When Sonny is arrested at his Church, he's charged with first degree murder (i.e. premeditated murder).
The circumstances of the baseball scene make it obvious that there was no premeditated murder involved, in fact there probably wasn't even an intent to kill. Realistically, the most I could see him being convicted of is manslaughter (possibly voluntary if the judge wants to stick it to him, otherwise involuntary).
Totally agree, Edward. No way did he commit first-degree murder.
shareIt's actually pretty common for the police department to arrest on "overbooking charges." keep in mind - he was not official charged with a crime yet - just arrested. He would next have to be indicted by a grand jury for the charge. It is also common to charge witg a more severe crime in order to pursuade the defendant and his/her attorney to plead guilty to the "lesser" charge of manslaughter or whatever.
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It's actually pretty common for the police department to arrest on "overbooking charges." keep in mind - he was not official charged with a crime yet - just arrested. It is also common to charge witg a more severe crime in order to pursuade the defendant and his/her attorney to plead guilty to the "lesser" charge of manslaughter or whatever.
Good post and good replies. However, I'm going to gently suggest that you should have put a spoiler warning on your post. You're giving away a key plot point for anyone who hasn't seen the movie. If one looks at the discussion board an only sees titles of postings, your title alone almost gives it away right there.
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