Are doctors given leniency when they commit a crime?

Are doctors given leniency when they commit a crime?

Postby tredway » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:12 am

There was a particular arrest that was made on Friday involving a surgeon who committed vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, this ended up killing a 4 year old toddler and ended up injuring 3 others (mother and two children). She is held without bond.

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/surgeon-arrested-for-vehicular-homicide

My friends and I were debating this. Assuming she has past history with the law at all, one friend said she'll probably get only two years and released due to her status as a Physician/surgeon and she will probably contribute more to society if she is let on an early release than just sitting in a cell for years. The doctor's money will buy the best defense attorney's in the country, leading to a minor sentence.

Another friend stated that she'll be going away for a long time regardless of her status, especially since it ended up killing a child. The judge would sentence harshly to send a message. This also assumes, ff the lab reports confirm her BAC and other traffic conditions as well.

This all took place in New Mexico, what do you think?
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Are doctors given leniency when they commit a crime?

Postby leonie36 » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:16 am

thats a bit like asking will a judge get off any easier simply because he /she was a judge when he / she committed a crime . The court has to be seen as the law when it comes to equal justice regardless of who stands in the dock.
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Are doctors given leniency when they commit a crime?

Postby dickens93 » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:20 am

Well, justice is blind. I dont think that this surgeon would get out of jail early, just because she is a surgeon. It is exactly the same crime as if, say, a mexican plumber killed the little girl. My opinion would be that she will end up getting the normal amount of time in jail as anybody else who committed vehicular homicide while drunk.
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Are doctors given leniency when they commit a crime?

Postby drystan » Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:26 am

Ask that to Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's doctor.
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