On September 7, 2006, Paris Hilton was pulled over by a Los Angeles Police Officer for driving under the influence of alcohol. After giving her a breathalyzer test, the police found that her blood-alcohol level registered at .08. Hilton pleaded not guilty for the DUI and accepted a lesser charge for reckless driving, the punishment being 36 months probation, a $360 fine, and attending an alcohol rehabilitation program.
An additional charge was added to Hilton's sentence, suspending her license from November to March. During that time, Hilton repeatedly violated her probation by driving. On May 4, 2007 Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for the violation with a minimum of 23 days to be served contingent upon good behavior.
On the night of June 4, 2007 Hilton reported to the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California. The conditions of her imprisonment consisted of being isolated in a 12 by 8 foot cell for 23 hours a day. She was allowed one hour for recreational activity that could involve showering, talking on the prison phone, or watching television. After serving a reported "5 days" (3 days, in actuality) in the prison, Hilton was released and given orders to be held under house arrest for the remainder of her sentence.
She was released today because of an undisclosed medical condition.
(Source: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20041354,00.html & http://www.people.com/people/article/0,20038364,00.html)
Group Responses:
No one is above the law, not even Paris Hilton. This case infuriates me because it shows the break down of our judicial system. Bascially, our system says if someone has enough money, he or she does not have to abide by the law. Paris Hilton should be readmitted to the prison and shown that if she breaks the law, she has to suffer the consequences.
(Carrie Henry)
I believe her original sentence was fair-45 days in jail and 23 for good behavior, but I think that Paris being released after 3 days and then to finish her sentence under house arrest in a mansion is absurd. She should have been forced to finish out her sentence in jail like any other person, especially after her blatant disregard for her probation. It wasn't as if she couldn't afford a chauffeur for the six months her license was suspended -- she just wanted to prove the point that she can get away
with whatever she wants. By letting her serve her "punishment" out in a mansion, it appears she succeeded!
(Courtney Ball)
According to People magazine, Paris Hilton stated that "no one is above the law. I surely am not. I do not expect to be treated better than anyone else who violated probation..." If this wasn't Paris Hilton, let's say that it's me, I have a feeling that I would be in jail now and be in there for AT LEAST 23-45 days. Drunk driving is drunk driving, and I feel that there should not be be any way around it. Paris could feel "invincible" now, and she might actually cause people to be in danger the next time.
Besides that, I dislike Paris with a passion, so that may have swayed my point of view a little, but it's still not fair, regardless.
(Kimberly Ann Saunders)
I think that Paris receiving the minimal sentence was beyond fair. This was the chance for the judicial system to show that they have no mercy on celebrities, that every one is created equal. Instead, they showed to the world that celebrities can bend the law and get away with harsh punishment. Nicky Hilton, Paris' sister, stated in People Magazine that "(She) should be punished, but going to jail for a traffic violation is pretty absurd." If Paris would have said that, it would have made more sense since she is a high school drop-out, but Nikki should know better.
(Allison Gunter)
35 comments:
I'm inclined to agree with everyone on this: Paris deserves actual jail time...in a jail. She should not be allowed to remain under house arrest at Chateau Hilton where she can roam freely about the grounds... Not only that, her recreation time would be considerably more than a single hour. Prison/jail is isolated confinement for a reason -- isolation forces one to reevaluate their actions and consider their future behaviors.
Also, the "medical condition" HIlton reportedly suffered from was simply stress-related. Isn't jail time for ANYONE likely to cause stress? Money garners some powerful lawyers and psychotherapy sessions.
Let's hope she goes back to jail.
(However, I certainly doubt she will.)
More to come, eh?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070608/ap_en_ce/paris_hilton
I think anyone who is sane will agree that she should go to jail and serve her sentence. I blame her parents for not raising her properly. I have seen on t.v. her parents party with her and she was dancing on the table half naked and her parents are proud of it. I just saw Larry King Live. One of the guests was the Sheriff. He was very angry that she was released. He wants her back in jail like the rest of America. I hope the judge sends her back. This may be the most important lesson she will ever learn in her life. Her parents should do her a favor and let her spend some time in jail to teach her a lesson and maybe she will turn her life around and be a productive citizen instead of a nuisance to society.
What can I say about Paris Hilton? Well I personally never beleived she would spend a day in jail. I was suprised to hear that she turned herself in. Then to hear that 3 days later she was released, it confirmed my non-belief in the justice system. The old saying, " money talks and bulls**t walks", comes to mind. Hey folks lets face it in California there are many so called Celebrities who get away with violating the law time after time. Look at Robert Downey Jr., Naomi Campbell, all committed crimes and violated their probations several times, before anything was finally done to them.
