Teen turns down plea deal for 25 years in prison, gets 65 years instead. Lakeith Smith didn't shoot A'donte Washington. A police officer did in self-defense. But Smith will serve time as if he had killed the 16-year-old three years ago. Source 4j.
Lakeith Smith Refuses Plea Deal And Gets 65 Years (Hover)
Probably his defense attorney thought he would get far less time but it did not work out in Smith's favor. A good message for the youths thinking about getting into a life of crime.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 16 1.6%
I think this law is a bit much. TO have a sentence of 65 years in prison just because he was an accomplice in a crime but did not commit any serious crime this sentence is not correct in my opinion. I have a feeling that this law is one sided.
Smith is being seen as the cause of death rather than just an accomplice plus he was given the opportunity of 25 which could have been reduced to 15 for good behavior but that's out the window now.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 16 1.6%
He did not cause the death of his accomplice he did not have anything to do with the death of the accomplice. If he Was firing at the officers then yes I can see that. Under this law if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time you could find yourself sentenced for being a accomplice to a murder that you had no part in. I think the law is very vague and needs to be taken away. This is just a law to put people in jail for something they did not do. I disagree with it.
I do agree with you it is harsh but people are tired of increasing crime rates and they want to make an example of why you should just stay home and keep out of trouble.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 16 1.6%