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PirateLover
05-05-2007, 01:20 PM
Finally! I feel kind of ashamed to admit it, but reading this story made me happy. Celebrities get away with so much illegal activity that normal folks are slammed for- Drinking and driving, drug use, etc. Why should they get out of serving time just because they can afford to pay their way through everything in life?

Paris Hilton Going to Jail for 45 Days

May 4, 11:00 PM (ET)

By SANDY COHEN


LOS ANGELES (AP) - A judge sentenced Paris Hilton to 45 days in county jail Friday for violating her probation, putting the brakes on the hotel heiress' famous high life.

Hilton, who parlayed her name and relentless partying into worldwide notoriety, must go to jail by June 5 and she will not be allowed any work release, furloughs, use of an alternative jail or electronic monitoring in lieu of jail, Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer ruled after a hearing.

The judge, saying "there's no doubt she knew her license had been suspended," ruled that she was in violation of the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

"I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything. I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she told the judge before he announced the sentence.

She was then ordered to report to a women's jail in suburban Lynwood by the set date or face 90 days behind bars. The judge's ruling excluded her from paying to serve time in a jail of her choice, as some are allowed.

Hilton was among a series of witnesses who took the stand during the hearing. She testified she believed her license was initially suspended for 30 days and that she was allowed to drive for work purposes during the next 90 days.

She said that when an officer who stopped her in January made her sign a document stating her license was suspended, she thought he was mistaken and did not actually look at the document.

Also called to the stand was Hilton's spokesman, Elliot Mintz. Hilton and her attorneys characterized Mintz as a liaison between Hilton and her lawyers.

Mintz testified that to his knowledge Hilton did not drive during the 30-day period. He said he then advised her that he believed her license was no longer suspended.

The judge called Mintz's testimony worthless and expressed disbelief at Hilton's lawyers.

"I can't believe that either attorney did not tell her that the suspension had been upheld," the judge said. "She wanted to disregard everything that was said and continue to drive no matter what."

Hilton's parents, Kathy and Rick, attended the hearing, holding hands throughout the proceedings. Both wore black suits. Kathy Hilton's beige, $3,000-plus Hermes bag sat on the floor by her side.

Reporters filled most of the 64-seat courtroom. Two sketch artists sat in the otherwise empty jury box.

When the judge announced Hilton's sentence, the reporters in attendance jumped up to leave until a bailiff snapped, "Sit down." Cell phones and other electronic devices were not allowed in the courtroom.

As a city prosecutor said during closing arguments that Hilton deserved jail time, Hilton's mother, Kathy, laughed. When the judge ruled, Kathy Hilton then blurted out: "May I have your autograph?"

Paris Hilton looked forward and didn't speak to news media as she left court. Her mother looked upset.

When a reporter asked what she thought of the judge's decision, a visibly angry Kathy Hilton responded: "What do you think? This is pathetic and disgusting, a waste of taxpayer money with all this nonsense. This is a joke."

Defense attorney Howard Weitzman said he would appeal.

"I'm shocked, I'm surprised and really disheartened in the system that I've worked in for close to 40 years," Weitzman said.

He said the sentence was "uncalled for, inappropriate and bordered on the ludicrous."

"I think she's singled out because of who she is," Weitzman said.

City attorney spokesman Nick Velasquez said late Friday that the judge's ruling "sends a clear message that in the city of Los Angeles, no one is above the law."

"She violated the law and appropriate action was taken," he said.

Hilton had arrived at the Metropolitan Courthouse 10 minutes late and ignored screams of photographers as she swept in with her attorneys, mother and father. Wearing a gray jacket and white shirt over black slacks and with a black headband on, she said nothing and appeared serious.

The celebrity case brought an unusual scene to the austere courthouse south of downtown in a commercial area. As if at a red carpet event, dozens of photographers and reporters lined up at the rear entrance. Yellow police tape substituted for velvet ropes.

Hilton, 26, pleaded no contest in January to reckless driving stemming from a Sept. 7 arrest in Hollywood. Police said she appeared intoxicated and failed a field sobriety test. She had a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent, the level at which an adult driver is in violation of the law.

She was sentenced to 36 months probation, alcohol education and $1,500 in fines.

Two other traffic stops and failure to enroll in a mandated alcohol education program, are what landed the socialite back in court.

On Jan. 15, Hilton was pulled over by California Highway Patrol. Officers informed her that she was driving on a suspended license and she signed a document acknowledging that she was not to drive, according to papers filed in Superior Court.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies stopped Hilton on Feb. 27 and charged her with violating her probation. Police said she was pulled over at about 11 p.m. after authorities saw the car speeding with its headlights off.

Mintz said at the time Hilton wasn't aware her license was suspended. A copy of the document Hilton signed on Jan. 15 was found in the car's glove compartment, court papers say.

Hilton was also required to enroll in an alcohol education program by Feb. 12. As of April 17, she had not enrolled, prosecutors said.

DisneyGiant
05-05-2007, 02:36 PM
One word.

GOOD

RAIDER
05-05-2007, 02:57 PM
One word.

GOOD

Ditto ...shes so shallow and is famous for what exactly ????

Lets hope she takes Victoria Beckham with her :thumbsup:

SBETigg
05-05-2007, 03:18 PM
My guess is she won't end up serving much, if any, time. LA prisons are overcrowded and a lot of offenders end up getting out early. Michelle Rodriguez from Lost was up for similar (if not more serious) violations and she ended up serving one day on a longer sentence than Paris's before her release.

PirateLover
05-05-2007, 04:23 PM
My guess is she won't end up serving much, if any, time. LA prisons are overcrowded and a lot of offenders end up getting out early. Michelle Rodriguez from Lost was up for similar (if not more serious) violations and she ended up serving one day on a longer sentence than Paris's before her release.

Time will tell. I'm sure they will appeal, but this judge seems dead set on having her do time. I hope she does. It will send a message.

Bethanymouse
05-06-2007, 05:16 PM
I was happy to see that she had to serve time. Let her be treated like a normal citizen. I guess she wasnt so into doing her famous paris hilton poses when she was walking into the court room was she? I applaud the court for sticking it to her- she is one person that always feels like she is above the law. Its about time someone gave her something to worry about.

DizneyFreak2002
05-06-2007, 05:53 PM
Lock her up and throw away the key....

mtown71
05-07-2007, 07:30 PM
Lock her up and throw away the key....

I agree with this but she'll wind up getting out of it. Money talks.

2Epcot
05-07-2007, 07:54 PM
While I agree that celebrities get away with too much, this judge seemed to be consumed with making an example out of Paris. He could have just as easily given her home arrest with an ankle braclet. The reports I heard, the judge was making a lot of jokes in the courtroom. Everyone wants their moment in the spotlight, including some of these judges.*

*See Anna Nicole Smith Trial.

Speedy1998
05-07-2007, 08:07 PM
My favorite part is when she said "I didn't do it on purpose."

If that is true she is a bigger idiot than I thought she was.

Send her to jail. I am tired of celebs getting special treatment.

