Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for misusing nearly $750,000 in campaign funds. Jackson's wife was also given a year in jail for filing false tax returns. The presiding judge agreed to let the Jacksons stagger their sentences so their children could have at least one parent in the home.
Is the sentence staggering a normal thing or just another example of the advantages of the wealthy/politically connected?
Although, I do agree its a good idea.
This is a good question. I do not know. Anyone?
Several years ago when I lived in Alexandria, Louisiana, I recall a former co-worker and her husband being given staggered sentences for being involved in an insurance scam (fake car accidents). They were black and not well-off financially. Considering it is was small-town Louisiana and quite backwards, I suspect this to be a common situation with non-violent offenders who are parents.
