In the article, her husband says that this is the first time that she's ever been in trouble. I understand that she had two recent DUIs. Is that not being in trouble?
Of course none of us who weren't there know exactly what happened, but I have to wonder if they gave the arresting officers a bad time. If so, that may have influenced the judge in terms of sentencing. And don't forget, she was given a break here but getting "concurrent" 180 day sentences for this and for the DUI. Does anyone know how much time she will actually spend in jail? Often entire sentences are not served out in these kind of cases.
As far as damage done, I agree that no one was hurt and no property was damaged, but I do feel that a lot of damage was done to the reputation of our wonderful community. Could that have possibly been a factor in the sentencing?
Of course she should get help for alcoholism. But having a disease does not excuse bad or illegal behavior. You can't go out and commit a crime and be let off easy just by saying, "I'm an alcoholic". In fact one of the things preached by AA is that you have to take responsibility for your own actions. In fact loved ones of alcoholics are also taught not to give alcoholics a break and to allow the the dignity of suffering the consequences of their actions. The sentence may be the best thing that ever happened to her.
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The Beatlemaniacs of The Villages meet every Friday 10:00am at the O'Dell Recreation Center.
"I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend." - Thomas Jefferson to William Hamilton, April 22, 1800.
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