MNNHFLTX
05-08-2007, 08:56 AM
While I agree that celebrities get away with too much, this judge seemed to be consumed with making an example out of Paris.One could also make this arguement in reverse--that Paris Hilton, like so many others, use their celebrity status to try and evade prosecution or its consequences. In this case it came back to bite her.

I don't think the judge was being too harsh. Paris Hilton is a grown woman who needs to take responsibility for the decisions she makes and not blame those around her. I mean, for Pete's sake--she had someone acting as a liason between her lawyers and herself? Aren't your lawyers supposed to be your liason? :confused:

Ian
05-08-2007, 11:01 AM
The biggest question in my mind is ... who cares?

The national fascination with useless pustules like Paris Hilton and Anna Nicole Smith (not to speak ill of the dead) is something I will never understand.

Why Americans pay so much attention to people who have never done one productive or positive thing in their lives is just baffling.

Stich8818
05-08-2007, 03:21 PM
Sorry if that was rude towards Paris but she knew full well what she was doing. There is no way that you would not know what you can and cannot do. Take me for instance...I can't run a marathon..so thus I do not try and do it because it could cause probems..I.E and heart attack. E! television is all over this and ugh it's really sad. She had that little impromtu "press conferance" outside of her house and what not and she was saying that it was unfair and cruel? and that she did not deserve this....? She also said that she is blaming her publisist for the "misinformation" that she thought she could drive. So then she fired him. Gee all those years of covering up for her and her misadventures really got him job security. Also after this teary eyed press confrence she went to a trendy Hollywood resteraunt and had lunch and then went shopping after that... Dont you feel sorry for her?

goofiecrazy
05-08-2007, 04:07 PM
I for one do not feel sorry for her.I think that should teach her a lesson but will it really teach her anything? SHe thinks that she shouldnt get any jail time, why because u have $$ snd are famous? Wrong girl u do the crime u do the time..

thrillme
05-08-2007, 04:40 PM
I'm still not sure WHY she's so famous other than the fact that she's got Daddy's money.

Unfortunately I don't see her serving any time but it sure would be nice if she did and not in "camp cupcake" either. But alas...she can buy her way out just fine.

She's one of those who needs to spend about 4 years in the military to get straightened out. 45 days...She'll be right back to all her rotten habits.

Daddy must be so proud. :ack: Something's really wrong because I know what MY Dad would do to me.

d_m_n_n
05-08-2007, 04:57 PM
Also after this teary eyed press confrence she went to a trendy Hollywood resteraunt and had lunch and then went shopping after that... Dont you feel sorry for her?

Well, of course she had to go shopping. She needed to find a new handbag and accessories to match her new orange jumpsuit! :thedolls: Because you know, orange is the new pink! Enjoy your time in jail, Paris Dear. :D

caryrae
05-08-2007, 06:27 PM
I'm still not sure WHY she's so famous other than the fact that she's got Daddy's money.

Did ya forget about her awesome CD she made and the best reality show ever with Nicole Richie.:doh: :funny: :funny:

RAIDER
05-09-2007, 08:35 AM
Ive now read that she's begging Arnie to let her off !!! :mad: And getting people to sign a petition !!:-o

For the cheek of it they should double her sentence !!!:mad:

snifflesmcg
05-09-2007, 09:37 AM
I was ELATED to hear that no talent slob is finally getting her day!!!!:joy: She is so shallow and looks down her hook nose at everyone and anyone that doesn't have the silver spoon implanted in their mouths like she does. That is all I'm going to say, as this is a family site.:party: :eek2: :clappy:

mouseaddict
05-09-2007, 12:10 PM
I too am delighted. I am so fed up of these spoiled little rich kids getting away with everything. For some treason they are role models and they need to set a good example. Between Britney, Lindsay and Paris they have managed to prove that just because you have money does not mean that you have class!
Now there is a pic of Paris DRIVING AGAIN this past weekend..what is her excuse now? If she gets a pardon I will be disgusted. She has violated her probation again..she should go straight to jail..that is what would happen to any of us!

Figgyluv03
05-09-2007, 12:58 PM
I think they should accidentally throw away the key...

Ian
05-09-2007, 01:03 PM
Doesn't this thread beg this question ...

Not one person in this thread has expressed any interest in Paris Hilton, so why does the media insist on shoving these stories down our throats?

Who does care about these ridiculous wastes of space??

2Epcot
05-09-2007, 01:23 PM
Paris apparantly has at least 900 fans, who have signed a petition to give to the Governor to get her pardoned from her sentence.



Free Paris!
Petition asks Schwarzenegger to terminate sentence


(AFP)Paris Hilton is backing an online campaign to request California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issue a pardon following her 45-day prison sentence for driving on a suspended license.

In a blog posted on her MySpace homepage on Tuesday, Hilton urges fans to sign a petition being organized by a supporter calling for the socialite to be spared jail time.

"My friend Joshua started this petition, please help and sign it. i LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!," Hilton said in a message above a link to the petition.

The petition calls on Schwarzenegger to issue a pardon, claiming that she has been used as a scapegoat by authorities seeking to highlight the dangers of drink-driving.

Petition:
The Hilton hotel heiress "provides hope for young people all over the US and the world. She provides beauty and excitement to (most of) our otherwise mundane lives," the petition reads.

"We, the American public who support Paris, are shocked, dismayed and appalled by how Paris has been the person to be used as an example that Drunk Driving is wrong," it adds.

"We do not support drunk driving or DUI charges. Paris should have been sober. But she shouldn't go to jail, either."



A spokesman for Schwarzenegger indicated an intervention from the movie-star turned politician was unlikely.

"It would be inappropriate for the governor to insert himself in this battle until the individual has exhausted all of his or her legal remedies," Schwarzenegger press secretary Aaron McLear told local broadcast network ABC 7.

"And at this point I don't think this is the case."

Hilton must begin her prison sentence at the Los Angeles Century Regional Detention Facility on June 5 or else risk seeing her sentence doubled.

She was handed her jail term on Friday after a court ruled she had broken her probation by twice driving while banned earlier this year following a conviction for drink-driving. Lawyers have said they will appeal the decision.

In a separate development, Tuesday, Hilton's long-time representative Elliot Mintz confirmed to AFP that he would continue to work for the "celebutante," a day after issuing a statement saying he had parted company with her.

"We met last evening and had a very good discussion and decided to continue our working relationship," said Mintz.

Hilton had testified during her court hearing that Mintz had wrongly advised her she was legally allowed to drive despite having a suspended license.

AvonleaCF
05-09-2007, 02:07 PM
I have nothing against Paris Hilton and have no feelings towards her one way or the other, but I think the drunk driving laws in our country are APALLING. You have celebrity status and a ton of money so you get off scott-free for DUI?!? What kind of system is that?? Driving while drunk should be punishable no matter who you are. Why are our laws different for celebrities? This country needs some serious help in that department.

Ian
05-09-2007, 02:14 PM
How can she claim that she's being used as a scapegoat?? The judge is enforcing the rules of the law. It's not like a judge can just arbitrarily throw you in jail because he feels like it.

