Is Carly Rousso being treated differently in Or perhaps a better question is: Will Rousso's apparently privileged upbringing even make a difference?
Sure, things seem to be going a little easier so far for Rousso, the 18-year-old daughter of two prominent North Shore residents. Initial reports about the death of 5-year-old Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento indicated only that a , her brothers, and her mother. There was no mention of possible alcohol or drug involvement.
And yes, it did take until Wednesday night, after a lot of complaining by a local Hispanic-community activist and the mayor of Highland Park, to have .
But will it make a difference?
According to the prosecutor's office, the charges have been in place since Monday, as they were required to obtain Rousso's blood and urine samples. They have no idea why it took so long to release the news to the press. As for the misdemeanor DUI charge, it will stay a misdemeanor until toxicology results return in a couple of weeks.
Despite the appearance of favoritism, and the apparent hush-hush coverage of the alleged DUI, the answer to the question is this: It will probably make no difference whatsoever in Rousso's cirminal prosecution.
If the toxicology results indicate that Carly Rousso was drunk, she'll almost certainly be charged with the same aggravated DUI charges that any other drunk driver would face for running down a child and her family. (Yes, it has happened before.) She'll likely face a lengthy prison sentence of up to 14 years, a license suspension, and public shame and humiliation.
So, can we please calm down with the race and privilege cards, at least for now? The prosecutor is not going to let someone walk just because her parents run some hoity-toity art center in the suburbs. And imagine the coverage the case will get if and when felony charges are brought against a privileged suburban girl gone bad.
So be patient. If Carly Rousso deserves it, she'll likely get what's coming to her. Besides, she's innocent until proven guilty.
Originally published on FindLaw’s Chicago DUI Blog at http://chicagoduilawyersblog.com/2012/09/is-carly-rousso-getting-preferential-treatment-in-dui-death.html
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* The ramblings of a bored teenager listening to a lecture on drunk driving in class. * A traffic safety student who put on the 'drunk goggles' and happened to do really well at the video game simulation of drunk driving * Something more nefarious... But until we have all the facts, we don't know - so why speculate?
To the man? whom identifies him/herself as Joe. I served at MCB Camp Lejeune for one year. I was in charge of fifteen Marines, as an MP, at the Main Gate. I know you were never there because only respectful, intelligent, and loyal Marines passed through MY gate. I went through Scout Sniper School in Camp Pendleton. I was wounded three times. Awarded three Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars, with Combat V's. Do I detect envy in your post? Sounds like it. Are you a "wanna be" Marine or Marine Sniper? Or just a "wanna be" Anything? Many (Trolls) like you cannot make an intelligent rebuttal to my posts, so instead they choose to defame or show cynicism towards my moniker. ( I know, run for your dictionary!) You hurled in an earlier post by saying, "these days are very dark but there will be a light", trying to comfort Miss Rousso. That light would be the bare 150 watt bulb hanging over the top bunk of her bed, in "lock-down." Show mercy, when mercy is deserved. ......... Grow up little man/woman. ---Semper Fi!
While you may not agree with Marine Sniper's comments, I take offense to “Uncle Sam's Misguided Children”. I would hope that you would have some respect for the men and women who served to give us all the right to publicly debate and disagree. Just the other morning as we pulled over to let an Ambulance pass my 4 year old said. "Dad, ambulance men help us when we are hurt, firemen come if your house is on fire, policemen take away bad people and soldiers help our country." Frankly, I was surprised about her comment on soldiers as I did not think she was really aware of them but we can all learn from children. I also showed her the flowers at the scene of this horrific tragedy and told her a little girl got hurt there. She said "maybe she forgot to look both ways, I hope the ambulance man took her to get better." I admit to teary eyes at that moment as Jaclyn was about the same age and likely could have had the same thoughts in a similar situation.
Ok, got it:) Also served in the Army but did not know that acronym.
I have a brother whom was in the U.S.Army. He was a Huey door gunner. We volley from time to time. In reality all those whom have served are , brothers. BTW, I have a hat pin that states, " U.S.M.C. “Uncle Sam's Misguided Children ". I wear it with pride. ---Semper Fi!
Thank you for your opening statement in defense of all whom have served. This is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of F.D.R., President of The United States: “The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps!” ― Eleanor Roosevelt A lot of statements, like these, are actually endearing, admirable, and affable to the Corps. But, thank you again. ---Semper Fi!
why was she driving her father's car. Perhaps these parents should donate more time to their troubled child than the Art community
you can say what you wish. maybe im not as good as you are with adjectives and adverbs, but im at a university currently studying psychology so i can one day be a physical dependency councilor and help people like carly before these things happen. i want to help our future generations to come with drug problems. carly was physically and psychologically dependent on substance and she was to deep in. I want to prevent this so ive been in school studying my tail off so i can help this cause and maybe save a future family from the same thing reoccurring. Your negativity is really doing jack. My uncle was a proud Marine himself but he does not brag about it he is a proud, modest man. Just because your a marine does not mean your right.