No impound for Hiram

NY Progressive blogger Andrew White wrote this late this afternoon. If you choose to comment on Andrew's comment feel free.

Sen. Hiram Monserrate was sentenced to 3 years probation, 250 hours of community service and 52 weeks of domestic abuse counseling in Queens County Supreme Court today.

The sentencing shows both the privileges that come along with holding a position of power and the difficulties that women and courts face in dealing with domestic violence cases.

Assistant District Attorney Scott Kessler recommended 60 days in jail along with three years probation, domestic violence counseling and a $1,000 fine. Kessler argued correctly that Monserrate has shown no understanding of the seriousness of his actions or underlying problems, nor has he taken any responsibility for his actions.

Their remains little doubt that on the night of Dec. 19, 2008, Hiram Monserrate in a jealous rage took a broken drinking glass and slashed his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, across the face causing 40 stitches worth of damage. Giraldo, in a situation all too common in domestic abuse cases, told the truth to health care providers while being treated in the emergency room but later recanted and told a whopper of a story to cover up for her abuser.