Tag: criminal defense lawyer blog

Apparently, L.A. prosecutors and judges are “Lammy” fans because they gave the 6’10” pro basketball player a decent deal for his DUI (driving under the influence) charge he acquired back in August.  The deal – Lamar Odom  plead “no contest”, aka “guilty”, to the DUI charge today in court and in return he was sentenced to 3 years of probation, required completion of a three-month alcohol education class, and ordered to pay $1,800.00 in court costs and penalties.  “Nolo contendere” is a legal term that comes from the Latin for “I do not wish to contend.” It is also referred to as a plea of of no contest. In criminal trials in certain U.S. jurisdictions, it is a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, serving as an alternative to a pleading of guilty.  A no-contest plea, while not technically a guilty plea, has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea, and is often offered as a part of a plea bargain.

What does this mean for 34-year-old Lamar?  For starters, Lamar will have a DUI on his criminal record.   No vacations to Canada for Lamar!  FYI – Canada does not allow individuals convicted of a DUI into their country for 10 years.  Secondly, Lamar will have to keep his hands clean for three long years while on probation.  If Lamar is convicted of any new criminal charge  or caught consuming any amount of alcohol while on probation, Lammy will be in violation of his probation and will have enhanced criminal punishments.   Thirdly, Odom must complete the three-month alcohol education class by June 9th 2014.  These classes take up time and money, but Lamar has plenty of both, so completing this class shouldn’t be an issue, maybe he will even learn something while there.  If he fails to complete the class by June 9th, Lamar will have to return to court for violating court orders.  And lastly, Lamar will need to pay $1,800.00 to the court system for fees and penalties which is pocket change to the millionaire pro athlete, who unlike most athletes saved the majority of his millions.

How is this a deal for Odom?  By taking this deal, Lamar avoids having to go to trial.  Generally, when an individual decides to take their case to trial they are subjected to increased consequences if they are found guilty.   Preparation for trial can be lengthy and can continue a case for months, by taking the deal, the case is done and over.  Lamar also avoids any time behind bars.

Good luck Lammy, you have a long three-years ahead of you.  Your best chances to avoid probation violations are to stay out of the lime light, use your long legs to run from paparazzi, and no more drunk driving.

Want to know more about Lamar Odom’s August 2013 DUI arrest, read my previous blog, Lamar Odom Faces Alcohol and Drug DUI Charge.

Written by S.O