It took over six years, but Larry gets probation

Larry was charged with murder first degree for a drug deal gone bad. Problem was, he didn't have a gun, didn't plan a robbery, didn't shoot anyone, cooperated with the police, was nearly killed in the Jackson County Jail and sentencing was today in front of Judge Atwell.

After listening to the attorneys, and aware that Larry had spent over six years in the county jail (and almost been killed for cooperating), Judge Atwell gave Larry a twelve year sentence, but probated the sentence. He got 10 years on armed criminal action, but should have that time already done.

So, we were hired to try for a 15 year sentence, and Larry gets probation.

My best guess is that the six years in county cost taxpayers about $125,000 before tacking on the medical bills for the beating in jail--maybe another $300,000. Even with the waste in government, would think that money could have been better spent.

Six years in the Jackson County Jail can kill a person

Over six years ago, Larry got arrested for a shooting that he didn't do. Yeah, he was there for what was to be a drug deal, but the two guys he was with turned it into a robbery and shot and killed a guy. Female luckily escapes. Larry gets charged, the other two don't.

In an all too common twist, Larry--the one who didn't have a gun, didn't plan a robbery, and didn't shoot anyone--gets charged with murder first degree.

Larry's original attorney got a 20 year offer, but Larry thought it was, or should be, a 15 year offer. Hires us to try to get a 15 year offer.

Another APA Bryan Krantz case where Bryan says Jim Kanatzar won't authorize any plea. Yada, yada, yada. After sitting in the Jackson County Jail for YEARS, Larry again meets with detectives to again tell what had gone on.

Apparently, someone didn't like what Larry was saying. In Jackson County Jail, Larry gets thrown over the railing and stomped on. He's clinically dead, rushed to the hospital, in intensive care with some serious brain damage.

Enter APA Michael Hunt, who takes the case from Krantz and Larry is sent to Fulton for some evaluation and therapy.

After being in jail for over six years, Larry got his deal today, pleading to a lid of 15 years on the murder case in front of Judge Atwell. Sentencing is March 4.