She broke the law ... and in my mind it is far worse when a celeb like her gets caught for a DUI because she should have a limo at the ready. She has even less of an excuse than normal people do (not that they have any either).

sunlyon
05-09-2007, 04:56 PM
While I can't really argue with any of the foregoing comments, I can say that I hope someone talks some sense into this girl. Yes, she's rich and spoiled, but she is in need of help. She is on a self-destructive path that will only lead to heartache for her family. I know people won't change until they want to, but someone needs to explain life to this girl. While I believe she must serve the time for flouting the law, she also needs to go into counseling after jail to look into her need for attention-seeking actions and why she feels she is above the law.

The laws about drunk driving in CA have changed as of January and they are requiring jail time, even for 1st time offenders. A friend I know living in CA got caught. It was her own fault, but there is jail time as well as a suspended, then a severely restricted license.

minnie1956
05-10-2007, 10:12 PM
I hope the spoiled little girl stays the whole 45 days.
Us "little people" have to follow the law so does she. Her mother turns my stomach with her behavior. With her mother's attitude, no wonder Paris is the princess she is. I've known plenty of people that had to do time for their drinking antics.
The only reason Paris is whining is because somebody for whatever. She and Mommie just can't stand that princess actually has to pay a consequence. Off my soapbox. Honest.:mad:

2Epcot
05-18-2007, 12:12 PM
I hope the spoiled little girl stays the whole 45 days.


Paris Hilton Drops Appeal - Likely only 23 Days



LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Paris Hilton won't appeal the 45-day jail term she was sentenced to earlier this month for violating probation, according to court documents filed Thursday.

A lawyer for the 26-year-old socialite notified Los Angeles Count Superior Court that she is abandoning her appeal, said court spokeswoman Katherine Roberts.

Hilton was ordered earlier this month to report to jail by June 5 for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Hilton initially called the sentence unfair, and lawyers representing her filed a notice to appeal the sentence.

She then switched attorneys and is now represented by drunken driving specialist Richard Hutton. Hutton did not immediately return several calls for comment Thursday.

Hilton will be jailed for about 23 days of a 45-day sentence and will be separated from the general inmate population, authorities decided after reviewing her case.

The shorter sentence reflects an expectation that Hilton behaves behind bars. (Watch why Hilton's public behavior bothers many )

"All inmates get credit for good behavior," Los Angeles County sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Thursday. "The inmate knows that if they behave and follow the rules, that's something to shoot for."

She will be held in a "special needs housing unit" at the Century Regional Detention Center in suburban Lynwood, Whitmore said.

Hilton will stay in a unit that contains 12 two-person cells reserved for police officers, public officials, celebrities and other high-profile inmates, he said.

She could have a cellmate.

Like everyone else in the 2,200-inmate facility, Hilton will get at least an hour outside her cell each day to shower, watch television, participate in outdoor recreation or talk on the telephone, he said.

May 17, 2007 - CNN/Associated Press

Figgyluv03
05-18-2007, 01:03 PM
She's an adult and she has responsabilties weather she likes them or not! She needs to step up and pay the price and serve the sentence like any normal person.

DNS
05-30-2007, 05:38 PM
The biggest question in my mind is ... who cares?

The national fascination with Paris Hilton and Anna Nicole Smith (not to speak ill of the dead) is something I will never understand.

Why Americans pay so much attention to people who have never done one productive or positive thing in their lives is just baffling.
I agree with most of this except I don't think it's just Americans and it's not all Americans. I personally don't know anyone who cares what happens with celebrities, but you can't help but be drowned with it trying to get some "real" news.

2Epcot
06-02-2007, 08:44 PM
Sheriff will not allow Paris Hilton TV interviews in jail
The Associated Press
Friday, June 1, 2007

LOS ANGELES: Paris Hilton will not be allowed to give television interviews while serving her jail sentence, and aggressive steps are being taken to prevent cameras from being smuggled into the facility, Sheriff Lee Baca said Friday.

Hilton was ordered to begin her sentence by Tuesday in Lynwood, about five miles (8 kilometers) south of Los Angeles. She was sentenced last month to 45 days for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Sheriff's officials have said she will serve about 23 days because of state rules allowing shorter sentences for good behavior.

Deputies and jail employees have been told to treat the 26-year-old heiress like any other inmate, Baca told the Los Angeles Times.

"Paying a debt to society should not be an element of her celebrity," Baca said. "Her occupation is publicity, but no one should profit in jail."

Hollywood photo agencies expect a photo of Hilton in jail could be worth big money.

"The reality is why don't they just let her walk down the concrete carpet," Frank Griffin, co-owner of the Bauer-Griffin paparazzi agency, told the newspaper. "This is going to be turned into an event like the Oscars."

Baca said it was unclear whether Hilton will surrender at the court where she was sentenced or report straight to jail. He said authorities will not allow her to "be seen in handcuffs ... or in the back of a police car, forlorn and in handcuffs."

Once there, Hilton will go through the normal intake process, Baca said. That involves undergoing an interview by jail staff and evaluations for any medical and other needs.

"Jails are not circuses and not places where 'fun' is the priority," Baca said. "Jail should be a corrective learning experience."

The jail houses about 2,200 women, but officials have said Hilton will be kept away from the general population. Baca said no decision has been made about whether she will share a cell with anyone.

Hilton will "experience her incarceration as all other women will experience it," Baca said. "She won't get better food, she won't get different lockup time or a different environment."

goofiecrazy
06-07-2007, 10:37 AM
Paris is being let out of jail to finish her sentence at home with a electronic bracelet on her ankle.They said it was due to medical resons.Whatever I feel she is getting special treatment because of who she is.What is that telling everyone out there about what she did..I feel she shouldve been held there for all 45 days instead of the 23 days they were going to hold her..

SBETigg
06-07-2007, 10:57 AM
Medical reasons? What, did she break a nail? Oh, the poor dear.

PirateLover
06-07-2007, 11:11 AM
I'll bet she was refusing to eat or something like that. No big surprise here I guess. 4 days is not enough to learn your lesson and then get sent back to your posh home. Oh well.

pshokie
06-07-2007, 11:18 AM
Come on guys, take it easy on her. She was cold. They only gave her 1 pillow and three thin blankets. It was very uncomfortable.

Oh wait, I forgot, this was JAIL!

The rich and the famous....great googley moogley, what have we come too.

I say, put her in for the full 45! :mad: And take away two of those blankets. :cool:

Advnt05
06-07-2007, 11:22 AM
There are two separate issues to debate. One, should she have gone to jail? Our jails are overcrowded already and more violent criminals are let loose every day due to space issues. Losing liscense and home arrest would have served the same goal.
But, once she was convicted and sentenced to jail, I have to agree that she should have served her time. Else, why send her to jail in the first place? Story is that she did in fact refuse to eat prison food. It may be rumor but that's what is reported. How many other people are let out of jail for refusing to eat?

