Posted on 12/21/2010 5:02:02 AM PST by Scanian
New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie commuted the sentence of Brian Aitken’s Monday, reducing his sentence from seven years in prison to time already served. According to Christie’s order, he will be released as soon as it’s “administratively possible.”
As The Daily Caller previously reported, Aitken, 27, was arrested in New Jersey in 2009 after police found unloaded guns in the trunk of his car that had been purchased legally in Colorado. New Jersey law requires residents who want to transport firearms legally to request a permit from a local law enforcement office and produce a letter stating why it is necessary for them to carry a gun.
Aitken’s attorney argued that his client was innocent of any offense because the firearms were legally purchased (at a Bass Pro Shop), properly stored, and unloaded. And though New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, Aitken’s attorney said his client did not violate any law because he was in the middle of moving residences between two states.
Nonetheless, Aitken was sentenced to seven years in prison in August. His supporters say the judge refused to accept evidence supporting his defense. He was convicted of the same kind of felony a criminal who had bought guns with intent to commit a crime would have faced.
Nothing about Aitken’s past, however, indicated that he was a threat to the public, let alone himself. After separating from his wife in 2008, Aitken moved from Colorado to New Jersey to be closer to his son.
Thanks to Christie, Aitken will now be able spend Christmas at home.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
What?! Full pardon needed with firearm rights restored for EVERY CITIZEN convicted under GCA 68, NFA 34, FOPA 86, Brady, state laws...et. al.
good for him. I guess he is running for President.
Not good enough. Doesn’t he remain a felon, unable to vote, etc? Why are executives so loathe to overturn unjust court decisions? “Scooter” Libby had nothing to do with the Plame leak, and was convicted for the typical stupid “lying to FBI” charge, yet bush only commuted his sentence (same w Ramos/Compean). I don’t it. Injustice SHOULD be pardoned, to send a message to tyrannicval judges (and prosecutors).
I certainly hope so...he would be both electable and fiscally responsible once in office.
7 years for carrying weapons that were purchased legally? That sounds like a travesty to me. Child molesters don’t get that much time.
The guy asked for a commutation...that’s what he got.
Sounds like a civil case in the making based on the facts we know.
. . .or at least speed walking.
Move to Illinois and redefine "strictest".
I hope he pursues an appeal to clear his record.
How about impeaching that judge now?
Be afraid, folks. Be very afraid.
SOOOOOO the judge was CORRUPT and the verdict is upheld . The poor guy WAS innocent and still has a felony charge which says goodbye to guns and ammo AND voting . Methinks something stinks in this matter !
No, it doesn't. There are a lot of inaccuracies in this story, as well as most others about the case. Evan Nappen -- Brian Aitken's attorney, has done a stellar job here -- since he's out for Christmas. There are some problems with a pardon since the pistols (apparently) had higher than 15-round magazine capacity that is allowed by NJ law and were transported in a duffel bag, not in a locked case. I don't think this means Christie is running for President -- 7 years is excessive for offenses that might otherwise rate PTI or probation. Christie did the right thing.
Wonder what all of the Christie bashers have to say now?
Not good enough. Doesn’t he remain a felon, unable to vote, etc? Why are executives so loathe to overturn unjust court decisions? “Scooter” Libby had nothing to do with the Plame leak, and was convicted for the typical stupid “lying to FBI” charge, yet bush only commuted his sentence (same w Ramos/Compean). I don’t it. Injustice SHOULD be pardoned, to send a message to tyrannicval judges (and prosecutors).What you said.
I'm wondering... once the sentence is commuted, is it too late for Christie to then later issue a pardon?
We’ve been Hearing of several very new politicians named lately as possible presidential candidates.
One of the reasons we are now in serious pooh is cause obammy is so new at being a politician and never honed his craft. Also his little marxism hang up.
While Christie is certainly a breath of fresh air he like Allen West needs a little time.
Well, he did not endorse that paragon of integrity Christine O’Donnell, so obviously he’s still rino scum. /sarc
This is Jersey!
Just like NYC & Chicago, the Mob has instructed their political staff, that they don’t want any competition.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.