by Steve James on Sun Jun 14, 2020 11:25 am
Sure, he may get off. It'd be unusual if he didn't. I don't expect him to be convicted, and can't be sued because of qualified immunity, and may probably go to work somewhere else. That's the norm.
Part of the problem is the video. No matter how legitimate a particular hold may be, it didn't appear that it was necessary to hold it for 9 minutes. Not to mention that Chauvin actually knew Mr. Floyd; they worked different shifts as security at the same establishment.
I think that's why the charges were upgraded to 2nd degree murder from 3rd degree. Second degree requires intent. First degree means that you planned to do it before hand. Second degree implies that you developed the intent at the time.
So, the prosecutor will probably argue that Chauvin already had something against Floyd, and when they accidentally met, Chauvin was able to get back at Floyd. Iow, he developed the intent during the commission of a felony.
Yep. I expect lots of arguments and citations of legitimate police use of force. That always happens. Last night, a drunk guy was shot in a Wendy's parking lot after struggling with a couple of cops who woke him up while he was sleeping in his car. Well, yeah, he was drunk, and he failed a dui test, and he struggled, and he was shot in the back as tried to flee. I.e., as the drunk guy tried to flee, he was shot dead.
Anyway, that Wendy's was burned down last night. People will wonder why. Too bad, though. When Chauvin gets acquitted, people will wonder why there are more demonstrations. Of course, we have to take emotions off the table and follow the law. You know, trial by judge and jury of one's peers. Oh boy, the jury.
"A man is rich when he has time and freewill. How he chooses to invest both will determine the return on his investment."