Dec 11 2007
Ravenel Attorneys Want Probation
Former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel suffered from “cocaine’s spell” and should be sentenced to probation because he never sold the drug, his attorneys argued in court documents.
Ravenel, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in September and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine, though his plea agreement calls for a reduced sentence because he is helping prosecutors with their investigation. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
“Ravenel was not a drug profiteer,” according to court documents filed Monday. “By contrast he was, at his own expense, sharing with a limited number of friends in various social settings. … He was a man suffering cocaine’s spell.”
Ok the “suffering cocaine’s spell” comment is a bit over dramatic, but I actually don’t think the request for probation is unreasonable. I am pretty libertarian on these kinds of issues and I don’t think having possession of drugs should be illegal because I frankly don’t think it is anyone’s damn business. If Ravenel had been selling it or had an intention to, that would be a bit different, but I don’t see any reason for him to go to prison over this, especially for 20 years. God, there are murderers who don’t go to jail that long.
