Updates & Answers

Two interesting, but very different, criminal cases are in the limelight today. First, Hershel Dale Graham was sentenced to 14 years today. He will serve only two, assuming he behaves himself on five years of subsequent probation. He is scheduled to turn himself in Monday or put up 100K appeal bond money. Which will he do?

We have wondered about the many delays in sentencing; now we believe these postponements were to give Graham more time to come up with the money for an appeal bond. Will he win? We doubt it. It's our understanding that Joey Rushing dotted every "i" in this case. Mr. Rushing, as always, carried out his duties well.

We know the Andrasik family is deeply saddened that there was not a stronger sentence. Judge Terry Dempsey stated it was a difficult decision for him to make. How will it affect the retired rotund wrestler from Red Bay?

We doubt that a felony conviction will limit Graham very much. He doesn't work, and we doubt that he plans to travel to any exotic countries that would not allow a convicted violent felon a tourist visa. Graham's main problem may now be in controlling what those who know him have called a volatile temper. The fat lady hasn't sung yet, and the fat man may not be fat after two years in an Alabama prison.

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The second case? We'll let you read about it here:

How Can They Charge Manslaughter?

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Occasionally, someone asks us about our policy in reporting on past arrests/convictions. We never mention any past arrests, etc., unless the person is arrested again or thrusts themselves into the public arena to run for office or something similar.

We consider any crime/alleged crime to be off limits once it has been adjudicated and the person has finished with any legal requirements. Obviously, convicted sex offenders never finish their legal obligations. If the subject has been arrested again, we do discuss past arrests/convictions. These past arrests are not usually allowed in court. Should they be? It's our opinion that it depends on the case.

Justice is elusive, money and connections talk, and sheer geography may make the difference in any outcome. We don't see this as changing. We do suggest our readers lobby for justice--don't just sit back and trust the system to do the right thing in every case.

Tomorrow: Look who's up for parole...



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