California Seeks To Eliminate ‘Affluenza’ Defense

Affluenza – the defense that got a wealthy Texas teen who killed four in a drunk-driving crash rehab rather than a prison sentence – would be outlawed in California under a proposed law. The strategy claims that wealthy kids whose parents provide luxury but not boundaries cannot truly comprehend the consequences their actions may have for others. California Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D) introduced the bill Jan. 14 to prohibit “affluenza” from being used as a defense in trial or as a mitigating factor for sentencing.