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Wednesday, September 3, 2003

Rep. Bill Janklow (R), former governor of South Dakota, made his first court appearance on Tuesday. The affair lasted just three or four minutes, and Janklow didn't say anything, according to news reports.

Janklow has been charged with a felony manslaughter and three misdemeanors for an August 16 accident that killed motorcyclist Randy E. Scott. He faces 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted of manslaughter but he is likely to be pleaded down without serving any time in jail, according to lawyers who handle traffic cases.

In South Dakota, there is widespread perception that Janklow, who has a history of speeding and was driving over the speed limit the day of the accident, is receiving special treatment due to his political status. He has yet to be booked, fingerprinted or photographed in connection with the alleged crimes. He was released free on bond by the judge.

According to news reports, Janklow's right hand was in a cast, which he used to cover his face in front of TV cameras at the courthouse yesterday. He suffered some injuries in the accident and appeared shaky, the reports said.

Get the Story:
Janklow's first 3 minutes in court (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 9/3)
Janklow makes first court appearance (AP 9/3)
S.D. Public Doubts Fair Treatment For Janklow (The Washington Post 9/3)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Bill Janklow - http://www.house.gov/janklow

Related Stories:
Janklow to appear in court on manslaughter charges (9/2)
Janklow has no plans to resign from Congress (9/1)
Janklow charged with second-degree manslaughter (8/29)
Poll: Janklow should resign if charged for fatal crash (8/29)
Police: Janklow broke speed limit in fatal crash (8/21)
Janklow expects to be charged for fatal accident (8/20)
S.D. police investigating Janklow for fatal crash (8/19)

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