Hang Right Politics

Posted by Stephanie on December 31st, 2007 in Uncategorized

Lawyer Vandalizes Car of Marine Bound for Iraq   [Gregory S. McNeal]

Just caught this story.

Marine sergeant Mike McNulty is on orders to Iraq when an anti-military lawyer allegedly vandalizes his car. The Marine shows exceptional restraint and calls the police rather than taking matters into his own hands. It turns out the damage amounts to $2400. According to BlackFive:

• The lawyer, Jay R. Grodner, offered to pay Sgt. McNulty’s deductible ($100) and have Sgt. McNulty’s insurance cover the damages.
• The Illinois state’s attorneys tried to coerce Sgt. McNulty into accepting the offer.
• The state’s attorneys told Sgt. McNulty that it was not worth pursuing felony damage against Grodner because they don’t have the time.
• The state prosecutors told him it “would be difficult to recover the damages” from Grodner because he is a lawyer.
• Sgt. McNulty agreed with the state that probation for Grodner would be fair, which Grodner declined, saying, “I’m not going to make it easy on this kid.”
• Sgt. McNulty’s next court date is tomorrow, Monday, December 31, to pursue misdemeanor charges against Grodner. McNulty’s leave is over on January 2 when he reports to Camp Pendleton before heading to Iraq. Jay Grodner knows this and is going to file for a continuance until McNulty is gone and cannot appear in court.

This seems rather crappy if true, and one should hope that the judge will not grant such a continuance. Perhaps enough readers can make noise in the Chicago talk radio and other media outlets to get the attention of the judge or state’s attorney. Some of the comments over at BlackFive are pretty good. I like this set of suggestions. (emphasis mine)

The first one of the list above wants to get the lawyer off with a measly $100 and let Sgt. McNulty’s insurance cover the rest. There’s a problem with that. As a result of the good Sgt.’s insurance covering any of it, his insurance premiums would go up and that fact was left unaddressed.

The second, third and fourth ones should be reason to sue the state if true. Where is the equality under the law?

The seventh and eighth are sheer arrogance on the part of the legal profession in Illinois. Clearly they believe they are above the law and will eat this “kid” alive in court. However, it also shows an utter disregard for any human being whom they consider is beneath them that they feel free to vandalize their possessions at will. If that turns out to be the case then, as one commenter at Black Five said, “Laws are for the “little people.” (about 5 or six comments down)… at least in Illinois.