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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    3

    Default 400 Hours Community Service

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Alabama

    My friend was charged along with his fraternity pledge brothers of theft. The theft of Christmas decorations total was more than $500, but not from one single house.

    The frat was not caught by the police, but later by the college. The frat made full restitution and returned everything that was stolen.

    The college issued 400 hours of community service (along with probation for 2 years, an 8 page paper, and 60 hours of community service during spring break) to each of the pledges. From a legal stand point is this a fair punishment?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    Toledo, OH
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    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    MORE than fair. They get to walk away without criminal records.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    3

    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    but the police don't know which members of the fraternity committed a crime if any. How could they then charge them with a misdemeanor if there is no evidence against any one person? The college is just doing a blanket punishment.

    If it were turned over to a judge. Would the judge not just order restitution? In that case, restitution has already been rendered.

    I do not know, and I appreciate your expert answer.

  4. #4
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    Jan 2008
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    Toledo, OH
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    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    If it were turned over to a judge. Would the judge not just order restitution? In that case, restitution has already been rendered.
    Restitution (and in some states, three times the damages), plus fines, plus community service (and much more than what the college has assigned), plus probation - plus criminal record.

    Your "friend" should count his lucky stars and be thankful for them, instead of wondering about the "fairness" of his punishment. At his age - presumably over the age of four - he knows right from wrong, now it's time to man up and take his rightful punishment and be bloody well grateful that that's all he got.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    3

    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    Quote Quoting LawResearcherMissy
    View Post
    Restitution (and in some states, three times the damages), plus fines, plus community service (and much more than what the college has assigned), plus probation - plus criminal record..
    ok.. well as stated early there wasn't any damages because all the items were returned, plus large sums of money ($500+) was given to many of the families for "damages", which they claimed was emotional, due to having their christmas decorations gone for 3 days.

    secondly, how much is "much more than what college has assigned". 460 hrs. of community service sounds like a good bit to me.

    thirdly, they are being fined by the school

    fourthly, they are being put on probation by the school, and even though not nearly as important it will remain on their school record.


    thank you for pointing those things out. BUT my real question was how if it was turned over to a judge would it be handled since they don't know who stole what or if they even stole anything.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
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    6,808

    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    Too bad criminal charges were not filed; and the college didn't shut down the Fraternity and kick the frat brats out of college.....

    See, their actions are a reflection on more than just themselves. It reflects on their entire fraternity, as well as others. It reflects on the college.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    CT & IL
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    5,273

    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    I dont think they should have been punished at all (today is opposite day!)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    You don't think it's traumatic for families to have people burgle their houses and steal stuff? How do you imagine the parent-child discussions went after the Christmas items were stolen? Fun times?

    If the police were brought in, between conspiracy charges and fear of jail, I doubt they would have any time getting one or more brother's to cooperate, and from there the rest would fall like dominoes.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Michigan
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    Default Re: 400 Hours Community Service

    How about you look at the situation from the other end?

    You go buy Christmas decorations.
    Take the time to put them on your lawn, house, whatever.

    You wake up in the morning....to find your belongings gone.

    Are you going to laugh? Or be mad?

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