Q: Is this a bribe?: "if you state that you do not object to offender getting probation I will offer $200,000 restitution".
Drunk driver hit my vehicle
-killed my 4 year old son from fractured neck
-my 6 year olds spine snapped, and had internal bleeding from 3 organs
-i broke my right shoulder & suffered bilateral artery damage in my neck so high risk for blood clots in my brain
-happened 5\5\2018
-trial has been continued close to a dozen times
-defense attorney is a State representative
-$200000 offer for restitution only if I get on the stand and say I do not object to the drunk getting probation.
-if I don't state what they request then there will be no amount of restitution offered
IS THAT A BRIBE?
IF SO, WHAT SHOULD MY NEXT STEP BE?
I DO NOT THINK THIS IS FAIR AT ALL!
A: This is a tricky one, because it sounds as though it may come dangerously close to being one, not to mention there is a question as to whether the defendant's "offer" could be discharged via bankruptcy or some other means. That being said, I'd be curious to know whether there was ever a civil suit filed against the driver, since that would also trigger potential insurance coverage, depending on the policy. Even then, $200,000.00 from a drunk driver for those types of injuries sounds ridiculously low. My recommendation would be to reach out to an experienced criminal defense and PI lawyer. Feel free to reach out to any lawyer on here by clicking the contact information next to their name. Most lawyers are willing to offer a free consult to see what can be done to help you out.
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