I don't think she should have been there in the first place. Either should Scooter Libby. But that's another story for another day.:ill:

thrillme
06-07-2007, 11:24 AM
Medical reasons? What, did she break a nail? Oh, the poor dear.

Yeah that's a pretty good theory...I thought she might have had something more serious like "cramps".

Sigh...I don't think even the BEST Disney hotel will be HALF as fancy as her multimillion $$ house. She's got servants galore to cater to her every whim, personal massuses (however you spell it), SIGH...I guess life will totally stink for her.

I guess we know where the party is going to be.

The next "tragedy" will be that her ankle bracelet doesn't match her outfit.

mrsgaribaldi
06-07-2007, 11:59 AM
Even if they take away her license she still was driving when she wasn't supposed to, what good will it do to send her home and tell her don't go out?
I wouldn't mind 40 days in a mansion. How can they be so cruel? If they really want to punish her, they should send her to my little apartment:blush:

There are hundreds of thousands of people in jails with medical problems, they don't send them home. What a joke. I agree with goofiecrazy, and she should have been in the general population too.

disneyfan369
06-07-2007, 12:00 PM
What an interesting look into our justice system. That girl is disgusting and pathetic. I bet she scraped her hand and they decided to let her out. What a loser. :mad:

Marker
06-07-2007, 12:09 PM
In jail or out, I wonder how much this whole episode has cost the tax payers of California.

And the saddest part is, 6 months from now, how many will really care or remember. She'll still have her fans, she'll still be all over the "news".

Alcohol related reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, violation of parole, failure to appear, etc, etc, etc. Where would the rest of us be?

Not exactly a shining example of being accountable for your actions, and facing your consequences is it?

thrillme
06-07-2007, 12:14 PM
There are two separate issues to debate. One, should she have gone to jail? Our jails are overcrowded already and more violent criminals are let loose every day due to space issues. Losing liscense and home arrest would have served the same goal.
But, once she was convicted and sentenced to jail, I have to agree that she should have served her time. Else, why send her to jail in the first place?
:


I too disagree with letting violent prisoners out because of "overcrowding". Prison is NOT supposed to be the Hotel Hilton. Actually I personally tend to side with the fact driving "drunk" is about the same as "attempted assault with a deadly weapon". She was warned previously then she violated that "warning". So YES...she deserves to be in jail. It's one thing to make a mistake once...it's another thing when you keep repeating that same mistake and getting the mindset that you don't deserve responsibility for your actions.

Alas...it's only my opionion and not my judgement.

I just pray that one day if she ends up wrapping her car around a tree that no innocent lives are affected.

poeticeclipse
06-07-2007, 02:23 PM
I'm am in no way siding with Miss Hilton. But, I am going to say that she POSSIBLY is wrongly in jail. If you look at cases just like hers, some of those people get off with just a slap on the hand. My real frustration is that the justice system can't decide what's right and what's wrong and what the punishment will be half of the time.

We can all sit here and pick and nag at her because well... she's Paris Hilton. The ultimate high school prom queen that everyone just loves to hate. Heck, I make fun of her just like everyone else. Sometimes we forget that she is a real person. She has just lead a very different life than the rest of us. I know a few people who have done some pretty big wrongs in their life and they paid the price. The difference between them and Miss Hilton is... she's famous and the everyday criminals are not. I, dare I say it, feel somewhat bad for her that she has to take all of this abuse from the media. Even if she brought it on herself... no one deserves it to the limit that it's been handed to her.

GreenBeetle
06-07-2007, 03:06 PM
What an interesting look into our justice system. :mad:

Exactly what I was thinking! The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. :ill:

Bottom line: Money talks!!

ldn324
06-07-2007, 04:21 PM
Exactly what I was thinking! The whole thing makes me sick to my stomach. :ill:

Bottom line: Money talks!!

Anyone see the Dave Chappelle skit "I Plead the Fifth"? It was a Law & Order style setting where the entire justice system was reversed and white collar criminals endured the same treatment as your average drug dealer and the drug dealer was treated like he could do no wrong - he just kept pleading the fifth. It was a funny skit, but really kind of sad at the same time. The moral of the story was that if you have money, you really don't have to play by the same rules.

Sometimes - actually a lot of the time - I don't think the wealthy have any idea what poor or even middle class people have to go through without the luxury of the best attorney and all the shortcuts to get out of trouble. Some celebrities have earned their status. Paris Hilton did nothing but simply be born into the lap of luxury. She has no one to blame but herself and she should have to serve her time just like anyone else who committed the same crime, IMHO. :soapbox:

thrillme
06-07-2007, 04:37 PM
Should I go to jail can I be under house arrest at Ms Hilton's place. I don't think I've even vacationed that well before.

I can understand her not being in "general population" because she's being beaten up enough right here (no I'm NOT her defender in any way shape or form) BUT...I still think she deserves to sit in her SPECIAL NEEDS place and dry out a bit. Maybe learn a little humility...

I'm still insulted that she was given a time to "report" to jail. She had time to go get her extensions tightened and stop off at a hollywood party and tell everyone "Buh-bye".

Advnt05
06-08-2007, 09:14 AM
So far, I've heard three rumors on what her medical issue is (food, rash, or mental stress). Basically, who knows?

Looks like the judge might throw her back into the pokey today.

thrillme
06-08-2007, 02:08 PM
I think this is pretty well in stone that she SHOULD serve some time in this case. She's done this soooo repeatedly that she obviously doesn't care. She's been busted before then she was finally put on parole and her license suspended. She didn't violate parole ONCE she violated it TWICE before being taken in. Driving with a suspended license and DRUNK.

And plu-eeze. She's wealthy enough to hire a driver for a few months.

I know of plenty of people that may get slapped for a first and maybe a second offense but NOT when they're on probation. 3rd times a charm. When they finally get their license back (IF they get it back) their cars are often fitted with a breathalyzer that they have to breath into to start it. And YES they all had to serve some jail time.

Now I think what's happening is that both Ms Hilton and the guards have violated a DIRECT judgement. I think IF she served with the "fanfare" that she stirred up herself to some degree. How many people put on a pretty black dress and stop in to wave "Buh-bye" to everyone at a red carpet party. I actually saw this because I just happened to be on that channel. She was DEFINATELY egging the attention on.

PirateLover
06-08-2007, 03:21 PM
It's official, she's been ordered back to jail. Reports have her in hysterics crying and screaming. I actually kinda feel bad for her... but she deserves the time.

thrillme
06-08-2007, 03:25 PM
I'm rather proud of the judge. He might be in line for the supreme court. It'd be good to have someone who can't be swayed.

I have no doubt if she didn't orchastrate the fiasco and do all the moves she did to get out. That she would have had a very very reduced sentence. I don't doubt that she'll still get one the moment she stops crying about it. How often does a parent put a child in time out. You don't let them out till they settle down. She's really spoiled and she needs that ONE kick in the keester. Maybe she'll learn a little humility.

crazykids
06-08-2007, 03:28 PM
Good for her!
There's no reason she should be given any special treatment because of who she is.

caryrae
06-08-2007, 03:28 PM
So does she go for the twenty some days she was suppose to do or for 45 days, because on msnbc it says "Judge orders Paris Hilton to serve out 45-day sentence in jail"

Where are all the parents of all these kids that keep getting in trouble, aren't the Hiltons afraid of the bad name Paris is giving them buy doing all this dumb stuff. Also how about all these clubs and bars that are serving these under age kids alcohol when they know they are under age?