I don't think that things will every change because this is how society is. The Privileged are always able to get away with violating societies laws, while the poor are held to a diffirent standard.
This was an article from msnbc.msn.com. “… the judge announced his decision: “The defendant is remanded to county jail to serve the remainder of her 45-day sentence. This order is forthwith.”
Hilton screamed.
Eight deputies immediately ordered all spectators out of the courtroom. Hilton’s mother, Kathy, threw her arms around her husband, Rick, and sobbed uncontrollably.
Deputies escorted Hilton out of the room, holding each of her arms as she looked back.”
This is what happened when Kathy and Rick Hilton raised a spoiled, irresponsible daughter. “You reap what you sow.”
Anyway, I just wanted to add one more thing. I was at the Improv comedy club tonight in Tampa and Mark Curry was the comedian. He said Paris Hilton deserves jail time and he was glad the judge sent her back. After he said this the audience went crazy and clapped very loudly in agreement. They were all very glad she is going back to jail.
Kenneth, i feel the same way you do about our judicial system. This time, it may actually work because she is going back to jail. But her parents are appealing so she may end up being release early. That would not surprise any of us one bit.
I agree with all four girls however i think that she should have to serve her full sentence medical issues or not in a jail cell like everyone else would have too also i think that this is all a political stunt to raise publisity for her even though it is not good news which to me the media is everything these days they would do anything for a juicy story!
I think everyone is going to agree that we’re glad she’s going back to jail but 45 days? Is that all you get in California? From what I’ve read, she will probably only do 23 days. (She’ll get 1 day off her sentence for every 4 for good behavior.) Wow!!
According to the blog, she pleaded down to reckless driving, received a meaning-less $360 fine (which she probably spends more on underwear), and has attend a program. Does everyone arrested for DUI in California get to have that bargain? I listen to 106.7 in the morning & they said the same thing….if you stick ANYONE in jail for the first time, they will have trouble sleeping, won’t eat, & basically freak out. It’s nice too see she’s no exception to that part of the reality of going to jail. I just hope that the judge will remain to keep his backbone, not cave in to outside pressures, and stick with his judgment.
I knew Paris would not serve her full "23" day term, but now the breaking news the judge was furious that she was released early against his orders and now look she now has to serve the full 45 days. They are making sure they make an example out of her. if you think about it, if she would have stsyed out the judicial system would have some major problems.....
I don't know what to say, except "grrrrrrr!" I hate paying any attention to celebrities like this and their stories. I don't know what is going to change that girl's perspective on "life" (it certainly isn't hard for her and I don't think she has any grasp on "simple") but a little month in a confined cell doesn't even sound that bad. She doesn't have to give up any of her money or posessions, no labor, and she'll still be just as much a spectacle when she is released. I don't think any of us can say we really understand what goes on in the world of Hollywood and our American media, but it surely disgusts me if I think about it.
I will be praying for the judge as he continues to faces more twists (which I suspect will come)
I honestly feel that we Americans put too much emphasis on unimportant things, like the case of Paris Hilton… this is one major reason why she is making so much money on her own; because we are all immersed with information of her life when we should be focusing on more important things. She is a rich girl and we all know that rich people always tend to get away with murder. This has not changed and will not change until we start focusing on bettering ourselves and our nation as a whole. Yes, it might be true that her parents might have had faults in the way that they raised her but I doubt that they care what our opinions are because they have the money to be able to change the laws. I think she is enjoying the publicity and she owes it all to people like the ones that worry about if she is freed or if she is condemned, if she falls, or if she breaks a nail. All this is doing is giving her the power to think of new ways to make herself some more money... maybe by selling her story to the news so that we can focus on her some more and so that she can make some more money.
I don't care what her name is or how much money she has, she puts her pants on the same way I do... One leg at a time. Given it may take Paris longer to pour herself into her tight jeans than is does for me to get into mine, but the point still stands. Our laws are written to apply to everyone and convict anyone that is beyond probable doubt. When someone violates laws, such as the ones Paris violated, they are punished, because they are obviously beyond probable boubt. Sure she can afford powerful lawyers, but I think this fight will be lost. It is becomming more obvious that the judicial system is going to do its best to keep her in prison the full time alloted. So appeal as she may, I think they will delay the appeals until she has served her sentence. (and I will be happy) In no way do I think that we should go overboard to "make an example" of Paris as we would probably want to go further than the law allows, only that we send a message like the following. "Ms Hilton, I would like to be the first to welcome you to the real world. I think you will come to find that here, laws and rules are applied on this basic principle. I put my pants one one leg at a time...Just like you Ma'am."
