Porsche Streer Race Hit & Run Florida
#46
02-18-2009, 07:07 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Age: 48
Posts: 653
Rep Power: 68 
$manager, advising a client to man up in an attempt to secure a lighter sentence/plea bargain actually happens way more often than you think. The attorney's job is to advise the client to do what is in his/her best interest, and very often (such as when the evidence is just overwhelming), advising the client to do so may be the best advice.
I'm a commercial litigator, so I've never personally been the recipient of the outrage often directed at criminal defense lawyers. However, I happen to be the son of a very kind, decent, and good human being who just happened to specialize in capital criminal defense for the better part of 40 years.
Here is a little story that may put things into perspective, and show why guys like MTheory aren't all bad:
My dad had a case where his client (young marine) was twice the legal limit and killed a married couple. The passenger in his car also died. The prosecutor decided to throw the book at the kid, who had no recollection of the accident whatsoever. He was thrown from the car (as was his passenger), and the cops assumed my dad's client was the driver since it was HIS car. There was outrage in the community, and I remember taking a fair amount of sh"t at school because my daid was representing him. To make a long story short, my dad vigorously defended the kid, tracked down the car, found the alleged passenger's brain matter on the steering wheel and driver's side a-pillar, and proved that his client was actually the passenger. Had my dad not gone to bat for this kid (who told my dad that he thought he had been driving because he probably would not have let the other guy drive his mustang) he'd still be in prison.
Now, of course, not every criminal prosecution falls into this category, but it certainly demonstrates why our society needs ethical criminal defense attorneys who fight like crazy for EVERY client.
With that said, my prayers go out to the families of the victims, and I hope the defendant gets competent and aggressive counsel, and then fries (assuming it truly was not someone else behind the wheel).
I'm a commercial litigator, so I've never personally been the recipient of the outrage often directed at criminal defense lawyers. However, I happen to be the son of a very kind, decent, and good human being who just happened to specialize in capital criminal defense for the better part of 40 years.
Here is a little story that may put things into perspective, and show why guys like MTheory aren't all bad:
My dad had a case where his client (young marine) was twice the legal limit and killed a married couple. The passenger in his car also died. The prosecutor decided to throw the book at the kid, who had no recollection of the accident whatsoever. He was thrown from the car (as was his passenger), and the cops assumed my dad's client was the driver since it was HIS car. There was outrage in the community, and I remember taking a fair amount of sh"t at school because my daid was representing him. To make a long story short, my dad vigorously defended the kid, tracked down the car, found the alleged passenger's brain matter on the steering wheel and driver's side a-pillar, and proved that his client was actually the passenger. Had my dad not gone to bat for this kid (who told my dad that he thought he had been driving because he probably would not have let the other guy drive his mustang) he'd still be in prison.
Now, of course, not every criminal prosecution falls into this category, but it certainly demonstrates why our society needs ethical criminal defense attorneys who fight like crazy for EVERY client.
With that said, my prayers go out to the families of the victims, and I hope the defendant gets competent and aggressive counsel, and then fries (assuming it truly was not someone else behind the wheel).
Last edited by Scottslaw; 02-18-2009 at 07:10 PM.
#47
02-18-2009, 07:41 PM
My point is lawyers[politicians] make all the rules with the language they invented and then make more rules to manipulate those rules. Hardly anyone polices the lawyers except other lawyers who usually feel that they may be next in line for trouble if they hold their own to the same rules as everyone else. Why is Elliot Spitzer not in jail for the crime he prosecuted others for? Why should some stupid woman get millions from McDonalds because she spilled coffee on her self? No lawyer wants to be confronted by the evil they have brought about. All we have to do is look at Congress to see the corruption that lawyers are perpetrating. If you are all so noble, why aren't you all banding together to get rid of these cancerous tumors who are screwing common innocent taxpayers so they can standup and claim it was there great work that built a bridge they named after themselves? Sorry, I have no sympathy. I will acknowledge cases such as your father's where he actually saved an innocent man. But most are not Perry Mason these days. All too often we see thugs like Kwame Kilpatrick, the ex Detroit Mayor, lie, cheat, and steal $9,000,000 from the citizens, and then goes to jail for 120 days, and doesn't have to pay anything back. That is not justice, that is lawyers being lawyers.
I guess I'll just put my car enthusiasts hat back on now too.
I guess I'll just put my car enthusiasts hat back on now too.
