« Ind. Gov't. - "Public records not released from Jeffersonville's Clerk-Treasurer's Office" | Main | About this blog - The ILB had 67,578 page views in July »
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ind. Courts - LaPorte Circuit judge announces he will reject any future plea agreement to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor
Stan Maddux reports today for The Michigan City News-Dispatch:
LA PORTE - In his nearly 20 months on the bench, La Porte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos has often made it clear that he won't tolerate a soft approach toward criminals.See also this ILB entry from earlier today.His latest outburst was Friday when he rejected a plea agreement from 27-year-old Seth Carpenter, who is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.
The plea called for Carpenter to be convicted of Class D felony sexual misconduct with a minor, which carries anywhere from a six-month to three-year sentence.
However, the plea also stipulated the judge shall reduce the conviction to a Class A misdemeanor when Carpenter finishes serving the sentence.
Alevizos quickly protested as defense attorney Kurt Earnst tried to persuade the judge.
"Don't argue with me. It's not going to happen," Alevizos snapped.
Alevizos then announced he will reject a plea agreement in any future case that mandates the reduction of a felony conviction to a misdemeanor.
The judge also bristled at a plea agreement offered by Michael Santos, believing the punishment was too light.
In September, the 39-year-old Santos tried stealing a plane at La Porte Municipal Airport while drunk to try and impress his girlfriend, according to court records.
He allegedly climbed into the aircraft and sped down a taxiway but missed the curve heading to the runway. The plane crashed into a soybean field.
Under the plea, Santos would receive a four-year sentence with some time on probation.
Defense attorney Don Pagos argued his client should be allowed to serve his period of incarceration on electronic home monitoring.
Alevizos quickly interrupted, saying nothing short of jail time was deserved for Santos, citing a criminal history.
"He's going to jail," Alevizos said.
Pagos questioned how Alevizos could arrive at that conclusion without hearing all of the arguments from the defense.
Alevizos said he felt it was best to reject that plea agreement but made no decision.
He scheduled a hearing for Aug. 29 to hear sentencing arguments in that case.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on August 10, 2008 12:17 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts