ethical dilemma

[SkyDekker 1,465]

A couple of years ago there was what seemed a botched assassination attempt via (I think a drive by) shooting at a cafe. In innocent woman gets hit in the back and ends up living, but completely paralized.

Fast forward a couple of years. Several people have been arrested in this case, at least one has strong ties to organized crime (in this case Hells Angels, but it really isn't pertinent). Court proceedings start.

Now, news is coming out that a plea deal might be in the works. As part of this plea deal, which includes reduced sentences for the perpetrators, the victim will get $2.5 million. Nobody involved is willing to say where that money is coming from.

In my mind this is getting very close to using criminally obtained money to pay for a lighter sentence. Eventhough I think it is great that the victim is getting money under a clause in canadian law that allows a judge to order payments to victims (though rarely used, cause usually the criminals don't have any money), i do have some objections specially when it is relatively clear that the money is the proceeds of criminal activity and it is part of a plea bargain.

I am wondering what other people's opinion is on this.

[Nightingale 0]

Depends on whether or not they can prove that the money was obtained by criminal means. If they can prove that, the money will be forfeit anyway, but should go back to whoever it was stolen from. If they can't prove where the money came from, better that the victim get it than the perps keep it.

[freethefly 6]

I take it that this is one of the cases that involves "Mom" Boucher. His multi-million dollar cocaine operation and battle with the Rock Machine MC was not backed by the Hell's Angels. It has been stated by George Christie, as well as by Sonny Barger, that the Hell's Angels do not condone what puppet organization and individuals do while wearing the logo of the Hell's Angels as they have worked hard to make the corporation what it is, a legitimate entity that follows the law and pay taxes. There are far more people within the Hell's Angels who are law abiding, hard working family people than there are those who use the colors to intimidate and profit for their own gain. People such as "Mom" Boucher should never see the light of day and the faster the Hell's Angels weed these people out the better.
If this is one of the cases that involves "Mom" then yes the money should be used for the good of the victim as that asshole won't need it where he is going.

"...And once you're gone, you can't come back
When you're out of the blue and into the black."
Neil Young

[LargeBoy 0]

i'm all for it
is there a limit on how much you can buy the law off with?

in the quoted case, did the 2.5 million mean 25% less time? are they saying that if they had paid 5 million, they would have got 50% less time? i think they should stump up 10 million and walk free !!!!

why would you do time if you can buy your way out of it? who would choose to go to prison if they didn't have to? sod that...i'm walking free if i can afford to

[SkyDekker 1,465]

I don't have any problem with the money going to the victim. Int his case it wouldn't be stolen money so you can give it back to anybody. It would in all likelihood be money obtained in the drug trade.

i.e. if we pay the victim a hefty sum we get 10 years less. If you don't agree to this we will not pay the money and take our chances in court.

The part I have a problem with is money from criminal activity indirectly being used to lower sentences through a plea bargain.