That is actually a big sentence for Reckless Driving. (But I don't know how California does things so it may be normal there.)Regardless, I have to agree that she is just like everyone else in this world and shouldn't get special treatment.
I agree with Garrett. She is certainly no better than me or any one else for that matter.
And as for her punishment being a little harsh (for reckless driving); I have to say it serves her right. Maybe it will be a wake up call for her. Then, she could use her celebrity status to bring about good in the world. Because, right now, she is doing nothing but wasting valuable air!
I think she should have to go to jail and serve her full term out in regular population. Just because she has money she gets to come home because of "medical conditions?" Thats not fair, they do have hospitals in jail to treat those kind of things!
I think it is great that she got sent to jail. Just because she is a celbrity does not mean that she could not have hurt someone as a drunk driver. I really think it is good that they sent her back to jail. I don't care if she threw a temper tantrum......She needs to be in prison. She broke the law, She deserves what she gets, And maybe then some. I think that they should make an example out of her to show other Celebs like her that they are not a god and they are not above the law.......
Now that Paris is doing time, "Ganster Rappers" are gonna have to find some other means of credibility because jail isn't it anymore. Keep in mind, THIS WAS NOT A FAILURE OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, she was indeed sentenced to jail, but it was the Sheriff who took him upon himself to free Paris. Whether its "Camp Cupcake", "The Bing", or "Club Fed" jail is jail for anyone that's use to absolute freedom. 23 days or 45 days might as well be 450 days to someone like and most of us. I don't know about you all, but i've never been to jail and be it good, bad, or indifferent, if i were in her shoes, you damn right I'd pull every Celeb trick in the book to keep my a@# outta there. But if she plays her cards right, she could change her name to "P-Funk" and be a platinum rapper when she gets out. A rappin' white chick with a jail record, you couldn't make that up if you tried! Only in America....
I agree with the majority on this one. Paris deserves every last day of her sentence. For once, the money isn’t going to get a celebrity out of jail. I have to say that I am surprised that the judge ordered her back to jail. I can only think that he received a lot of flack from above or he would have let the poor little rich girl off easy with the house arrest.
Too many celebrities have been allowed to walk, or been given slap on the wrist sentences. Look at Martha Stewart. Look at Michael Jackson. Look at OJ. I am not going to say if they were guilty or not, but I do think that their money (by way of expensive lawyers) bought them a lot of innocence. Sure, Martha went to jail – like Paris, she was made into an example.
If the question is only is Paris Hilton above the law, the answer is obviously no. She went to jail and is doing time.
I have never cared for Paris Hilton. She should certainly serve her time, and just like the rest of us, she should have to serve it without the special demands. Besides, she is already receiving far more press time out of this incident than necessary.
Like everyone else I do agree Paris Hilton should have to fulfill her full 45 days in jail. But the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. I was however, happy to hear, on that news, that the judge has ordered Hilton back in jail where she will be fulfilling the rest of her sentence. I hope she will take this time to reflect on her life. "With great power come great responsibility." Hilton is in a position of great power and I want her to realize the power she does hold and use it for good.
Paris is in jail for more than reckless driving (likely under the influence)- she disregarded her first punishment and drove with a suspended license.
And all because celebrities have money for lawyers doesn't mean they have are "good" lawyers - these lawyers just have influence and money themselves
For me this case has two problems. The first is DUI is socially acceptable. DUI is not taken seriously. Secondly society normally treats entertainers and athletes with special favors. We see this daily with our high school foot ball players or basket ball players. That is why Paris is having a nervous breakdown. This is a shock to her. The judge ordered her back to jail. Now that is HOT!
I believe it was the right decision, to have her pay for the crime that was committed. As we once said about the DUI blog, if you drink and drive you must do the time. However I believe that double jeopardy plays a part in her release from the jail. When the law makes a mistake by releasing her, she should not have been handcuff and sent back to jail. This was not her decision to make; law enforcement blew it and should have to answer for their mistake.Trinell
I'm sure it was mentioned earlier, but Carrie noted that with power comes responsibility. I just wanted to say something to that. Paris Hilton does not have power. At least not real power. She has money, which gains her access and use of powerful people and things, but if one were to take away her money, ALL of her "power" would be lost. True power is the ability to influence others dispite money(or whatever else one might use to seem powerful.) America is called the most powerful nation in the world. This is because we have the abaility and influence to change other nations without monitary things(although I'm sure we use money too). This where the law and Paris Hilton colide... a battle of power. Paris has her pseudo-power that is dependent on money. The law on the other hand has the power to influence everyone's actions simply because it is the law. The law has the power to tell us that we shouldn't drink and drive (Paris included). If we don't respect that power, we get in trouble and no pseudo-power of our own can put us beyond that. Morals of the story: 1. Paris isn't actually powerful. 2. With human existance comes responsibilities. 3.With power comes more responsibilities.