#49
02-18-2009, 10:53 PM
Registered User
First let me say I don't take any of the above comments which are intended to be insulting to lawyers in general and me in particular personally. Through the years I have heard worse than this about the role of the criminal defense attorney in our society. The intetesting thing is, this hit and run is a relatively moderate case with respect to the "outrage" factor. Obviously, what occurred is a horrible tragedy, but remember, the perpetrator did not set out to kill anyone when he stepped into his/her car that night. On the other hand I regularly represent people who are accused of premeditated multiple murders, sexual assaults upon children under 5 years old, torture slayings of beautiful co-eds, and even the worst of the worst offense known to man: Attempting to get back some sports memoribilia from two friends in a cheap Vegas casino.
If you want to get angry at me because of my profession, at least pick a case with some real malfeasance involved, not two unintentional homicides which were apparently part of a spur of the moment street race.
As for "taking responsibility" . . . Great idea! It would really be great if the justice system really was a search for the truth. Unfortunately, this is the real world. This is the world where politically motivated ambitious prosecutors will use criminal defendants as stepping stones in their careers. This is the world where prosecutors withhold exculpatory evidence to assure a "win". This is the world where elected judges will impose decades long draconian sentences, not because they are deseved, but because they will make good reading in their next election flyer. This is the world where defense lawyers for other defendants will take any opportunity to lay all the blame on you, and obtain probation for their client turned state witness while you go to prison. How about the prosecutors who have the jail move you into a cell with a snitch, who will befriend you and tell you he can help you defend your case, all while planning to call the prosecutor once he has enough information to destroy you (whether or not this information is true). So you see, I could go on and on explaining how "the truth" and "taking responsibility" are in actuality a steaming pile of horse**** sold to us by total crap shows like CSI and Law & Order.
For those of you who tried to explain how the justice system really works, thanks for trying.
As for whether I would feel the same or defend anyone who harmed my own loved ones, obviously not. In the same way that doctors don't operate on their own families, I don't
get involved in cases where I have a personal stake. Can I answer any other questions?
I guess my original post started this whole debate and I'm sorry about that. I'm here to forget about work and read and learn about cars like my GT2. I'll be happy to forget the whole thing and put on my enthusiast hat again. OK?
If you want to get angry at me because of my profession, at least pick a case with some real malfeasance involved, not two unintentional homicides which were apparently part of a spur of the moment street race.
As for "taking responsibility" . . . Great idea! It would really be great if the justice system really was a search for the truth. Unfortunately, this is the real world. This is the world where politically motivated ambitious prosecutors will use criminal defendants as stepping stones in their careers. This is the world where prosecutors withhold exculpatory evidence to assure a "win". This is the world where elected judges will impose decades long draconian sentences, not because they are deseved, but because they will make good reading in their next election flyer. This is the world where defense lawyers for other defendants will take any opportunity to lay all the blame on you, and obtain probation for their client turned state witness while you go to prison. How about the prosecutors who have the jail move you into a cell with a snitch, who will befriend you and tell you he can help you defend your case, all while planning to call the prosecutor once he has enough information to destroy you (whether or not this information is true). So you see, I could go on and on explaining how "the truth" and "taking responsibility" are in actuality a steaming pile of horse**** sold to us by total crap shows like CSI and Law & Order.
For those of you who tried to explain how the justice system really works, thanks for trying.
As for whether I would feel the same or defend anyone who harmed my own loved ones, obviously not. In the same way that doctors don't operate on their own families, I don't
get involved in cases where I have a personal stake. Can I answer any other questions?
I guess my original post started this whole debate and I'm sorry about that. I'm here to forget about work and read and learn about cars like my GT2. I'll be happy to forget the whole thing and put on my enthusiast hat again. OK?
Your posts were very insightful and had a very good information from both perspectives. Althou we are quick to judge and point the big stick at someone and blame them we don't always act the same way when the stick is pointer in our own direction. I've been in trouble before, luckily nowhere as deep as the potential suspect in this case, but for the reasons MTheory listed above, stepping up and owning up to things might be the worst decision in your life.
I feel horrible for the families and loved ones of the men who died, but to automatically picture the driver as a cold blooded killer is ridiculous. Otherwise, each one of us who peeled away faster than an average econobox, from a stoplight should be arrested and sentenced for attempted murder. I'm more than positive that if you are somewhat human the load of guilt you bear after knowing that you took the lives of two innocent people is not easy. You also have to consider that whoever was the driver of that car could potentially also have a wife and kids to support and raise. If he goes to jail for 20-30 years he's as good to them as dead for that period of time. Most people in their angry mindset will push the eye for an eye concept, but somehow I feel that it is not a perfect solution in a situation like this.
