MADD Shocked By Josh Brent Sentence
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Attorneys for Josh Brent won the sympathy of the jury, which sentenced the former Dallas Cowboy to just ten years probation.
"There are no words to describe how happy we are right now," said attorney George Milner.
The judge wasn't so easily persuaded, adding six months in jail, the most he could.
"No driver's license, no insurance, you shouldn't have even been driving a car to begin with," said Judge Robert Burns.
According to the Dallas County District Attorney's office, it's garnered eleven convictions for intoxication manslaughter in last year. The average sentence has been 15 years.
Only one defendant received probation, claim prosecutors -- Josh Brent.
Outside the courthouse, most people seem to believe the sentence is too light.
"I think it's awful. I think you should have responsibilities and consequences for your drinking and driving," said Debbie Richman.
"I think he got a break because he is a football player and that's not fair," said Bridgette Covington.
Patricia Banks, though, thinks the sentence was appropriate.
"I feel like he's already sorry for what he's done and doesn't need to be punished harshly," she said.
The mother of victim, Jerry Brown, asked for leniency and may have convinced the mostly female jury.
"He knows he played some role in Jerry's death. He's gonna forever carry the responsibility for that," said Milner
But, Jeff Miracle of Mothers Against Drunk Driving thinks jurors made the wrong call.
"We're shocked and appalled by the sentence. It doesn't fit the crime," he said.
Miracle says, he's seen defendants in drunk driving cases walk away too easily too many times.
"The crime of drinking and driving is the most relatable crime that there is. Because so many people have done it themselves," he said.
He can only hope Brent doesn't make the same mistake again.
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