Crazy decision that basically gave this kid a get out of jail free card.
Via ABC:
The Texas teenager whose trial on drunk driving charges included a defense witness saying that he was afflicted with “affluenza” may be on the run from his parole, authorities said.
Ethan Couch, 18, was convicted of four counts of intoxication manslaughter in 2013 but was not sentenced to any jail time; instead he was given 10 years’ probation — a punishment considered a mere slap on the wrist by critics, and one that outraged the victims’ families.
Part of his parole mandates that he make regular check-ins with his parole officer and that he not drink alcohol for 10 years.
Now, officials are concerned that not only has he skipped at least one check-in with his probation officer, but that he has skipped town, perhaps even the country. A juvenile judge issued a “directive to apprehend” — effectively a warrant — for Couch on Dec. 11.
Sheriff’s officials told ABC News that they are concerned he has a “huge head start” in his possible run from the law. The local juvenile court system mandates that parole check-in records are not publicly released. Investigators are working to confirm when he last checked in.