Jasper
06-08-2007, 03:30 PM
It's official, she's been ordered back to jail. Reports have her in hysterics crying and screaming. I actually kinda feel bad for her... but she deserves the time.

I really do hope she goes back to jail. Other people don't get out of jail just because they are "sick". Instead of being released normal people either get treated at the jail infirmary or go to a local hospital under guard and then return to the jail when they are well.

As for some of the comments that the judge is being to harsh on her, I saw an article several weeks ago about the judge that heard her case all along and this is apparantly standard justice in that particular court.

offwego
06-08-2007, 03:54 PM
I agree she should have serverd her time. But does anyone else feel it's well odd (not sure of the right word here) that after being placed on house arrest she's being ordered back?

I mean if it was anyone else, go to jail, be released on house arrest, go back to jail (and not because you violate the house arrest but because the judge and sherif seem to have issues?). Don't get me wrong I think she was properly convicted and should have served her time, I just question the going back part. (ok not a lot but a teeny tiny little bit)

LibertyTreeGal
06-08-2007, 04:11 PM
I don't think it is weird that she was ordered back, I think it was weird that she was released. Truly, the judge had no choice, civil rights groups everywhere would have been screaming bloody murder and favoritism.

But please, what crime do I have to commit to get, oops, I mean, be forced to spend the next 30 days in a mansion???

LibertyTreeGal
06-08-2007, 04:12 PM
Oh, and does anyone besides me with they would have had Dog the Bounty Hunter go get her and deliver her to court? I would have liked to hear the en route conversation.....

PirateLover
06-08-2007, 04:12 PM
I agree she should have serverd her time. But does anyone else feel it's well odd (not sure of the right word here) that after being placed on house arrest she's being ordered back?


Once she was ordered to jail, that should've been the end of it. It was not the sheriff's place to lessen her sentence. The judge was getting ready to look at the papers himself and make his own decision, but was denied that opportunity by a sheriff who makes it a habit of being easy on celebrities. It can be debated whether she should've gotten jail time in the first place, but once she was sentenced, it was not the Sheriff's place to change the sentence. He made a mockery of the system and the judge was right to step in and not let it go. The sheriff is the real villain in this specific instance.

Incidentally, I found it extremely ironic that Paris' motorcade drove by a traveling circus on the side of the rode. This whole thing is very reminiscent of the OJ days.

thrillme
06-08-2007, 04:21 PM
The judge didn't APPROVE her release, he never received any papers mentioning her "condition" apparently it wasn't THAT bad because it didn't sway him. The judge SPECIFICALLY denied house arrest to her.

Now that just about equates to a "jail break".

If a prisoner is out of jail AGAINST the judgement and nobody enforces it...well why bother with a justice system. The sherrif that let her out should probably sit with her for a few days.

I guess this case just "chaps" me a bit because I'm annoyed at all the "special treatment" they tend to get.

Paris brought it on herself. It's no ones fault but hers.

I doubt she'll serve the entire 45 days. Yes the judge was really mad that she pulled this stunt when she KNEW her sentence that he struck the 23 days and bumped it back up to the FULL amount.

My predictions is IF she behaves and quits whining so that they'll let her off in about 7-10.

When she gets out any "marks" on her record will be irrevalent, she's not going to be out a "life changing" amount of money, she's not going to lose the life she once knew permanetly...

Scar
06-08-2007, 04:29 PM
I'm rather proud of the judge. He might be in line for the supreme court.Sorry, Judge Sauer is 70 years old.

2Epcot
06-08-2007, 04:50 PM
This story that nobody should care about has become a real news story being carried all over the world.


Once she was ordered to jail, that should've been the end of it. It was not the sheriff's place to lessen her sentence.

The sheriff did not lesson her sentence, it was actually increased when she went to home arrest. These kind of things happen all the time, just not to someone as high profile as Paris Hilton. She may or may not be getting special of attention, but the main thing is it just looks bad. That is why the city attorney and judge are so upset. Michelle Rodriguez spent less then 1 day in jail on a 60 day sentence (she opted for jail over community service).... there was no out cry for that.


As for some of the comments that the judge is being to harsh on her, I saw an article several weeks ago about the judge that heard her case all along and this is apparantly standard justice in that particular court.

It may be standard for his court. Other experts have debated that. Some believe she is getting extra harsh treatment because she is a celebrity, and that home arrest is common. The sheriff moves people around the prison system and changes the time served all the time.

Marker
06-08-2007, 05:16 PM
Kudos to the judge.

Although, I think it would have been very appropriate to pursue the contempt of court petition against him.

However, I can't fault Paris Hilton on being released to house arrest. While I have very little difficulty suspecting that her family attempted to call in some favors, or pull a string or two, it was the sheriff who ordered her released to house arrest. That's not her fault, that's not a "jail break" as someone said. She was following what the sheriff was ordering. Was she supposed to say "No thank you, I think I'll stay here in jail", I don't think so, and I dare say there's not a one of us that would either. She's not the real villian in this chapter of the story, I'd say the Sheriff is, and Paris is paying the price for his decision. No matter how much political pressure the Hilton family, or friends, may or may not have put on the sheriff, he should have done the RIGHT thing, he should have done his job and properly uphold the courts orders. Perhaps the voters will remember this episode when it comes time for him to run for re-election.

So, from that aspect, I feel for her today. That would be emotionally devastating for anyone, to think you were re-assigned to home, and then be yanked back in. And I don't think ANYONE, regardless of who they are or what they've done, deserves the plague that the nosey public and paparazzi assault people with.

Ironic though, her fame is pretty much solely based on publicity, but now that publicity is biting her really hard in return.

PirateLover
06-08-2007, 07:03 PM
The sheriff did not lesson her sentence, it was actually increased when she went to home arrest.


Lengthwise, you are correct. But come on. 23 days in a prison vs 45 days stuck inside your posh celebrity home where you are able to petition to leave for various activities... which one is the harsher sentence? The judge specifically stated in his ruling that she had to serve prison time and could not be electronically monitored. The sheriff went against that order.

Marker I agree with you, that was what I was trying to say as well. At the end of the day it is the sheriff who made this whole thing 10x worse, not Paris herself.

nicole48040
06-08-2007, 07:46 PM
Paris Hilton needs to serve all 45 days and get treated just like us common folk. The fact that that lil priss acts like it is going to kill her just makes me want to Cheer! Yes, go ahead Paris you worthless lil bag of acid, you go ahead and cry your crocodile tears, no one cares and no one should. You reap what you sew and you what you planted was trash!

DisneyGiant
06-08-2007, 11:24 PM
This story that nobody should care about has become a real news story being carried all over the world.



