Court documents, audio recordings of hearings and interviews with attorneys show the way Justin Schneider's assault case threaded through Alaska's criminal-justice system to an outcome state lawyers insist was legal but left critics wondering how it could happen.
“Judges are obligated to follow the law, even when their own preferences diverge,” said Judge Michael Corey.
The head of the Alaska Department of Law's criminal division said the state chose the best option it had under the law in a plea deal that has shocked many Alaskans.
Outrage greeted news that Justin Scott Schneider, 34-year-old former air traffic controller, wouldn't get time behind bars for a plea deal reached Wednesday.
34-year-old Justin Schneider pleaded guilty to one count of felony assault.
