Posted by Chase on February 19, 2007 at 11:02:45 (EST):
In Reply to: What is going on in the DA's office??????????????? posted by just wondering on February 18, 2007 at 16:27:30 (EST):
For my part, I support Scott Andreassi for Judge, period. He has been an excellent District Attorney, despite the opinions which are sometimes expressed on this board. Many of those opinions are not well-informed, but that is perhaps due in part to the fact that the press sometimes does not accurately report the facts of particular cases.
I'll offer a recent example: Peggy Jo Conner changed her plea from "not guilty" to "guilty" and chose not to go to trial. Any defendant has that right. There was no plea agreement, and no bargaining or negotiation. When a defendant changes a plea to guilty on all counts, the District Attorney cannot override that and insist on going to trial anyway. For whatever reason, the Leader Times has made reference to a plea agreement or "deal" when that was certainly not the case. In terms of sentencing, Judge Valasek has absolute discretion to impose whatever legal sentence he deems to be appropriate. Neither the District Attorney, the victim, or the defense attorney can do anything other than make a recommendation.
Back to the original post - I did attend Jim Panchik's dance event the other night because Jim is my friend and I wish him well and support him as a friend. I consider all of the candidates to be friends, and while I strongly support Scott Andreassi in this race I may chose to attend the events of other candidates. I hope that clears things up.