Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Procaccini reduced the sentence of Joshua Lipton by 6 months on a drunk driving conviction which injured Jade Combies in 2006.  After a night of drinking, Lipton crashed into two cars, causing Combies to suffer brain trauma and fractures to her femur, collarbone, and hip.  In the two years since the accident, she still hasn't gained full use of one of her arms and has a scar on her forehead.  Lipton claims to have learned from the experience, but I find that doubtful.  After all, this is the same person who dressed up as a prisoner for Halloween just two weeks after the accident and posted the picture on Myspace. 

     Lipton was originally sentenced to 10 years in prison with 2 to serve, and now he gets a reduction of 6 months.  This is the problem with our legal system.  We have individuals who commit terrible crimes, sentence them, then let them out early for no apparent reason.  If you think I'm wrong, try this: Next time there is a violent crime, go to http://www.courts.state.ri.us/ and look for the offender's record on defendant search.  In many cases, you will see people with lengthy records who are continuously set free to commit more crimes.  Daniel Procaccini's decision not only ignores the suffering of the victim, it makes society a little less safe.


http://www.projo.com/news/content/LIPTON_HEARING_01-30-09_EID4PK8_v15.38d52f1.html