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Sauer refused to send Hilton to a ''glamour slammer.'' |
Hilton then spent the next two hours with attorney Howard L. Weitzman pleading her case to Judge Michael T. Sauer at a Los Angeles courthouse. Hilton claimed, "No one is above the law. I surely am not." However, her repeated attempts to drive with a suspended license convinced the judge otherwise.
Sauer sentenced Hilton to 45 days behind bars at the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood, refusing to send her to a "glamour slammer," where most celebrities have done time. Sorry Hilton. No cellphones or text messaging behind these bars.
"His ruling, forgoing lighter sentences that wouldn't have involved jail time, indicates that Sauer didn't fully believe Hilton's claims," states on article on latimes.com. Those claims included thinking she could drive with a suspended license, as long as it was for work.
The 45 day sentence, therefore, shocked Hilton as well as Weitzman. "It's clear she was selectively prosecuted because of who she is," Weitzman said. "Shame on the system and shame on the city attorney for bringing this case."
"On Monday it emerged Hilton was backing an online campaign to request California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to issue a pardon. An internet petition calls on Mr. Schwarzenegger to intervene in the case, claiming Hilton has been used as a scapegoat by authorities seeking to highlight the dangers of dr[u]nk-driving," states an article on news.com.au.
However, Sauer stands firm in his decision. "She disregarded everything and continued to drive."
One woman waiting at the courthouse told the Los Angeles Times, "I think it's very fair. Even though you may be a high-end celebrity, it doesn't mean you can live recklessly."
Hilton has until June 5th to report to Century Regional Detention Center or risk 90 days behind bars.
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