Second sentence for running down cyclists include zero jail time

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We are outraged at the insufficient sentences given to Armando Reza and Erik Fabian, who were both convicted of intentionally attacking a bicyclist with his car in Brookfield in 2009. Reza pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, yet was sentenced to only 10 days in jail, probation and counseling. Fabian also pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to no jail time, just two years of probation. 


The penalty for this type of behavior must fit the crime. In this case, it does not. Violent behavior has no place on our roads. This instance should have served as an opportunity to condemn aggression toward bicyclists, which frequently ends in serious injury or death. Instead, it
reinforces the complacency around traffic violence in our communities. We demand that Assistant State's Atty. Mike Pattarozzi explain why these two men were given sentences that in no way fit the crimes
they committed.


Stay tuned. We will have more action alerts and a letter writing campaign tomorrow.


-Margo

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on June 22, 2010 at 1:04pm
I am SO there. Just tell me what to do!
Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on June 22, 2010 at 5:46pm
Awesome to know you guys are making a case of this...
Permalink Reply by Ryan L on June 22, 2010 at 6:00pm
I was thinking about this verdict today while riding south on Damen. I quickly pondered what would happen if a driver, who knew about this verdict, decided that 10 or less days in jail for trying to kill me would be totally worth it.

Jeez, what would have happened if these guys were sober? I'll bet the judge would have given them $100 vouchers for The Admiral in appreciation for their service to the court.

Thank you ATA for making this an issue. People are so f-ng stupid it scares the *%$&^@#$# out of me :(
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on June 22, 2010 at 6:10pm
I know an Assistant State's Attorney in the 4th District. I'll try to get some information on the Judge and ASA who was involved.
Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on June 22, 2010 at 7:22pm
It's gonna take a civil fucking war!
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 23, 2010 at 1:26am
This kind of leniency encourages road raging morons to treat the streets like an extension of a violent video game. Count me in on your letter writing campaign, letters to the editor included.
Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on June 23, 2010 at 4:12am
We want answers! Let the State’s Attorney’s Office know you are outraged at the light sentences given to two men convicted of intentionally running down cyclists.

The penalty for this type of behavior must fit the crime. In this case, it does not.

Please send a letter or email the office right now! If you don't live in Cook County, please send this on to anyone you know who does.

Ms. Anita Alvarez
Cook County State's Attorney's Office
First Municipal District
555 W. Harrison, Chicago, IL 60607

stateattorney@cookcountygov.com


Dear Ms. Alvarez,

I am deeply disappointed and outraged at the insufficient sentences given to Armando Reza and Erik Fabian, who were both recently convicted of intentionally running down cyclists with a car in Brookfield, Ill., in 2009. Reza pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence of alcohol, yet his plea agreement amounted to a mere 10 days in jail, two years of probation and counseling. Fabian also pleaded guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to no jail time, and two years of probation.

As a member of the bicycling community, I call upon the office of the Cook County State’s Attorney to justify the negotiation of these lenient sentences, particularly in light of the violent and deliberate nature of Reza and Fabian’s actions. These crimes were eligible for penalties of up to 2-5 years in jail.

I ride my bike in Cook County and need to trust that our justice system will protect my rights if I am injured due to a motorist’s hostile and unlawful actions. I respectfully urge your office to prosecute future acts of traffic violence to the fullest extent possible, especially those involving bicyclists and pedestrians, to help make roadways in Cook County safe for all users.

Thank you for taking my request seriously.

Sincerely,

[your name]
Permalink Reply by Joel on June 23, 2010 at 4:31am
I wonder what the bargain would have been if they mowed down two judges, or police officers, or church goers on a Sunday morning, or a couple hispanics. It would have been national news and the perpetrators would have been prosecuted as harshly as possible. Instead, because they were cyclists they were let off with a slap on the wrist.
Permalink Reply by Davo on June 23, 2010 at 8:01am
I just emailed the 1st circuit chief justice oon this subject ChiefJudge@fjc-il.org.
Check out the other discusion of this with a link to the douche's facebook page.
Permalink Reply by Sue Clark on June 23, 2010 at 10:20am
I definitely plan on writing a letter. I'm also wondering when this judge (Carol Kipperman) comes up for re-election.

BTW, the judge is in the Cook County 4th municipal district. Here's the info for the presiding judge for that district:
Honorable Edmund Ponce de León
Presiding Judge
Fourth Municipal District
Circuit Court of Cook County
1500 Maybrook Drive
Maywood, IL 60153
708-865-6060
708-865-6041 T.D.D.
708-865-4952 FAX
Permalink Reply by Barry Niel Stuart on June 23, 2010 at 10:37am
And I thought our judges and district attorneys in Wisconsin were lax about prosecuting drunk drivers. We had a case in the Town of Raymond where a cyclist by the name of Nancy Sellars was killed. The drunk driver who killed her is probably doing her time at Taycheedah, near Fond du Lac.
Permalink Reply by Ian on June 23, 2010 at 12:14pm
This will not make anyone feel better, but based on the articles I read, I would guess that Reza was sentenced to jail based on the DUI and his license suspension (minimum mandatory sentence under DUI guidelines), and had nothing to do with the Agg. Batt. charge.

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