The Law - Oddities and Facts

[over the mountain]

Victims and family get to speak at sentencing.

But the comment by the DA highlighted above seems like he was responding to a reporter and seemed fair and accurate to me.

"People have varying opinions on the felony murder law. The perpetrator doesn't like it, the father of the deceased does." I dont see anything inherently wrong or alarming in that .

I dont think the DA was saying the victim's father made the decision or had final say .... but the ADA in montgomery county gives a lot of weight and deference to the wishes of the victim's families. Ive been in chamber sessions w the DA, defense lawyer and judge on murder/manslaughter/rape cases and the victim's family plays a very large role in what the DA decides to do. (I was a law clerk so i was the proverbial 'fly on the wall', dont talk just listen and learn)