Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

A new definition of ?poor? in America

by Mike_Hanks Mar 17, 2010 4:23AM PDT

Monica Conyers (wife of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee) was declared indigent.

http://marathonpundit.blogspot.com/2010/03/rep-conyers-wife-declared-indigent-by.html


"Chairman Conyers makes $170,000 a year. But according the the News, federal law dictates that the income of family members doesn't figure into such rulings.

But of course it's quite likely that the chairman of the committee that overseas federal prisons could pay Monica's legal bills if he wanted to pay. Maybe the pol-power couple is too smart for that--using other people's money is the cheap way to go. A staffer for Chairman Conyers wouldn't say why John won't be footing the bill for his wife's defense."

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Does this law only apply to Democrats
by JP Bill Mar 17, 2010 4:35AM PDT

and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee?

federal law dictates that the income of family members doesn't figure into such rulings.

- Collapse -
No, probably just to criminals ...
by Bill Osler Mar 17, 2010 9:17AM PDT

I'll omit the 'alleged' from the subject line since if I read things correctly she has already been convicted once. Realistically, the vast majority of defendants in criminal cases are found guilty according to what I've read elsewhere.

The rule in question is probably specific to who qualifies for a public defender. That is certainly not the way the rules work for qualification for Medicaid or student aid or many other programs, at least in North Carolina.

It may well be legal for her to use a public defender, but it is certainly inappropriate for a family with that kind of income to plead poverty. Not to mention the fact that the husband apparently failed to report his wife's gifts as required (according to the article). IOW, it appears that they are both 'ethically challenged'.

- Collapse -
He needs to resign or be kicked out...
by EdHannigan Mar 17, 2010 1:42PM PDT

I thought Pelosi said shew was going to "drain the swamp." Another disgusting case of the fleecing of the American people.

- Collapse -
I guess...
by J. Vega Mar 17, 2010 1:48PM PDT

I guess that a gator living in the swamp doesn't notice the smell.

- Collapse -
his website
by James Denison Mar 17, 2010 1:45PM PDT
Back to Speakeasy forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info