll be dissapointed if he doesn't.

[BCWWF]

Oh, weird. I always got the impression that homocide was murder and manslaughter was unintentional

[road doggy dogg]

Heatley is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, second-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving too fast for conditions, failure to maintain a lane and speeding.

Okay I guess I can understand him getting the homicide charge, but why TWO homicide charges? That just sounds stupid. One person died, so worst-case he should get one homicide charge right

[da_king]

<font color="#ccffcc">
it's a shame in that he's a young kid and he'll forever have this hanging over his head. as much as it sucks for him though, our actions have consequences and he's gonna have to face up to them. people need to think twice about doing stupid things that could have drastic effects.

</font>

[MoRcHeEbA]

I would bet money he will plea bargin to get a few of those charges dropped.

[KleptoKlown]

Even though it has no meaning to the case, a family's forgiveness and support means a lot more than a judges ruling IMO.

Regardless though, chances are Heatly will be put away for a while. Driving over double the posted speed limit and causing death. There is no excuse...and no defence for such actions.

[Lara Emily]

{lepto]{lown']Even though it has no meaning to the case, a family's forgiveness and support means a lot more than a judges ruling IMO.

Regardless though, chances are Heatly will be put away for a while. Driving over double the posted speed limit and causing death. There is no excuse...and no defence for such actions.
I am very impressed with the way the Snyder's have dealt with this entire thing. While they personaly support and forgive Heatley they understand that the DA's office in Atlanta has a job to do and will not try to step in between, as such they are not getting involved at all.

As for your second remark: :y:

[Penner]

WTF

He got First and Second Degree?

What the hell is that?

[road doggy dogg]

Yeah that's what I'm still confused about. I don't know why there's two homicide charges. Either it was second-degree or first-degree; how could it be both? :wtf:

[Funky Fly]

First degree murder is a bullshit charge.

It's not like he planned to kill the guy.

[Lara Emily]

First degree murder is a bullshit charge.

It's not like he planned to kill the guy.It doesn't need to be premediated. He drove recklessly, it caused someone to die, that under Georgia law is First Degree Vehicular Homocide. Notice he's not being charged with First Degree Murder, its First Degree Vehicular Homicide.


I imagine he's being charged with both so as to give the jury an option. They could acquit him on First degree but find him guilty of second degree.

Though to me, given what I have heard I'd say the First Degree is a just charge

Here's Georgia law:



First degree vehicular homicide is a felony. Vehicular homicides are classified as first degree if the driver:

(1) unlawfully met or overtook a school bus;
(2) unlawfully failed to stop after collision;
(3) was driving recklessly;
(4) was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
(5) failed to stop for, or otherwise was attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer, or
(6) had previously been declared a habitual violator.


First degree vehicular homicide is punishable by 2 to 15 years of imprisonment. If the accused had previously been declared a habitual violator, then at least 1 year of the sentence must be served. Second degree vehicular homicide encompasses all vehicular homicides without intent to kill that take place in violation of any motor vehicle law other than one that would require the classification as first degree. For example, a death resulting from a failure to yield to oncoming traffic, speeding, or driving too slowly, unless such constituted reckless driving, could be charged as a homicide by vehicle in the second degree.

Second degree vehicular homicide is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment or other confinement for up to 1 year, a fine of up to $1,000.00, or both. However, at the judge’s discretion, punishment may be suspended or a probation sentence may be received.

http://www.georgestein.com/vehicular/

[Penner]

That's a bunch of confusing shit right there.

I guess I can see the point of having the jury vote on whether it was either first or second...