Also, I'm not surprised that he fled the scene of the accident. I cannot even imagine the thoughts of fear and panic going through my head if I'd have caused such a havoc.
Another thing I'm noticeing is the fact that everyone wants blood and punishment but no one talks about forgiveness.
#50
02-18-2009, 11:28 PM
Cross post from 997TT...
Illinoisan denies link to fatal Fla. crash
February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | No Comments
FT. LAUDERDALE -- A Porsche apparently involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that made headlines in Florida and England belongs to the son of a wealthy Chicago-area family, authorities said today.
Police said the sports car, which they believed mowed down two British tourists as it raced along State Road A1A on Feb. 13, belonged to Ryan LeVin, a Hoffman Estates man who is heir to the Jewels by Park Lane fortune. LeVin, 34, said he was not behind the wheel that night.
"I was not driving," Ryan LeVin told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
He declined to comment further, referring all questions to attorney Keith Seltzer. Seltzer said he had no comment, declining to say even if he's representing LeVin.
Ft. Lauderdale police have not named LeVin or anyone else as a suspect in the hit-and-run accident that killed Craig Elford, 39, and Kenneth Watkinson, 48, as the visiting Britons walked back to their Ft. Lauderdale beachfront hotel.
Witnesses called 911 minutes before the two businessmen were struck to report that a Porsche appeared to be racing another light-colored sports car along Seabreeze Boulevard.
The Porsche jumped the curb, cutting the men down from behind, within 50 yards of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, police said.
LeVin's damaged Porsche 911 Turbo was found abandoned less than an hour later on the northbound ramp of Interstate Highway 595 to Interstate 95.
Police remained mum about the identity of the Porsche's owner in the days after the crash but issued a news release Wednesday saying the car was registered to LeVin.
Cook County court records show that LeVin was sentenced to 30 months' probation in November 2007 after leading Chicago police on a high-speed pursuit in a blue 2001 Porsche Targa. Police estimated he reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. during the July 31, 2006, chase, and he struck several vehicles and injured a police officer and two motorists, according to police reports.
After the Chicago chase, police found cocaine in LeVin's car, according to court records. He initially was charged with seven felonies and ultimately pleaded guilty to one of them: aggravated fleeing.
The plea deal required LeVin to enter a substance-abuse treatment program, court documents show.
As part of his probation, he was allowed to travel to Florida to care for his parents' properties, according to court records.
Court documents from Illinois showed that as of 2007, LeVin was vice president for national sales for a company his parents founded, Jewels by Park Lane. The business is described on its Web site as "the world's leading direct sales jewelry party plan company."
Michael Norris, the Schaumburg attorney who handled LeVin's case in Illinois, declined to comment.
--Jon Burstein, Sofia Santana, Juan Ortega and Stacy St. Clair
Illinoisan denies link to fatal Fla. crash
February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | No Comments
FT. LAUDERDALE -- A Porsche apparently involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that made headlines in Florida and England belongs to the son of a wealthy Chicago-area family, authorities said today.
Police said the sports car, which they believed mowed down two British tourists as it raced along State Road A1A on Feb. 13, belonged to Ryan LeVin, a Hoffman Estates man who is heir to the Jewels by Park Lane fortune. LeVin, 34, said he was not behind the wheel that night.
"I was not driving," Ryan LeVin told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
He declined to comment further, referring all questions to attorney Keith Seltzer. Seltzer said he had no comment, declining to say even if he's representing LeVin.
Ft. Lauderdale police have not named LeVin or anyone else as a suspect in the hit-and-run accident that killed Craig Elford, 39, and Kenneth Watkinson, 48, as the visiting Britons walked back to their Ft. Lauderdale beachfront hotel.
Witnesses called 911 minutes before the two businessmen were struck to report that a Porsche appeared to be racing another light-colored sports car along Seabreeze Boulevard.
The Porsche jumped the curb, cutting the men down from behind, within 50 yards of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, police said.
LeVin's damaged Porsche 911 Turbo was found abandoned less than an hour later on the northbound ramp of Interstate Highway 595 to Interstate 95.
Police remained mum about the identity of the Porsche's owner in the days after the crash but issued a news release Wednesday saying the car was registered to LeVin.
