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Missouri judge gives drunk driver slap on the wrist

GasBuddy Blog -- In Chesterfield, MO, a western suburb of St. Louis, they've got to be wondering what happened to justice. That's because you won't find it there.

Last September we told you about a traffic crash in which a 53 year old man who was drunk drove his 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe across the center line of Wildhorse Creek Road and collided head-on with a 1992 Infiniti being driven by Janet Esrock, a 50- year old teacher at the Whitfield School, coach, wife and mother. She was killed. Her 16-year-old son, Jonathan, was seriously injured but survived.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that the driver, Patrick McCormick, failed a field sobriety test and police said his blood-alcohol content was 0.14 (nearly twice the legal limit) about...

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Submitted Aug 20, 2012 By: PD

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Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,322 Points:2,144,925 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Sep 10, 2012 5:36:21 AM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse Missouri is one of the most liberal states as to its alcohol laws. Wikipedia has a very long discussion under the topic Alcohol laws of Missouri.
Road4Runner Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:170 Points:13,380 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2012 1:58:34 PM Ignore Road4Runner Report Abuse The Judge whom let the drunk driver off might feel differently if this was his daughter, his wife, his son or his friend. Wonder if you are having any second thoughts on your unfair treatment to the victims here Judge? Our sympathies go out the family and friends of the victim of this drunk driver and the Judge.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,127 Points:294,405 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 26, 2012 10:31:52 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse not ok
pfone1847 Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,196 Points:625,530 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Aug 26, 2012 7:28:08 AM Ignore pfone1847 Report Abuse Great
jwalkerh Champion Author Louisiana Posts:6,135 Points:1,369,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 25, 2012 4:15:38 PM Ignore jwalkerh Report Abuse There was no justice here...
gazguzzler11 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,446 Points:764,290 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Aug 25, 2012 1:32:10 PM Ignore gazguzzler11 Report Abuse Like I say all the time, there is a justice system & there is a legal system. Very little in common many times, such as in this case.
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:755,230 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Aug 25, 2012 1:01:41 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse Fire that Judge immediately!
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,117 Points:2,174,425 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 24, 2012 4:51:38 PM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse What a dog gone shame!
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,448 Points:1,326,225 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Aug 22, 2012 6:13:59 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse The thing is, there is no justice for these people. I see it time and again...if you have money you can beat these raps.
garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:381,415 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 22, 2012 1:31:56 PM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse The judge must be from Canada!!
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,362 Points:1,482,960 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 22, 2012 8:50:49 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse not good
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,117 Points:2,174,425 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 22, 2012 5:07:08 AM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse What???
cricket48750 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:802 Points:414,330 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 1:46:32 PM Ignore cricket48750 Report Abuse Ridiculous
crep1291 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,584 Points:481,320 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 1:06:54 PM Ignore crep1291 Report Abuse Sad reality.
QualTekGuy Champion Author Illinois Posts:3,071 Points:734,825 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 12:57:18 PM Ignore QualTekGuy Report Abuse This is nuts!
pilotmass Champion Author Boston Posts:1,836 Points:503,810 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 12:24:19 PM Ignore pilotmass Report Abuse Sounds like the prosecution caved in to the defense team's bullying tactics.
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,296 Points:1,988,445 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 10:40:01 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse K
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,296 Points:1,988,445 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 10:38:35 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse K
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,296 Points:1,988,445 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 10:34:29 AM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse K
Gassed01 Champion Author Toronto Posts:6,364 Points:1,803,990 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 8:44:39 AM Ignore Gassed01 Report Abuse Justice was not served! A travesty.
85XJ Champion Author Toledo Posts:5,616 Points:1,282,715 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 8:37:59 AM Ignore 85XJ Report Abuse Check out this article from back in April: Drunk Driving Killed Chesterfield Teacher; Still Talking Settlement . Towards the end it says "Attorneys for McCormick sought and won a change of judges in the case three times." I think that explains it all.
edgarbrn Sophomore Author Charleston Posts:196 Points:882,160 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:55:57 AM Ignore edgarbrn Report Abuse Doesn't sound right.
NukeAtComEd All-Star Author Milwaukee Posts:725 Points:338,520 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:52:34 AM Ignore NukeAtComEd Report Abuse and liberals don't understand the need for mandatory minimum sentences! People need to be held accountable for their actions!
twinfanMN Champion Author Minnesota Posts:1,628 Points:456,280 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:51:55 AM Ignore twinfanMN Report Abuse I must assume this drunken driver had a clean driving record that is why he got off so easy. Not that it makes it any easier on the victims or the victims family.
