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Dharun Ravi May Serve Less Than 30 Days In Jail
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 24, 2012
Modified May 24, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 24, 2012
Modified May 24, 2012
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Both the prosecution and the defense have vowed to appeal the judge's decision to sentence 20-year-old Dharun Ravi to 30 days in jail for spying on his Rutgers roommate, Tyler Clementi, who later committed suicide. But if Ravi's sentence stands, New Jersey law may allow him to serve less than 30 days provided he maintains good behavior and completes his designated chores. The Star-Ledger reports that short-term inmates in county jails "are seldom kept for their full terms unless they are charged with rules infractions," and a 30-day sentence is automatically reduced by 10 days for good behavior.
The paper details the options Ravi has if he serves the sentence: a two-person, 15'x10' cell or a "pod" with four bunk beds. An inmate who is "seriously fearful" of the prison surroundings can be placed in a private cell for 23 hours a day with no contact with others.
The prosecution filed their appeal yesterday, while Ravi's defense team promises an appeal of their own, arguing that the jury should have seen more evidence. The Times looked the judge in the case, Judge Glenn Berman, who said, "I have disenchanted both sides." Berman is a Republican who has a reputation for "punctuality and detail." A former clerk said, "he was never prejudiced in one way or another about gender or anything else. He based his decision solely on what came before him, the law itself."
Tagged
dharun ravi
homophobia
new jersey
rutgers
tyler clementi
webcam spying
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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