Cook County court records show that LeVin was sentenced to 30 months' probation in November 2007 after leading Chicago police on a high-speed pursuit in a blue 2001 Porsche Targa. Police estimated he reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. during the July 31, 2006, chase, and he struck several vehicles and injured a police officer and two motorists, according to police reports.
After the Chicago chase, police found cocaine in LeVin's car, according to court records. He initially was charged with seven felonies and ultimately pleaded guilty to one of them: aggravated fleeing.
The plea deal required LeVin to enter a substance-abuse treatment program, court documents show.
As part of his probation, he was allowed to travel to Florida to care for his parents' properties, according to court records.
Court documents from Illinois showed that as of 2007, LeVin was vice president for national sales for a company his parents founded, Jewels by Park Lane. The business is described on its Web site as "the world's leading direct sales jewelry party plan company."
Michael Norris, the Schaumburg attorney who handled LeVin's case in Illinois, declined to comment.
--Jon Burstein, Sofia Santana, Juan Ortega and Stacy St. Clair
#51
02-19-2009, 03:09 AM
Cross post from 997TT...
Illinoisan denies link to fatal Fla. crash
February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | No Comments
Cook County court records show that LeVin was sentenced to 30 months' probation in November 2007 after leading Chicago police on a high-speed pursuit in a blue 2001 Porsche Targa. Police estimated he reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. during the July 31, 2006, chase, and he struck several vehicles and injured a police officer and two motorists, according to police reports.
After the Chicago chase, police found cocaine in LeVin's car, according to court records. He initially was charged with seven felonies and ultimately pleaded guilty to one of them: aggravated fleeing.
--Jon Burstein, Sofia Santana, Juan Ortega and Stacy St. Clair
Illinoisan denies link to fatal Fla. crash
February 18, 2009 11:05 PM | No Comments
Cook County court records show that LeVin was sentenced to 30 months' probation in November 2007 after leading Chicago police on a high-speed pursuit in a blue 2001 Porsche Targa. Police estimated he reached speeds of 100 m.p.h. during the July 31, 2006, chase, and he struck several vehicles and injured a police officer and two motorists, according to police reports.
After the Chicago chase, police found cocaine in LeVin's car, according to court records. He initially was charged with seven felonies and ultimately pleaded guilty to one of them: aggravated fleeing.
--Jon Burstein, Sofia Santana, Juan Ortega and Stacy St. Clair
Anyone wishing to represent this *** clown is going to also hang themselves.
This is making me so angry right now
#53
02-19-2009, 07:33 AM
Sounds like we have a suspect...I will follow this case to its conclusion. Law enforcement please do your due diligence with extraordinary care.
More about the Chicago crime:
http://cbs2chicago.com/seenon/kenned....2.330868.html
More about the Chicago crime:
http://cbs2chicago.com/seenon/kenned....2.330868.html
Last edited by dublinoh; 02-19-2009 at 07:43 AM.
#54
02-19-2009, 08:16 AM
I wonder why he is not in custody yet...
this guy will be behind curtains for the rest of his life
hope he doesn`t have kids who might in additon to the victims families also have to suffer from behaviour of this ignorant person
#57
02-19-2009, 09:03 AM
yep,but that should be another reason to get him in custody asap..
he could easily manipulate investigations and contact witnesses and close friends in high ranks who might help him and provide him with an airtight alibi
@landjet
There are independent institutions who design laws and I guess it`s a bit harsh to say that all lawyers are more or less working together and just for their personal fortune.
I guess sometimes it is quite frustrating to see things like you mentioned in your post,but well...that`s the way it is...and people in the western world can be relatively happy with the the system.
In other parts of the world,laws are bent to an extent that one can`t even consider those "terms" as laws
he could easily manipulate investigations and contact witnesses and close friends in high ranks who might help him and provide him with an airtight alibi
@landjet
There are independent institutions who design laws and I guess it`s a bit harsh to say that all lawyers are more or less working together and just for their personal fortune.
I guess sometimes it is quite frustrating to see things like you mentioned in your post,but well...that`s the way it is...and people in the western world can be relatively happy with the the system.
In other parts of the world,laws are bent to an extent that one can`t even consider those "terms" as laws
#60
02-19-2009, 09:53 AM
If found guilty fry him to the full extent of the law. I hate to see golden spooners get away with inapproprite behavior especialy when he didn't learn a lesson the first time. I cant help to feel the pain of the family affected knowing his past driving record just to do it again. We have great high horsepower cars but we have to be rational and know the limitation when we get behind the wheel. Drugs, alcohol, 3500 lbs and 500hp just don't mix.