Dean's Son Resolves Vt. Burglary Charge

[Rose Siding]

BURLINGTON, Vt. -- The 17-year-old son of Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean agreed Tuesday to participate in a court diversion program for allegedly being the getaway driver while four friends tried to steal beer from a country club.

Paul Dean appeared at Vermont District Court with his father and mother, Dr. Judith Dean, and met with a court official.

"I think this is a good outcome for Paul and for his friends, and that's what the program is designed for," Howard Dean said.

The program allows first-time and low-risk offenders to resolve their charges without appearing before a judge. In a few weeks, the younger Dean is to appear before a community board that will determine his punishment, which could include community service, writing a letter of apology or making restitution.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-deans-son,0,6205609.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

[IndianaGreen]

1. At least his mom and dad were there with Paul Dean

Where was Jeb Bush when his daughter appeared in court?

[sfecap]

2. Ummm...pushing for harsher laws for drug offenders?

No, wait a minute...I recall something about trying to seal the proceedings...

[diamond14]

7. and g.w. shrub had no time to appear in court with his underaged

daughter, on her second conviction in Texas (or was it third?)...where she appeared in a top that looked more like something a hooker in Houston would wear, than a pResidential daughter appearing in a court...no wonder the shrub daughters have no respect for the laws/courts of our Nation...sadly, her parents didn't even teach her to properly dress when apprearing in Court.....

[DemBones DemBones]

3. In dealing with the law, it always helps to be a rich kid. Crimes

committed by the well-off, whether Democrats or Republicans, are treated as "youthful indiscretions" while those committed by the lower classes are regarded as indicators of a budding career of crime. I hope Paul Dean and his friends are punished by their parents in a way that actually hits home with them.

[ThirdEye]

4. Don't speak so soon...

I too am a Vermonter and the court diversion program is designed specifically for these kinds of situations for *anyone* under 18. In fact, if I had heard anything OTHER then court diversion was used then I would be able to determine with almost 100% accuracy that he had a previous record. Everyone goes through the program if it's a first offense.

I myself went through the program when I was a senior in High SChool and our senior camp out was busted by the State Police. In addition I personally know some people who have worked for the program itself.

Regardless of your poorly made assumptions about the situation, I do agree with you on both points... especially about Parents making the lasting impression.

[sonias]

5. Good for Paul

Everyone should have a way to pay their debts without going to jail. Especially for first offenses. He's learned his lesson. I would much rather spend money on these programs than jails. And responsible parents like Paul's were of course supporting their son like most parents would.

Case closed.

Sonia

[Duncan Grant]

6. kick...

for the west coast crowd.