Article below is from cp24.com
In short there may be a plea bargain where that lady Russo who was shot last year at California sandwiches and was left paralyzed would get a 2.5 millions dollar payout from the mobsters that accidently shot her and they would get a reduced sentence
Do you think this is right? Should people with money be allowed to pay for lesser charges or reduced sentences?

I really don't agree with that. The rich will really be able to get away with anything in my opinion while people who do smaller crimes have to serve full sentences just because they can't afford freedom.

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www.CP24.com

A controversial plea bargain is expected in court Wednesday for five men accused in the shooting of Louise Russo.

There’s word the 46-year-old mother of three, who was left partially paralyzed after being caught in the crossfire at a Toronto sandwich shop in 2004, will receive a compensation package of $2.5 million from the accused.

The men will reportedly plead guilty to charges of attempted murder and conspiracy, but it’s unclear what kind of sentence they might receive given the apparent deal.

Police alleged the shooting was a bungled mob hit and that the intended victims were two organized crime figures.

A gunshot shattered Russo’s spine and she must now use a wheelchair to get around. She suffers constant pain and has been told by a doctor she won’t walk again.

Opposition politicians, including Conservative MPP Bob Runciman, criticized the Liberal government after hearing reports about the unusual deal, saying it sets a bad precedent that would allow wealthy criminals to pay for lighter sentences.

"If this goes forward as suggested, this is a horrible mistake, a very dangerous precedent," he said in the legislature.

"You have to be able to assure Ontarians that the payment of money is not reducing the sentence of these contract killers. All they have to do is have the funds necessary to buy a cheaper sentence. That's the precedent here."

Runciman suggested Russo should receive compensation through the $40-million Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. But that would result in a much smaller payment, likely no more than $25,000.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Michael Bryant confirms he approved a plea bargain in the case.

He wouldn't say whether it includes a lucrative payment to Russo, but insisted he's comfortable with the deal and "believes it's in the public interest."

The accused, Antonio Borrelli, Paris Christoforou, Filippo Cutulle, Mark Peretz and Peter Scarcella, have been in custody since they were charged a year ago.

April 12, 2006