번외 34 Ex-Officer In Jail 2

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Arriving California Highway Patrol officers arrested March. His blood alcohol level was more than two times the legal limit. In the following days and months, there was more controversy over how March was handled. After his arrest he was quickly taken to Sacramento's downtown jail for booking, then immediately released. At his first court appearance on June 7, 2005, he was allowed to enter the courthouse through the back doors to avoid the public and the news media. "He was obviously given preferential treatment," said Janine Molgaard, a friend of the Ramirez family who is also an attorney.Sacramento County Sheriff's officials defended how they handled March by saying he had received threats against his life. "It may appear he was given preferential treatment. However, that was not the case," said Capt. Bill Johnson. "He was treated just like anybody else who had threats against their life." The shock to the family was compounded because initially, March was only charged with felony hit and run, not DUI nor manslaughter. Those charges were added later. Then in a surprise move early last month, March entered a plea deal to avoid trial. He pleaded no contest to felony vehicular manslaughter and hit and run. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the felony DUI charge and promised his maximum sentence would be no more than five years in prison. "We were shocked. Floored. Appalled, yeah," said David Ramirez. Yet he and his wife Danielle were relieved not to have to endure a trial, and knew the maximum possible sentence would only be slightly higher -- six years, four months -- had March gone to trial and been convicted on all counts. "There's really not much justice we're going to get for our son Michael," said David Ramirez.At sentencing, Judge Gary Ransom rejected the possiblity of probation and imposed the maximum sentence. "I've been on the bench more than 25 years," Ransom told March. "It always amazes me people don't get the message to not drink and get behind the wheel." Along with the prison term imposed, the judge also ordered March to pay $14,625 in fines and restitution. During the photo montage of Michael Ramirez' life, even the judge seemed moved as those in the audience cried. "Our prayers are with you," Ransom told the family. March was then taken into custody for eval‎uation at the Duell Correctional Facility near Tracy. The state Department of Corrections will determine in which prison March will serve his time.