Notes on the Mehserle Sentencing

From the Chronicle:

“At first glance, former BART police Officer Johannes Mehserle appears to be facing a stiff mandatory sentence for the involuntary manslaughter killing of Oscar Grant – anywhere from five to 14 years in prison.

But it’s not that simple.

For starters, Mehserle’s lawyers can argue for probation, with no prison time. Although one state law requires an increased prison term for using a gun during a felony, another law allows a judge to grant probation for involuntary manslaughter – and several legal analysts said Judge Robert Perry would have that option when he sentences Mehserle.”

*****

There is one mention in the piece that the judge may be unwilling to lighten the sentence due to street protests…