Man sentenced to raise flag at Rockdale courthouse

[Khephra]

A man who pleaded guilty to kicking out the window of a police car will spend the next two years taking care of a piece of government property: the flagpole at the Rockdale County Courthouse.

Chief Superior Court Judge Sidney Nation ordered 22-year-old Joseph D. Lambeth of Conyers to raise and lower the flag each day as part of his sentence.

"Some might think this is silly, but it is time for you to show some responsibility, and that's what I'm hoping this teaches you," Nation said. "For the next 24 months, that flag will be your responsibility and you will treat it right, and woe be unto you if it hits the ground."

Lambeth, who pleaded guilty to a charge of interference with government property, also was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and meet a 10 p.m. curfew.

more..................

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/1203/17flagpole.html

[mmm]

1. That sentence is totally unreasonable

[Rainbowreflect]

2. I like it. It is a creative sentence.

[Bandit]

6. I also like this type of sentencing

It is creative and worth while. It is something that can be easily monitored and no real shame attached. It also doesn't cost the city a dime. A few more judges like this one would do us well.

[kimchi]

7. I agree.

The sentence may be a little long--2 years for smashing a window? But you have to give the judge credit for thinking outside the box.

[Drifter]

4. Agree ...

How much will it cost to ensure this guy carries out the sentence ? I mean the part about ensuring that it doesn't hit the ground.

Maybe the judge should do it personally. What about days that this guy is sick, or unable to perform this duty.

his judge should be dis-barred. The only thing that this will accomplish is alienating someone against their own country.

Cheers
Drifter

[Muddleoftheroad]

8. Disbarred?

Wow, overreacting a tad?

He has to raise the flag. Gosh, how awful. I'm sure he could have complained and just gone to prison instead. Heck, THAT would be reasonable.

Instead, he has to show respect for public property and, since someone already has this duty right now, I am sure there will be someone to watch over him or take over if he has to go to the doctor.

This guy was lucky -- very lucky.

Want to bet he never gets into trouble with the law again? I think this is the best sentence I've heard in years.

[Character Assassin]

9. How often have I told you: stop using reason and logic, dammit!

It scares the horses.

[AwareOne]

12. Horse Shit

How would you like to arrange your life around being there to raise and lower the flag EVERY DAY for the next two years? It's cruel and unusual punishment and will be thrown out.

[5thGenDemocrat]

14. Baloney

Cruel and unusual punishment is stuff like torture and drawing and quartering.
I think the twerp's lucky the judge didn't sentence him to scrubbing toilets at the police station for two years. Now THAT would've been cruel and unusual.
John
And I bet the guy doesn't kick out any more cop car windows either. The judge did good, I say.

[Muddleoftheroad]

15. I'd figure out a way

Rather than go to JAIL!

I am sure that is always an option this moron can choose.

[Pale_Rider]

10. And somewhat unusual ...

... punishment.

[snooper2]

11. totally

5 years on probation for a broken window. Jesus that's just crazy. That's the same some child molesters get.

[Rowdyboy]

3. Beats jail time....

Nobody's gonna rape him while he raising/lowering the flag. I'd say he got off easy.

[neuvocat]

13. That man is rather fortunate.

Caring for a flag is a rather honorable thing to do.

[lolly]

5. One of the "Lost Children?"

Anybody ever see "The Lost Children of Rockdale County" about a bunch of utterly vapid, upper-middle class suburban white teens? It was a Frontline documentary a couple years ago.

I think the kids profiled would be in their early 20s now.