Computer hacker Albert Gonzalez who has Aspergers Syndrome is to be sentenced this week to 17-25 years in prison for his role in stealing over 130 million credit card numbers from various retail chains. Like Pentagon Hacker Gary McKinnon the defense is trying to use the diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome to get a lighter sentence for their client. A goverment paid psychologist however wrote that “I found no evidence of Asperger’s disorder or internet addiction.”
What are your thoughts? Should those with Aspergers be sentenced to lighter sentences or not?
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The computer hacker Albert Gonzalez should be entitled to a full psychiatric assessment. This is his human right. The opinion of one psychologist who works for the government is not enough to confirm whether or not Albert Gonzalez has Aspergers Syndrome or not. At the very least a psychiatrist should be involved as Aspergers is in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by psychiatrists and there should be a least three independent professional opinions if a man’s future depends on this diagnosis.
“Like Pentagon Hacker Gary McKinnon the defense is trying to use the diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome to get a lighter sentence for their client. A goverment paid psychologist however wrote that “I found no evidence of Asperger’s disorder or internet addiction.””
Good point about the government paying for the he-doesn’t-have-Asperger’s assessment on the prosecution’s side. Does Gonzalez pay for his legal team out of his own pocket, or does the government pay for the defense lawyers (and the he-does-have-Asperger’s assessment) too?
People witth aspergers should not get lighter sentances. However, they should be allowed to serve their time in protective custody, as our condition would make survival in prison an unlikely prospect.
I think it depends on the situation and severity of the charges. One example is that many Aspies are not social butterflies and have tendencies to get themselves in trouble with the opposite sex. All’s it takes is one accusation , even a false one , to destroy the life of someone who meant no harm and just wanted to have a boyfriend , or girlfriend.
I do agree with Jim about Aspie’s being in protective custody if a sentence must be served.
“All’s it takes is one accusation , even a false one , to destroy the life of someone who meant no harm and just wanted to have a boyfriend , or girlfriend.”
Good point about false accusations!
As for true accusations…all it takes is one rape, even one done by a rapist who meant no harm and just wanted to have sex, to destroy the life of someone who just didn’t want to have that sex.