Former Hartford Police Officer Rashim Campbell, who was terminated last week by Chief Daryl Roberts, yesterday applied for accelerated rehabilitation according to sources.
The accelerated rehabilitation program, AR, is intended for first time offenders who are not likely to offend again. If the Judge chooses to grant Campbell's request, after a period of probation of up to two years, Campbell's record would be erased if he does not get arrested again during that time.
A/R is a one time deal and can only be used for a persons first arrest.
There could be problem though if Campbell is granted AR. Although no plea is entered on the part of the defendant, it would seem to place his offense in a gray area. If Campbell gets AR, would that mean that he would be "not guilty" in the eyes of the law?
If so, the City would most likely be liable for his legal expenses and quite possibly would be ordered to hire him back. If he is allowed to clear his record with AR, that's fine. If on the other hand, the City would be forced to hire him back if the evidence is there that he abused a prisoner and pay a large sum in attorney's fees, that is wrong.
The Judge can either approve or deny the request and the State's Attorney as well as any victims can oppose Campbell's AR application.
Although no plea is entered on the part of the defendant, it would seem to place his offense in a gray area. If Campbell gets AR, would that mean that he would be "not guilty" in the eyes of the law?
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Agreed; gray area. The fact that the defendant has to be "rehabilitated," etc., indicates a tacit acknowledgment of wrong-doing, but AR puts the criminal charges on hold; neither acquittal nor conviction. However, if the two year probation is successfully completed the court may dismiss the charges at that point. So, for purposes of forfeiture of elector rights (ch.143 sec.9-46?), which includes holding elective office, the Airey-Wilson AR would not equal a conviction. What it would do for qualifying to be a cop, I have no idea.
This is all very predictable. He will get his job back. A lengthy suspension and/or desk duty assignment may have been a better, more cost efficient move. The city will pay and pay. .. again... and again... Criticizing a bully is not a good move so-
ReplyDeleteyours truely,
coward