Although Garrett makes a good point that power is the "ability to influence others despite money" realistically is that how power is gained today? I would argue no it is not. In the 21st century, in the United States, power is achieved by those who have money and they influence those who do not have money with the appeal of money. Paris Hilton is someone with money and because of her money the words she speaks influences others.
I agree that power CAN come through money. My point is that the power gained is dependant on that money. Also, money is not the only way to get power these days. Not by a long shot. Here are two examples of power without the use of money. 1. Our class.
Our teacher gives us no money, but we all would agree that she has the power in the classroom. Why? Because she has power of the subject matter. Power that we wish to have part in. Thus we freely gave her power in the classroom, so that we could get some reward from her. Here the reward would be personal command of the subject and the grade we earn.
2. My Scout troop.
When I was elected by my peers to be the leader of the troop, I was not given power like in the classroom, I had to earn it. When I was given a leadership role, the boys were used to being disrespectful and basically doing what they pleased in meetings. I earned their respect by showing them that if they listened to my ideas and did what I asked of them, we would become better as a unit. The boys came to the realization that I had the experience and know-how to lead them in the right direction. They then decided to give me power over them, so that I could make us all better.
I know what you're thinking... Classroom and Scout troop... not exactly on the level of influence of Paris Hilton. Maybe not, but power comes in other ways than money. These are just two examples that I have personally experienced.
Hey, did everyone hear the latest, Paris may be getting out next week. Also, tonight on the news they said she is changing the lives of other inmates, but helping the get more "comfort", items like blankets, pillows and such. I just don't understand why so many people are so interested in what happens to Paris Hilton, and her family.
Nobody will benefit from her being in jail, except maybe her. I will bet my last dollar, somehow, someway, she will make money off this incident. Are people lives so mundane that they get their "jollies", from so called celebrities. Hey get a life. She already has enough money. Why are the American people helping to make her richer? I just don't make sense to me.
Also to respond to Trinell's entry about double jeopardy. It is only double jeopardy when it come to being tried for the same crime. If one is charged with a crime and found not guilty, then he or she can not be retried for the same crime. However it does not apply to sentencing guidelines.
Kenneth said, “I just don't understand why so many people are so interested in what happens to Paris Hilton, and her family.”
Please, no one take offense…when I first heard that one of the blog topics was “Paris Hilton” I was disappointed. I thought…am I in high school? What can I learn from talking about Paris Hilton? She makes the news almost every week and here we are contributing to more of this ridiculous fixation the media has started. And now we’re apart of that media. No, I have not forgotten that the topic was “…above the law.” My problem is that IT IS Paris Hilton, who deserves no media attention.
Am I the only one who was dismay by this topic? Perhaps, I am too critical…for that I apologize if I have offended anyone.
I agree, if we would just ignore her, she would go away. I feel that talking about her constantly is a bit boring. I actually change the channel when I see anything involving her or anyone in her little clique. I guess I have just lost interest.
Kenneth in this comment..."but helping the get more "comfort", items like blankets, pillows and such." did you mean that she's helping inmates get more comfort items? If so, are you serious? Someone help me here but isn't jail SUPPOSED to be uncomfortable. Isn't it SUPPOSED to be used as a deterrent for people NOT to want to go back? Are we really losing that much touch with reality? I’m not saying there aren’t jails out there that have way low standards but it is jail after all.
Like Khimc, I am sick of discussing her and if it hurts my grade then so be it.
What's funny is that this little sentence is going to boost her career or whatever she does more than ever before, like Kevin said earlier, the rappers are going to have to find some other street cred. If Paris can do time, it's not longer a big deal to say you've been locked up.
I think that Paris Hilton is just another media attack for something to fill their top stories like Ana Nicole Smith was notice how that all blew over when this started it was because that subject was getting old!
Natasha,
To answer your question,I would assume that in the news reports when they said that the other prisoners did not want Paris to leave, this was because she was helping them to get better treatment such as blankets, and such. I believe they were referring to the fact that the Sheriff's office did not want to have the appearance of showing favortism to Paris. In so they were trying to make sure everyone is comfortable.
I surely don't think she was paying for these items herself, because she is certainly to selfish for that.
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