We interrupt our ongoing coverage of a criminal case that raises a few minor questions about the Tennessee justice system to comment on a criminal case that raises one very large question about the Tennessee justice system.
Aaron Wilson pointed out earlier tonight that former Titans and current Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is in the process of resolving reckless driving charges in Williamson County, Tennessee.
As Aaron noted, the incident occurred while Haynesworth was on probation for driving his car more than 100 miles per hour in March 2008, also in Williamson County. Aaron also pointed out that Haynesworth ultimately faced no jeopardy to his probation because officials weren’t aware of the new charges until after the 30-day period of supervised probation ended.
Um, are you freaking kidding me?
I’m not, and never was, an expert in criminal law (a reality with which some of you who disagree with our suspicions as to the Steve McNair case would surely agree). But how in the hell does the person on probation not have an absolute duty to immediately disclose to his or her probation officer any new incidents occurring during the probation period.
And how in the hell does that not constitute a separate violation that survives the conclusion of the probationary period?
Frankly, someone screwed up here, and as a result Haynesworth has gotten away with an otherwise clear violation of his probation.
So can someone remind me again what we’re exactly paying all these taxes for?