L.A. Law1986

[Beginning to make a plea bargain discussion]

Stephen Hygate:
We like to throw something new into the mix.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
I won't plead down from felony hit-and-run. That stands.

C. Howard Grady:
A felony conviction would destroy me in the business community.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
He left the man to die in the street. What's that do for your in your business community?

Stephen Hygate:
Mr. Grady accepts responsibility for the accident, but on the charge of hit-and-run, he's innocent.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
I have an eyewitness that says otherwise. We're due in court.

Stephen Hygate:
Mr. Grady is sensitive to the fact that the victim was a homeless person, as he is sensitive to the needs of other homeless community members. This corporation owns the Rio Del Mar Motel in Venice, 48 rooms, due for renovation. Mr. Grady will convert the motel to a shelter facility for the homeless, 400 beds, and the kitchen.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
That's very generous.

Stephen Hygate:
And we plead to misdemeanor reckless driving suspended.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
This offers premature. When we get to sentencing, I will recommend leniency.

Stephen Hygate:
Forget this sentencing, this offer won't be made.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
Killing a man is not a misdemeanor.

Stephen Hygate:
Mr. Grady did not know that he hit the man, this offer allows them to do something constructive for the city.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
What this does is allow C. Howard Grady to buy his way out of the system.

Stephen Hygate:
Nonsense. Fines are punitive. Mr. Grady's willing to be punished to the tune of $15,000,000, that's not skirting the system.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
Pleaded the hit-and-run, I'll drop the vehicular manslaughter, and I will work with you on the sentence.

Stephen Hygate:
We can't plead to felony.

A.D.A. Zoey Clemmons:
Then I'll see you in court.