This gets you 30 days in jail.

[candrew]

He didn't get 30 days for that slap. The judge refused his plea because of the slap and went back to the original sentencing of 30 days for violating his probation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usLgH3RvDmE

The arrangement that his lawyer made before the hearing was that he'd get no jail time.

 

[The Midnight]

If you pay attention to the video, the judge had accepted the plea until everybody laughed at the butt slap. He went to jail because he slapped the butt.

The arrangement that his lawyer made before the hearing was that he'd get no jail time.

?? What??? You guys need to watch it again:

--> Judge was in the process of accepting the plea, she was reading out the details out loud

--> he slapped the butt

--> everyone laughed

--> judge changed her mind and refused the plea (as it hadn't been finalized at that point)

--> she handed back the sheet of paper with the details of the plea negotiation

--> Then she said "I'm not accepting his plea negotiation"

--> judge went back to handing him the original sentence of 30 days


You can't hand someone a 30 day jail sentence for "slapping someone's butt". She was in the process of accepting the plea, but it hadn't been finalized, then she chose not to accept it (the reason would be that he didn't show "remorse" I would assume, which would have been one of the conditions of the plea).

So she simply went back to enforcing the original sentence of 30 days - which is the most lawful thing she do.

 

[One Brow]

If you pay attention to the video, the judge had accepted the plea until everybody laughed at the butt slap. He went to jail because he slapped the butt.

It's almost like the butt slap indicated to the judge that Johnson thought of the plea agreement as some sort of victory.

At least, that's what it indicated to me.

 

[Nate505]

That judge is worthless.

 

[Nate505]

So she simply went back to enforcing the original sentence of 30 days - which is the most lawful thing she do.

That's idiotic. If she felt he deserved that she shouldn't have been in the process of accepting the plea deal in the first place.

The message this sends is amazing. Apparently head butting your girlfriend doesn't deserve jail time, but you'd better not do something minor like playfully smack your attorney because then you do deserve jail time. It's extremely stupid, and the only reason it's happening is because the judge is a c-word who is a massive control freak.

 

[Nate505]

It's almost like the butt slap indicated to the judge that Johnson thought of the plea agreement as some sort of victory.

At least, that's what it indicated to me.

Isn't it? Are there people who interpret that getting out of jail time isn't a victory for them?

 

[The Midnight]

That's idiotic. If she felt he deserved that she shouldn't have been in the process of accepting the plea deal in the first place.

The message this sends is amazing. Apparently head butting your girlfriend doesn't deserve jail time, but you'd better not do something minor like playfully smack your attorney because then you do deserve jail time. It's extremely stupid, and the only reason it's happening is because the judge is a c-word who is a massive control freak.

I'm not a lawyer, but I thought judges are generally given more rope to rule on the length of the sentence if:

1. The accused is a 1st time offender;

2. The accused is an outstanding citizen of the community (appropriate references should be brought in as proof);

3. The accused is truly remorseful of his/her action.

It seems to me that up until that point of sentencing, the lawyer had done a good job in convincing the judge that the above 3 conditions are met.

However, his action in court (i.e., the slapping) clearly indicated to the Judge that he was not "remorseful" of his action.


Concluding remarks

- Was it an over reaction on the Judge's part? Yes.

- Was it entirely within the law for her to deny the plea negotiation? Yes.

This is a classic example of if you can afford a good lawyer, what you can get away with. Unfortunately in this case, even money can't hide how stupid Chad really is.

 

[One Brow]

Isn't it? Are there people who interpret that getting out of jail time isn't a victory for them?

Which is why the judge interpreted it as Johnson not taking the issue seriously.

I faced jail time at one point in 2002(?), but we put together money for a very expensive, capable lawyer, and I got probation. I was relieved, but I did not celebrate getting probation. I certainly didn't feel like it was a victory, except perhaps of the Pyrrhic kind.

 

[carolinajazz]

I'm not a lawyer, but I thought judges are generally given more rope to rule on the length of the sentence if:

1. The accused is a 1st time offender;

2. The accused is an outstanding citizen of the community (appropriate references should be brought in as proof);

3. The accused is truly remorseful of his/her action.

It seems to me that up until that point of sentencing, the lawyer had done a good job in convincing the judge that the above 3 conditions are met.

...."first time offense?" I don't think so! "outstanding citizen?" Wrong again! "truly remorseful?" Do we want to go for double jeopardy where the money really doubles? Not an expert on domestic violence but from what they tell me, if you draw a female judge, you've got two chances, slim and none! In Chad's case, he shouldn't have even cleared his throat when addressing the court and that judge! A polite "yes mam!" would have been the best response.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Which is why the judge interpreted it as Johnson not taking the issue seriously.

I faced jail time at one point in 2002(?), but we put together money for a very expensive, capable lawyer, and I got probation. I was relieved, but I did not celebrate getting probation. I certainly didn't feel like it was a victory, except perhaps of the Pyrrhic kind.

Did you shake your attorney's hand? Did you hug your family or friends who were there? While I agree a butt slap is an extremely sophomoric thing to do, the guy is an athlete. He probably has the mentality of a teenager. Basing punishment on one display of emotion deemed inappropriate by the judge is wrong. Where does she cross the line - a high-five, a small fist pump, a pat on the back as opposed to the rear, a man hug, or how about an overly jubilant handshake?

I'm not opposed to him going to jail. But that should have been based on the original offense. Like Nate505 said, wife-abuse is ok, but a butt slap isn't?

 

[One Brow]

Did you shake your attorney's hand? Did you hug your family or friends who were there? While I agree a butt slap is an extremely sophomoric thing to do, the guy is an athlete. He probably has the mentality of a teenager. Basing punishment on one display of emotion deemed inappropriate by the judge is wrong.

I would say that depends on the particular emotion displayed. There are all sorts of handshakes and hugs. I'm sure this judge (as well as most such judges) sees relief expressed regularly. I'm sure they know the difference between relief and a celebration, just like any other person can tell.

Where does she cross the line - a high-five, a small fist pump, a pat on the back as opposed to the rear, a man hug, or how about an overly jubilant handshake?

You seem focused on the action, as opposed to the attitude.

I'm not opposed to him going to jail. But that should have been based on the original offense. Like Nate505 said, wife-abuse is ok, but a butt slap isn't?

He did go to jail for the crime. His plea-bargain was refused because the judge was no convinced he was truly remorseful for his actions.

 

[Deleted member 365]

Holy cow!!!

I've never seen a hot judge before! How old is she? All the judges I've ever seen are older folks with years of experience. She looks like she is fresh out of law school and freaking fine! Wow! I'd let her sentence me!