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We finally reached a resolution that honors Thong and brings the accountability we were looking for. I am truly stunned by the outcome and know this result belongs to everyone who gave their time to support our request. Thank you for staying with me through the darkest parts of this …

May 16, 2009

Justice for Thong

Justice for Thong

🏆 Won — 393 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Someone
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Gina C.
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Sharon H.
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theresa n.
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Tom H.
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Jonathan A.
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Kelly Y.
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Kathy d.
+383 more
Started by Anonymous 18 years, 6 months ago
On February 25, 2007, Linh-Thong Huu Nguyen was struck on the driver\'s side by a drunk driver Bryan Hall Jones. The killer ran a red light, drove through three lanes of traffic and struck Thong. The case was plea bargained for 5 years, free to allocute. The sentencing date was December 11, 2007. The presiding Judge DeLawrence Beard gave the killer a two year sentence, with one suspended. The killer was sent to the Montgomery County Detention Center that same day. On December 30, 2007, the killer was transitioned to the "pre-release" unit. On February 26, 2008, the killer was transitioned to "home confinement". - Montgomery Cty Detention Ctr: 12/11/07 - 12/30/07 - Mont Co Pre Release Ctr: 1/1/08 - 2/26/08 - Home Confinement: 2/27/08 - present The killer spent 20 days in the detention center where he was always under supervision in a controlled environment. Days 21 through 57, the killer had the ability to leave the pre-release center to engage in his own for profit business and was required to return to the center after work. Days 58 through the present, the killer is sitting in the comfort of his own home outside of work. It is appalling that a killer only has to spend 20 days \"in jail\". Here is how the law currently reads as it relates to punishment and sentencing: * Driving Under the Influence - Maximum 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 fine - 12 Points on your license * Homicide by Motor Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence - Standard: BAC over .08, negligent driving, and a death - Maximum 5 years in jail and/or $5,000 fine * Driving Under the Influence with a Minor in the Car - Maximum 2 years in jail and/or $ 2,000 fine - 12 Points on your license * Driving While Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol - Maximum 60 days in jail and/or $500 fine - 8 Points on your license * Driving While Impaired with a Minor in the Car - Maximum 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine - 8 Points on your license * Manslaughter by Automobile - Standard: Grossly negligent driving and alcohol involved - Maximum 10 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine - Felony This petition will seek to institute a mandatory jail time for Homicide and Manslaughter by Vehicle. Should the sentencing guideline be less than than the above stated timeframe,that mandatory community service and an ignition lock be instituted. It also seeks to change the process in which decisions are made at the Department of Corrections to release inmates as it is subjective based on the unit manager\'s impression of the inmate. Additionally, it seeks to keep the victim\'s family informed and involved in the decision making process. Please join me in making a change in a society where status quo and mediocrity is the norm. Please join me in keeping our family, friends and loved ones safe on our roads. We need to stand together to ensure that criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and that all levels of beauracracy are accountable for their actions. I thank you in advance for your consideration. Please keep Thong in your thoughts and prayers. The Nguyen Family

Updates

Reached 250 supporters

February 26, 2009

January 12, 2009

I am looking at the momentum behind this and I am truly stunned. None of this would be happening if it were not for the people who chose to speak up for Thong when I felt like I was shouting into the wind.

Reached 100 supporters

April 15, 2008

6 Comments

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Sarah Morgan
18 years ago Featured

This is completely wrong. Only 20 days behind bars for taking someone's life is a slap in the face to his family. The system failed them.

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Jessica Stevens
18 years ago Featured

My heart breaks for the family. How can you be home in your own bed after killing another person? No justice here at all.

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Elena Acosta
18 years ago Featured

I cant believe he was working his own business while serving time. that is not a punishment. it is a joke.

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Tom Lane
18 years ago Featured

Disgusting. The laws need to change so this guy actually faces consequences for what he did.

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David Porter
18 years ago Featured

JUDGE BEARD needs to explain this. absolutely pathetic sentence.

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Mark Huang
18 years ago Featured

2 years? He basically got a vacation. drunk drivers need to do real time. this judge should be ashamed.