The sheriff did not lesson her sentence, it was actually increased when she went to home arrest. These kind of things happen all the time, just not to someone as high profile as Paris Hilton. She may or may not be getting special of attention, but the main thing is it just looks bad. That is why the city attorney and judge are so upset. Michelle Rodriguez spent less then 1 day in jail on a 60 day sentence (she opted for jail over community service).... there was no out cry for that.



I read some quotes from the Sheriff.

According to him she had some severe (what he thought) mental problems.

Put yourselves in his shoes. He's got serious criminals in that jail he's responsible for - and now a crazy debutante whose crime was driving after the DUI. The original sentence for the DUI wasn't jail.........

I think the Sheriff thought - who needs this - and sent her home with the bracelet. Problem was - he didn't ask the Judge or Prosecutor first before doing it.

And what if something happens to Paris while in there? One website suggested she was trying to kill herself. Can you imagine the brouhaha if that ever happened?

Personally, I think all this sensationalism just serves to cover up the "real" news. Art of distraction.

snifflesmcg
06-09-2007, 01:02 AM
It's official, she's been ordered back to jail. Reports have her in hysterics crying and screaming. I actually kinda feel bad for her... but she deserves the time.

I don't! It's sounds mean but I kinda giggled.


Good for her!
There's no reason she should be given any special treatment because of who she is.

:ditto:. I have never hated a celebrity as I do her. I'm so sick and tired of the fancy, EXPENSIVE clothes and the way she parades herself all over the place. I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED she is going back!! If it was anyone else, they would have gone back to jail the first time they violated probation. Not too long ago I got a letter stating I was going to jail WHILE I was appealing a PARKING ticket. I got this ticket for parking on my OWN street for more than 7 days while recovering from gall bladder surgery.

2Epcot
06-09-2007, 01:22 AM
Put yourselves in his shoes. He's got serious criminals in that jail he's responsible for - and now a crazy debutante whose crime was driving after the DUI. The original sentence for the DUI wasn't jail.........

I think the Sheriff thought - who needs this - and sent her home with the bracelet. Problem was - he didn't ask the Judge or Prosecutor first before doing it.

I agree that the Sheriff just wanted her out of his jail as soon as possible. She creates a real headache for the entire operation. Not only does he have to keep her safe, but he has to worry about other people trying to get in to get a picture of her, or even one of his own deputies taking a cell phone picture of her, so he/she can maybe retire early. The word is that one picture of Paris in jail would sell for about $500,000 dollars.

Marker
06-09-2007, 05:25 PM
Put yourselves in his shoes. He's got serious criminals in that jail he's responsible for - and now a crazy debutante whose crime was driving after the DUI. The original sentence for the DUI wasn't jail.........


But he also has a judges orders that she is to server the sentence in jail and not be release to her home. There is a procedure he could have followed if he was truely concerned rather than ignoring the judge's order and choosing to do it his own way. Sheriff or not, just like the rest of us, he's NOT entitled to simply have it his own way. There is a system to work with.



I have never hated a celebrity as I do her. I'm so sick and tired of the fancy, EXPENSIVE clothes and the way she parades herself all over the place. I am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED she is going back!! If it was anyone else, they would have gone back to jail the first time they violated probation. Not too long ago I got a letter stating I was going to jail WHILE I was appealing a PARKING ticket. I got this ticket for parking on my OWN street for more than 7 days while recovering from gall bladder surgery.

Do you really know her enough to HATE her?

And I really don't believe that the way she dresses has anything whatsoever to do with this case, nor do parking ticket anecdotes.

I would like to hope that principals of law would mean more than superficial judgements. But that's simply my opinion.

snifflesmcg
06-09-2007, 06:02 PM
I really don't believe that the way she dresses has anything whatsoever to do with this case, nor do parking ticket anecdotes.

I would like to hope that principals of law would mean more than superficial judgements. But that's simply my opinion.


The way she dresses doesn't have anything to do with her case but that is one of the many reasons I can't stand her. What exactly is she famous for anyway? I wish she would disappear.
What I was saying about the parking ticket was, I wasn't doing anything to harm anyone....she WAS when she drove drunk. I was sitting in my home with a fully legal car recovering from surgery and they threatened me with jail. How would you feel is she killed one of your kids while she was drunk coming from some high class party when she can afford a limo???

LibertyTreeGal
06-09-2007, 08:18 PM
Paris Hilton needs to serve all 45 days and get treated just like us common folk. The fact that that lil priss acts like it is going to kill her just makes me want to Cheer! Yes, go ahead Paris you worthless lil bag of acid, you go ahead and cry your crocodile tears, no one cares and no one should. You reap what you sew and you what you planted was trash!

Actually, I care. What I think and feel about Paris, and what you think and feel about her has been carefully honed by the media. Never forget that we don't know a thing about her, and really, all I do know for sure is that she is a young lady who has been given far too much publicity. Can I hate her? No, I feel very sad for her. Maybe she needs to be in jail, but I can't think of anyone who deserves to be called "worthless," or a "little bag of acid" -- whatever that means, just for being young and foolish. I just have too much compassion for anyone to agree with such an attack. Pretty harsh criticism considering none of us know her personally and all we can go on is gossip.

PirateLover
06-10-2007, 03:40 AM
Actually, I care. What I think and feel about Paris, and what you think and feel about her has been carefully honed by the media. Never forget that we don't know a thing about her, and really, all I do know for sure is that she is a young lady who has been given far too much publicity. Can I hate her? No, I feel very sad for her. Maybe she needs to be in jail, but I can't think of anyone who deserves to be called "worthless," or a "little bag of acid" -- whatever that means, just for being young and foolish. I just have too much compassion for anyone to agree with such an attack. Pretty harsh criticism considering none of us know her personally and all we can go on is gossip.
Although in a sense I do feel somewhat bad for her... just in the way that I know what it's like to be thrown into a situation you never expected and suffer from panic attacks and such... there is pretty legitimate evidence out there that shows she is a really bad person. She has started countless feuds with other celebs over petty stuff, She is on video using racist slurs, making fun of overweight people, ingesting a variety of illegal substances, and of course we all know of the "infamous" video and yet she and her family attempt to market her as a role model to young girls. That is sickening. The truth of the matter is she is spoiled to the Nth degree and has never had to pay for any of her actions at any point in her life. Now does that mean she should be thrown in jail? No, but I can understand why some people don't have sympathy for her.

LibertyTreeGal
06-10-2007, 09:08 AM
No, but I can understand why some people don't have sympathy for her.

So can I -- she has been spoiled to a degree we can only dream of, but for us to go around calling her names really makes us little different. I was just frankly shocked to see such name calling on a family board, and a Disney board at that. I wouldn't write anything here that I wouldn't say or do at WDW. And I wouldn't have wanted my kids to read that.

I'm also glad that cameras don't follow me around all of time time. Reduce my week down to five minutes and you can easily make me look like a monster ;)

DisneyGiant
06-10-2007, 11:34 AM
Ok - first just let me say - I am annoyed at myself for following this story (check out the third to last paragraph). That being said - I can't shake a bad feeling I have that this isn't going to end well. I hope I am wrong:

From the NY Daily News today:



LOS ANGELES - It was apparently the one time she was camera-shy.


