Democrats raised objections to the so-called “Adam Montgomery Bill” during a New Hampshire House committee hearing Wednesday, asking if it’s fair for the state to force alleged rapists and murderers to attend their own trials or face sanctions.
“I have some concern that a person would be punished even if they weren’t found guilty yet,” Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright (D-Nashua) told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. “I think for me, I like the idea that the person has to be there for sentencing.”
According to the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Steve Shurtleff (D-Concord), the proposal is a direct response to convicted child-killer Adam Montgomery, who refused to appear in court throughout his trial for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter Harmony. He will likely skip his May 9 sentencing as well.
Shurtleff said his proposal would apply to Class A felonies, which include violent crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and sexual assault. A New Hampshire Class A felony carries a state prison term of seven-and-a-half to 15 years.
Democrats serving on the committee appeared to be concerned that individuals facing Class-A felony charges who are later found not guilty could still be charged with failing to physically appear in court.
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Author: Paul Bedard
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