Tim Powers
Law Offices of Tim Powers, Denton, Texas
940.483.8000
Two-years ago, 16-year- old Ethan Couch (currently 18-years-old) killed a family of four while driving drunk. Couch was then let off easy and was given 10 years probation instead of being charged with intoxication manslaughter, which is a penalty of up to 20 years in the penitentiary. Couch, a juvenile at the time of his incident, was let off with just 10 years probation, but not for the reason one would think. He was let off because he "suffered from too much privilege."
This incident has been trending for the past couple of years due to the argument that Couch suffered from "affluenza" and didn't have enough of a moral compass to make the right decision due to his wealth. It sparked even more anger after Couch was shown in a video playing beer pong that showed he had no remorse and also that he violated his probation. A violation of probation occurs if the subject drives, drinks or uses drugs. Consequences for this violation could be a jail sentence for up to 10 years.
In addition to this non-remorseful incident it is apparent that Couch is now wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service. He failed to check-in with his probation officer on December 10. When the probation officer went to his house he saw that his house had been emptied. Ethan Couch is now on the most wanted list due to the fact that he killed someone and has the funds to flee the country.
Another factor that has deeply upset the public is the fact that back in 2004, a poor 16-year-old found himself in a similar yet very different situation.Eric Bradlee Miller killed a 19-year-old after drinking and driving. Miller did not have any money and was provided court-appointed legal defense. They argued that he came from a poor background with no parents and no distinction from right and wrong. Ironically the judge who was the juvenile court judge for Ethan Couch was the same judge for Miller. However, instead of granting him 10 years probation like she did for Couch, she sentenced him to 20 years in prison, which is what Couch should have been sentenced for intoxication manslaughter.
It is very obvious that there are several issues in this case. The first is the fact that he did not pay the consequences for his crime. The second was he was not remorseful and the third was the obvious fact that the affluenza defense was a cheap defense. It is also safe to say that the public outcry says he should be punished when found. What do you think?
If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.483.8000
*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney. Criminal Defense Lawyers with Unparalleled Passion for Success Providing Quality Representation for your Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Corinth, Highland Village Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Denton County, Tarrant County, Collin County, or Dallas County criminal case