Paris Hilton was so terrified guards would snap a cell-phone picture of her on the toilet that she didn't eat or drink for three days, which left her facing a life-threatening collapse, a source told the Daily News. She also was not taking prescribed medication while in jail, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said.

The stainless steel lavatory in the hotel heiress' 12-foot-by-8-foot cell was in plain view of a large window in the door, which guards could look through 24 hours a day.

"She was absolutely terrified that one of the guards or staffers would get her with the cell-phone cam and it would wind up on the Internet," a Hilton insider said yesterday.

"She didn't eat or drink a single thing for three days because she didn't want to use the toilet. She was in real danger."

Hilton also suffered from "extreme claustrophobia" and began hyperventilating and freaking out.

"She cried the entire time, and that wasn't helping the dehydration," the source said.

Jail medical officials became concerned that severe dehydration and a buildup of waste and toxins in Hilton's body could cause a complete collapse and "even kill her," the source said.

Baca suggested Hilton was on suicide watch last night, saying she would be kept under close scrutiny to ensure "there isn't anything harmful done to herself by herself, which is a great concern to me."

Baca said Friday that Hilton's "psychological problems" were worsened by the fact that she was not getting a "particular medication" she normally takes.

Judge Michael Sauer didn't buy the medical excuse, sending Hilton back to jail on Friday to serve the remainder of her 45-day sentence. She could serve just over two weeks with time off for good behavior.

She spent yesterday heavily sedated in the medical wing of L.A.'s Twin Towers jail, a source close to her told The News.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who said he was in California this weekend for previously scheduled events, said yesterday he'll meet with the sheriff tomorrow about the larger issues surrounding Hilton's case.

Sharpton told The News he plans to ask about possible discrepancies in how prisoners of different races and economic classes are treated.

"I will present cases to him and ask why these cases didn't warrant the same consideration [as Hilton's]," Sharpton said.

Meanwhile, Hilton's friends in the Hollywood party set were losing no time trying to steal her socialite crown.

"Although her friends are saying supportive things in public, behind her back they're saying she's faking it," said the insider.

"Paris is the queen bee of her clique in Hollywood. ... Now she's not there, there is a lot of jostling for her crown. Nicole Richie is planning parties, Kimberly Stewart is planning parties, Kim Kardashian is planning parties. "Thank God [Lindsay Lohan] is in rehab."

Hilton's lawyer had been expected to file an appeal.

But in a statement last night, Paris said she would serve her time.

Donald A
06-10-2007, 01:45 PM
1) They should punish her like anyone else and she should serve her time like anyone else. However, would anyone else get 45 days for what she did? I don't know, but if not, neither should she. That is what's fair.

2) She should not be a pawn. She is still a person. If the sheriff let her go, the beef is between the judge and the sheriff. Remember, sure the judge has authority, but so does the sheriff. This judge counts on the sheriff to carry out his sentences. Bottom line they rely on each other. So if a judge holds a sheriff in contempt, so what? Who enforces that? Then you get a crisis and legal battle on your hands paid for by taxpayers.

HOWEVER,

All that being said, I am sure there is some special treatment. I am sure mommy and dad have not only made verbal threats but legal ones. They have probably had their lawyers write many letters personally holding that sheriff responsible if Paris hurts herself or the sheriff allows photos of her to be taken. The Hiltons have the money and ability to put the sheriff's department in court battles for the next several years. The sheriff probably doesn't want to deal with this and shouldn't have to if all this is a judge making a point (quite frankly at taxpayer expense).

2Epcot
06-10-2007, 05:04 PM
1) They should punish her like anyone else and she should serve her time like anyone else. However, would anyone else get 45 days for what she did? I don't know, but if not, neither should she. That is what's fair.

Almost nobody would serve the entire 45 days on this kind of sentence, unless they started acting up in jail. The jails have too many violent criminals to worry about someone in jail driving on a suspended license. The judge is just trying to make an example of Paris. The DUI is what was the serious offense ... that got no jail time.

LibertyTreeGal
06-10-2007, 05:24 PM
The DUI is what was the serious offense ... that got no jail time.

That is bizarre.... California is one of the toughest states on DUI, and they really usually whack first time offenders really hard. However, when my dad was arrested for it (yes, the same guy who smoked a pipe in Toontown), he served no jail time, but had to pay a lot of money in fines and had his license revoked for 6 months. So maybe it isn't strange to serve no jail time for this -- but you are right, of the two this was a very serious crime. It still isn't punished like it should be....

RAIDER
06-11-2007, 07:28 AM
Its correct shes gone back and good on the judge for increasing her sentence ...
Weve had reports in the UK that the sheriff in question was a sciencetologist and Paris Hiltons father ave a donation ( it was in our news so dont know if thats true )

It was wrong in the first place she was let out and i find it sickening how her and her family are playing the media ...Its nice to see that they cant buy their way out of her daughter wrong doing :mad::

JRocker
06-12-2007, 09:02 AM
The little game between the Sheriff and the Judge should be kept between them and not involve the prisoners. All they are doing now is enhancing the reputation that California justice has nation wide.....and it's not a good one.

As far as the DUI goes....I don't care what your name is, or your social status. Before you take that first drink it is YOUR responsibility as an adult to make arrangements to get home. If these arrangements include you driving yourself home then your are planning on using your vehicle as a weapon.
You should be treated the same as if you walked into a mall and fired a gun in a random direction.

caryrae
06-12-2007, 09:56 AM
One thing to is this was not the first time she been in trouble with drinking and driving. That's why she didn't have a license in the first place.

2Epcot
06-14-2007, 12:06 PM
Paris Hilton was sent back to the original jail where she was first being held last night. Supposedly her medical condition was better. Here is an interesting article from the LA times, saying what I've been saying for some time ....



Hilton will do more time than most, analysis finds
By Jack Leonard and Doug Smith
Times Staff Writers

June 14, 2007

Paris Hilton will end up serving more time behind bars than the vast majority of inmates sent to L.A. County Jail for similar offenses, according to a Times analysis of jail records.

Whether Hilton received special treatment from the Sheriff's Department has become the subject of much debate since Sheriff Lee Baca last week allowed the hotel heiress to go home after less than four full days in jail, despite a promise that she would serve 23 days of a 45-day sentence.

The Times analyzed 2 million jail releases and found 1,500 cases since July 2002 that — like Hilton's — involved defendants who had been arrested for drunk driving and later sentenced to jail after a probation violation or driving without a license.

Had Hilton left jail for good after four days, her stint behind bars would have been similar to those served by 60% of those inmates.

But after a judge sent her back to jail Friday, Hilton's attorney announced that she would serve the full 23 days. That means that Hilton will end up serving more time than 80% of other people in similar situations.

The findings came as some critics accused Baca of showing favoritism to Hilton and as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors launched an investigation into whether the multimillionaire received special treatment because of her wealth and fame.

