Early Jail Release

Prisons have been established to punish people for the bad things they do to others. In Renee Reid’s case, Judge Terry Knoepp had a sentencing range from probation to 10 years in prison to choose from.

Assistant Atty. Gen. Rhonda Cartwright recommended a six-year term. The judge chose 365 days to be served in County Jail.

I am sure in giving this sentence, he was aware of the overcrowding in the jails and the need to keep the population down.

Thus, it appears to me it was likely that Renee would be out shortly on electronic custody.

While Phil Cramer’s life and future will be no more, Renee Reid now resides comfortably in her own home, sleeps in her own bed, talks on the telephone, watches TV and visits with her friends.

In MADD’s experience, those who enforce our laws prioritize crime as a result of community input and pressure.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, this community has made a statement that vehicular manslaughter, while driving drunk, is a very low priority.

Last year in San Diego County alone, 191 people were killed and another 5,000 injured in alcohol-related crashes.

Each month, 2,000 persons are convicted of driving under the influence (of alcohol or drugs) and 42,000 DUI arrest warrants are currently unserved.

Yet we are not willing to address the issue of a lack of jail space.

In the end, who suffers from all of this?

Certainly Phil’s wife, Lori, and their young son, Sean, all of Phil’s family, friends and our entire community.

The crash which killed his friend will forever be etched in the mind of John Drogitis.

So many people have called the MADD office since learning of Renee’s release from jail.

They are asking, “Why did MADD let this happen?” We are all responsible!

All San Diego County residents need to get involved. We need to join together to bring about social change in our community.

Drunk driving should not continue to be viewed as a socially acceptable form of homicide!

CYNTHIA ROARK, Past President, MADD, San Diego County