Rich Jerk Hit & Runs Bicyclist - Felony Charges Dropped Cause it Jeopardizes Job

[RamboLiberal]

EAGLE, Colorado — A financial manager for wealthy clients will not face felony charges for a hit-and-run because it could jeopardize his job, prosecutors said Thursday.

Martin Joel Erzinger, 52, faces two misdemeanor traffic charges stemming from a July 3 incident when he allegedly hit bicyclist Dr. Steven Milo from behind then sped away, according to court documents.

Milo and his attorney, Harold Haddon, are livid about the prosecution's decision to drop the felony charge. They filed their objection Wednesday afternoon, the day after prosecutors notified Haddon's office by fax of their decision.

Haddon and Milo say this is a victim's rights case, that Erzinger's alleged actions constituted a felony, and that one day is not enough notice.

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Milo was bicycling eastbound on Highway 6 just east of Miller Ranch Road, when Erzinger allegedly hit him with the black 2010 Mercedes Benz sedan he was driving. Erzinger fled the scene and was arrested later, police say.

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20101104/NEWS/101109939/1078&ParentProfile=1062

One law for the rich, another for the rest of us!

[gmoney]

1. would impact his ability to pay restitution...

that's the rationale they're using... "if he goes to jail, he can't earn money to pay restitution to the victim" -- I just hope that indicates they're going to award a shitload of restitution.

Coincidentally, I just watched Michael Clayton over the weekend, and even HE couldn't fix this one. :\ Truth is stranger than fiction.

[RamboLiberal]

2. I would think this jerk already has a good sized bank account & assets

That could be used to pay restitution.

[gmoney]

7. I'm sure all the serious assets are sheltered...

Probably in his wife's name, or a numbered Swiss account, or a double-secret trust, or buried in mason jars in his back yard. Give the guy half a chance, he'll show that he's penniless, at least for the purposes of awarding a judgment against him.

[Obamanaut]

3. More discussion at these earlier threads->

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9512807

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9512910

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9500550

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9508909

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=9501636

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

4. He'll probably run for Senate next

Sounds like a perfect Rethug candidate.

[otohara]

5. District Attorney is A Republican

ta, ta...

[Javaman]

6. When the concerns of the rich outweigh the concerns of the poor...

welcome to facism.

[Hannah Bell]

8. A felony charge affects anyone's job. Why doesn't everyone get their charges dropped?

Jeez, hit & run.

I guess this means rich people can run over the rest of us with impunity.