The data also underscore the profound effect of the Sheriff's Department's early-release program, which sets inmates free before their sentences are up to ease overcrowding.

Before the early-release program began in 2002, inmates with cases similar to Hilton's were sentenced to terms that amounted to an average of 23 days, the same as Hilton is expected to serve. They actually served 20 days. After the program began, the average term was 14 days, with inmates actually serving an average of four days.

Because of the high media interest, Hilton was one of only a few inmates whose premature release received publicity — and the judge who originally sentenced her noticed. She is believed to be the first inmate in years who actually was sent back to jail to serve more of her term.

"Twenty-three days would be considerably more than the average person given her sentence would actually serve," said Stan Goldman, professor of criminal law and procedure at Loyola Law School. "The jails are so overcrowded that even though overcrowding is not the reason for her release, it colors every release decision from the jails system."

Baca's release of Hilton because of undisclosed medical problems touched off a storm of protest. Last year, the department released only three inmates on medical grounds, a spokesman said.

One of the most vocal critics, civil rights activist Najee Ali, said Wednesday that Hilton ought to be released if inmates sentenced for similar crimes were serving less time. He continued to criticize Baca's decision to cite medical problems for the release, but added that only dangerous offenders should serve their full sentences given the jail's need to limit overcrowding.

"Clearly, her violation is not as serious, so she should be released," said Ali, director of Project Islamic Hope. "The rules of fairness should be applied equally."

Hilton was sentenced to 45 days for violating probation on alcohol-related, reckless-driving charges from an incident in September. Police stopped her while she was driving during the period that her license was suspended.

If Hilton does serve the 23 days, she will have done about the same amount of time as 4,000 inmates who since 2002 had been charged with assaults, as well as more than 1,800 charged with burglary, more than 2,600 charged with domestic violence and nearly 11,000 charged with drug violations.

Over the last five years, more than 200,000 inmates have been released early. Baca started the releases during a budget crunch that he said left him no choice but to shut large portions of the nation's largest county correctional system. Though economic times have since improved, a federal court has ordered his department to reduce chronic overcrowding in the jails, hampering efforts to keep inmates longer.

The Times' analysis of jail releases found that more than 60% of those with cases similar to Hilton's walked free after serving less than half their time. Under the department's current guidelines, Hilton probably would have served even less time. Most nonviolent female offenders sentenced to less than 90 days are released immediately.

"The only special treatment she got — she got more time in jail," Baca said in an interview earlier this week.

(The analysis studied only jail release data and did not take into account other factors that influence individual cases, such as the judge's sentencing record and courtroom behavior of the defendant).

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer made it clear when he sentenced Hilton that she was not to be released early. His comments were included in commitment papers the court sent to the jail.

On previous occasions, jail officials have ignored orders from judges to keep particular inmates in jail for their full sentences, saying that they first must comply with a federal court's restrictions on overcrowding. But sheriff's officials pledged before Hilton's arrival that she would serve 23 days, after calculating discounts for good behavior.

When Baca released Hilton, officials said she would be confined to her house — and be monitored electronically by the county Probation Department — to serve out the rest of her term. (It was unclear from data how many of the other inmates examined by The Times' analysis were released with similar conditions).

A day later, Sauer ordered her back into custody. Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore said Baca would not challenge Sauer's order.

"He doesn't want to make anyone a judicial football," Whitmore said.

Critics of early release have highlighted egregious cases in their calls to end the practice. A Times investigation last year found that some inmates committed murders and other violent crimes when they otherwise would have been behind bars.

Hilton, some critics said, might not be the most likely poster child for the dangers of early release, but they welcomed the publicity that surrounded her case for spotlighting a vital public safety issue.

"In a way the people of this community owe a vote of thanks to Ms. Hilton because she's highlighted an issue that a bunch of dead bodies didn't," said Tom Higgins, who runs the Los Angeles County district attorney's criminal filings division in downtown Los Angeles. He said he was not speaking on behalf of the office.

"She is receiving what she should have got and what every other prisoner [like her] should have got…. The fact that hundreds of people in similar situations serve less time does not mean that she's been harshly treated."e first time she been in trouble with drinking and driving. That's why she didn't have a license in the first place.

PrincessCandaceMarie
06-15-2007, 04:49 PM
All I can add/say is wow.....some comments were quite rough and others a bit funny to read/hear.....I still think it's a shame that this thread got so out of sorts and that I'm annoyed that I read it too....:confused:

2Epcot
06-20-2007, 01:21 PM
So the LA City attorney who thought Paris should go back to jail so badly for her Parole violation turns out to have similar problems with his own wife. There has been a warrant for her arrest for several years, and she had also been driving on a suspended license when she had an accident. I wonder if he will make sure she doesn't get special treatment either?

What is the expression: "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones"



Delgadillo's wife named in 1998 arrest warrant
The L.A. city attorney's spouse allegedly failed to appear in a Santa Monica court for a variety of driver-related charges.

By Matt Lait, Times Staff Writer
June 20, 2007

Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo's wife has an outstanding warrant for her arrest for failing to appear in court nearly nine years ago on charges of driving without insurance, with a suspended license and in an unregistered car, court records and officials confirmed Tuesday.

In addition, documents obtained by The Times show that in the last three years the Delgadillos were chronically late in paying fines for at least five parking tickets.

One violation for parking in a red zone in December 2006 was not paid until The Times inquired about the tickets last month. By then, the $70 infraction had become a $174 fine with penalties.

A spokesman for Delgadillo said Michelle Delgadillo was responsible for all the parking tickets and the delinquent payments.

Michelle Delgadillo's scofflaw status was yet another embarrassing development for the city's top prosecutor, who Monday disclosed that he had periodically let his wife drive his city-owned vehicle on a suspended license for personal errands.

In 2004, she had an accident while driving her husband's city-assigned GMC Yukon, which was repaired at taxpayer expense.

After ducking the issue for days, Delgadillo, who presides over the nation's third-largest municipal law office, held a news conference Monday to say that he was reimbursing the city for the $1,222 repair. He also acknowledged that he did not realize that he himself had driven as an uninsured motorist for about a year, while his wife had driven without insurance for more than two years.

Delgadillo told reporters at his news conference that he was sorry about the situation involving his wife and acknowledged that he should have stepped forward immediately with information about the accident. He also apologized for his "lapse in personal insurance coverage."

In a statement released by Delgadillo's office Tuesday, Michelle Delgadillo, 36, who once was an aide to former City Councilman Joel Wachs, said she was "very embarrassed to find myself in this situation today."

She said she was working to resolve the warrant issue "as quickly as possible."

"I will do whatever the court instructs me to do. I apologize for any embarrassment this has caused my husband and family," she said. "It is completely my mistake."

Delgadillo also released a statement about the bench warrant still pending from his wife's traffic violations, which occurred in Santa Monica.

"I was unaware that there was any outstanding warrant," he said. "As soon as I learned about this today, I immediately urged my wife to remedy the situation, and she is working to resolve this. My wife is embarrassed about this, and I am embarrassed as well."