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:6,766 Points:1,364,390 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:48:39 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse Goofy judge
RaginCajun68 All-Star Author Fort Worth Posts:860 Points:210,610 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:44:18 AM Ignore RaginCajun68 Report Abuse Really?
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,547 Points:2,838,240 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:40:33 AM Ignore gvan Report Abuse There is no mention of a previous record for this person. Maybe that played in the judge's decision although it does seem like a light sentence for drunken driving involving a fatality.
a14morfun Champion Author Ontario Posts:11,812 Points:2,078,190 Joined:Jul 2005	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:40:28 AM Ignore a14morfun Report Abuse Where is Donald Trump when you need him? "Judge Thomas J. Prebil, Yooooour'e fired!" Can the sentence be appealed?
greenfog Champion Author Illinois Posts:6,500 Points:1,640,220 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:40:21 AM Ignore greenfog Report Abuse the judge should be sentenced and forced to do time with more appropriate charges. maybe if a few judges went to jail for the crap they pull then the justice system would wake up.
Jizme Champion Author Lincoln Posts:9,891 Points:2,906,975 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:38:48 AM Ignore Jizme Report Abuse I agree it is time to recall that judge and I don't even live in MO.
Settjec Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,989 Points:688,945 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:38:30 AM Ignore Settjec Report Abuse Judges and prosecutors should be able to be sued and reprimanded
OldMan322 Champion Author Illinois Posts:5,165 Points:1,596,690 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:37:55 AM Ignore OldMan322 Report Abuse Mr. McCormick must of had a very good high priced lawyer
Settjec Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,989 Points:688,945 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:37:16 AM Ignore Settjec Report Abuse OK... all of you drunk drivers.... report to St. Louis area to drive while drunk so we can re-TEST the legal system
Gville Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,332 Points:1,124,525 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:37:08 AM Ignore Gville Report Abuse When does this yahoo stand for election again? I'd be willing to contribute to whoever is going to unseat him. 'Judge Thomas J. Prebil said determining the appropriate sentence was "a difficult decision" and that he considered the damage the crash caused both families.' This is like counting the Sikh temple shooter among the victims. And I have seen nothing that said he could never again have a driver's license.
evac93rd Champion Author Atlanta Posts:36,245 Points:3,668,855 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:33:16 AM Ignore evac93rd Report Abuse Wow...I'll bet if the victims were friends of someone "important" in the judicial community the sentence would have been different. Methinks that Judge Prebil was more concerned about prison crowding than justice.
RockCity Champion Author Denver Posts:7,921 Points:1,429,060 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:33:03 AM Ignore RockCity Report Abuse Pretty well cut and dry. When you practice the good ole' boy form of justice you get 1 year instead of the customary 7, or even more if you go in classified as other, perhaps.
ratboy1968 Champion Author Montreal Posts:2,622 Points:550,750 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:31:53 AM Ignore ratboy1968 Report Abuse Judges are getting worse as time goes on
Wood_Chopper All-Star Author South Carolina Posts:721 Points:1,173,895 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:31:22 AM Ignore Wood_Chopper Report Abuse little light I'd say. But judges are failing our system everywhere. On the other hand the jails are full already. Most everywhere else this in a minimum of 5 years behind bars.
WeasleyOC Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,159 Points:804,275 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:30:19 AM Ignore WeasleyOC Report Abuse Local sentiment and is a cousin or something?
ec951 All-Star Author Riverside Posts:909 Points:381,515 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:29:39 AM Ignore ec951 Report Abuse Ok.
jh1552 Sophomore Author Cincinnati Posts:218 Points:42,125 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:29:16 AM Ignore jh1552 Report Abuse thatsgood
CptnCanada Champion Author Saskatoon Posts:7,012 Points:915,300 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:28:00 AM Ignore CptnCanada Report Abuse Time to "recall" that judge.
htrinh0000 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,498 Points:718,970 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:26:52 AM Ignore htrinh0000 Report Abuse Don't agree with the judge's decision.
gibby653 Rookie Author Albany Posts:21 Points:125,795 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:26:03 AM Ignore gibby653 Report Abuse it is time all states treat death by drunk drivers as if it were with a gun.just think you have a 3 to 5 thousand pound bullet you r in controll of and you only get 1 year, but kill someone with a gun and you can get anywhere from 12 1/2 to 25 1st offence. where is the justice both takes someones life.
muquee Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:2,436 Points:524,070 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:26:02 AM Ignore muquee Report Abuse SHAME ON user MarAzul also... F*cking "OK"? I know a lot of people here put "OK" just to get points but on this article? Do you REALLY need 20 points that badly????? I can't imagine the emotions the victims family are going through. It's judges like this that cause some people to take matters into their own hands, which benefits no one.
wt0826 Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,736 Points:838,100 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:25:00 AM Ignore wt0826 Report Abuse Drunk driving should be severely punished.
Garston Champion Author Maine Posts:2,421 Points:473,765 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:24:21 AM Ignore Garston Report Abuse Wrong!
hailsupersport Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:1,230 Points:231,060 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:24:10 AM Ignore hailsupersport Report Abuse thats good
RevDrCBJ Veteran Author Ann Arbor Posts:365 Points:188,275 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:24:06 AM Ignore RevDrCBJ Report Abuse How tragic for the family of the deceased woman; what a poor statement of concern for the impact and seriousness of drunk driving,
broken80530 Champion Author Denver Posts:3,156 Points:734,450 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 21, 2012 7:23:33 AM Ignore broken80530 Report Abuse Both should be in jail!