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Hey, I don't have an issue with this lady getting probation -- she probably didn't need to be locked up. But let's break down this paragraph since the Tarrant County DA's office is now using a spokesperson (who used to work for the Star-Telegram.):
"We consulted with the victim's family and took into consideration all of the available evidence and the facts and circumstances of the case in coming to this decision," said Melody McDonald, a spokeswoman with the Tarrant County District Attorney's office, on Tuesday. "We felt this was an appropriate resolution to the case."
Thoughts:
- Note she uses the term "we" to project that this was not an individual prosecutor's decision but was the whole DA's office decision. (In reality, it was probably the decision of two prosecutors.)
- The "[w]e consulted the victim's family" phrase occurs every time there is a chance the DA's office might catch some public flak over a plea bargain. Technically, the "victim" and his family have absolutely no control over whether the case is plea bargained, but normally a DA's office tries to keep them happy. If they are satisfied, the DA's office is implying, how can the public be mad? But it is interesting that she doesn't say the victim "approved" of the plea bargain.
- They considered "all of the available evidence and facts." Translated: We know more than you do about this case so don't start jumping to conclusions.
- It was an "appropriate resolution." That's basically saying "the punishment fits the crime" in a way that connotes "justice" and "fairness".
There's a fine line between being a spokesperson for the DA's office and a PR person for the elected DA, but she's doing a good job. And with her connections with the Star-Telegram, it's a genius hire.