[SarahW]

HE may not have been. If he was fired for cause, he wouldn't get unemployment benefits.

I don't think he would qualify for Social Security Disability, either... one, because his employment history is so spotty, he probably doesn't have sufficient credits.

Two, his medications were two anti-depressants IIRC Trazadone and Wellbutrin, and hydrocodone...the latter may have been to control his addiction or manage pain from his back surgery, or for some other reasons. He probably does not have a qualifying condition, a permanent disability.

Three, it takes quite a long time to get such benefits even if one qualifies (and he probably did not). Even when benefits are granted they start six months from the date of disability.

He might have gotten some SSI. The judge would have to take into account his bare-necessity living expenses, and SSI payments are very small.

Without other evidence that he was violating parole or screwing up (not coming to parole interviews, getting caught out late, etc) and with evidence that he is trying to shape up, a judge would not normally revoke parole for failing to make the payments on his fines and court costs.

All things considered, the judge acted reasonably.

HE isn't the problem. The fact that Joe Smith got away with assaulting women so many times before and no one had figured this mope out by now, is the problem.

[mtbopfuyn]

Unemployed? Couldn't pay fines, etc.? And the judge didn't wonder where he got the $$$ to pay for those drugs?

[spectre]

Your insight was thought provoking.

None the less, he WAS a live at home FATHER of three little girls and the judge should have taken his past into consideration when he let him walk.

Pain killers for a bad back? He was a mental case with a history of drug abuse and violence. The Judge should have seen right thru that little act of his.

Even Judge Judy would have called the guy a BUM and told him to shape up, get a job and take care of his family. That's all...:~)

[Freedom2specul8]

Hey..which article talks about the drug test failure? I don't doubt you..I just wanted to read it and figure out if the criminal procedure was followed..or if the defendant failed to follow the procedure because his atty told him to not worry about it.