[Sotmoigma]

Stallworth Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail
Posted Jun 16, 2009 11:06 AM By CURT ANDERSON

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth took full responsibility for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida and began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter.

Stallworth also reached a confidential financial settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit from the family of 59-year-old Mario Reyes, according to Stallworth attorney Christopher Lyons. Reyes was struck and killed March 14 by Stallworth, who was driving his black 2005 Bentley after a night drinking at a swanky hotel bar.

Stallworth, 28, told Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy that he hopes to get involved in drunken driving education programs.

"I accept full responsibility for this horrible tragedy," said Stallworth, who was accompanied at the hearing by his parents, siblings and other supporters. "I will bear this burden for the rest of my life." Stallworth faced 15 years in prison. After his release from jail, Stallworth must serve two years of house arrest and spend eight years on probation.

The NFL has said it will review the matter for possible disciplinary action. Lyons said the plea agreement will allow Stallworth to resume his football career.

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing, will have a lifetime driver’s license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service. Lyons said after five years, Stallworth could win approval for limited driving such as for employment.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle cited Stallworth’s lack of previous criminal record, cooperation with police and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family - particularly the victim’s 15-year-old daughter - wanted the case resolved to avoid any more pain.

"For all of these reasons, a just resolution of this case has been reached," Rundle said.
None of the Reyes family attended the hearing. Their attorney, Rodolfo Suarez, read a statement saying the family wants to "bring closure to this emotional and tragic event." Suarez was not immediately available to comment after the hearing.

http://www.fanhouse.com/news/main/do...enced%2F529100

[Sotmoigma]

What a freaking joke. 30 days for murdering someone. The victims family should be ashamed, because they sold their souls, and the deceased's memory for some cash.

[DenisMoor]

What a freaking joke. 30 days for murdering someone. The victims family should be ashamed, because they sold their souls, and the deceased's memory for some cash.

[Flirigor]

What a freaking joke. 30 days for murdering someone. The victims family should be ashamed, because they sold their souls, and the deceased's memory for some cash.

It was in a car. The law is seriously skewed towards handling car manslaughter much more leniently than if you were not driving and accidentally killed someone. Even hit and runs get lighter penalties.

It's sad from all angles, but if the family is satisfied... well, that's that. Your quotation did note that he could have gotten up to 15 years, but his own actions and the victim's family brought that way down.

[Knongargoapex]

So if I wanted to kill someone all I would have to do is get drunk, get in my car and mow them over and go to jail for 30 days?

[Sotmoigma]

So if I wanted to kill someone all I would have to do is get drunk, get in my car and mow them over and go to jail for 30 days?

That and have a spare million to pay off the victim's family so they don't show up in court, and agree to a sentence this ridiculous compensate the grieving survivors for their loss

[NumStulpata]

Our system of justice, if you can call it that, is at times quite mystifying.

[Knongargoapex]

Our system of justice, if you can call it that, is at times quite mystifying.

In the words of Marianne Faithful "Justice is Just Ice."

[NumStulpata]

In the words of Marianne Faithful "Justice is Just Ice."

Hey, Owen... Whatayasay you and I take a little road trip up to Alaska and find the bar closest to the Palin house?

[Knongargoapex]

Hey, Owen... Whatayasay you and I take a little road trip up to Alaska and find the bar closest to the Palin house?

OK, we can stay at my sister's.

[vipluka]

Wow. I need to get rich and famous quickly so there are almost no consequences for my actions.

[ValdisSeroff]

Hey, Owen... Whatayasay you and I take a little road trip up to Alaska and find the bar closest to the Palin house?

That would be the first floor of her home FYI. (Take notice that on weekends it works as a strip bar as the Palin girls heat it up on the pole)

Wow. I need to get rich and famous quickly so there are almost no consequences for my actions.

and move to Florida or California

[plalleste]

What a freaking joke. 30 days for murdering someone. The victims family should be ashamed, because they sold their souls, and the deceased's memory for some cash.

I think that's a huge jump to be making. We don't know the financial situation of the family, and choosing financial stability and security over putting some man behind bars for a long time has to be more beneficial to them.

I am sure the amount they got is absolutely massive. In the eight figures range, I'd guess.

[Sotmoigma]

Donte Stallworth has been suspended, without pay, for the entire 2009 season.

[allvideO]

Good.

[Uvgsgssu]

Maybe Roger Goodell should run our justice system.

[Shiplyopidomi]

Maybe Roger Goodell should run our justice system.

[Uplillacype]

Maybe Roger Goodell should run our justice system.

I agree with you and Patrick on this one.

[Ambassador]

I hope that the family's lawyer was savvy enough to get them at least 10 mil. Stallworth would have had no chance of defending himself.

[Uvgsgssu]

A local teenager was just convicted of the same offense. He received 10 years.