The news is reporting that Matthew Cordle has pleaded “Not Guilty.” This is factually accurate; I was in the courtroom when it happened. You may be wondering about because I said I would‘s position on this matter. I mean, he decided to go DIRECTLY against his promise, right? Wrong. Because I said I would still supports Matthew and the reason WILL surprise you…
When Matthew’s lawyers told me that he was going to plead “Not Guilty,” outrage over took me in a way that I cannot even express in words. They assured me that this “Not Guilty” plea was just a formality and they had to do it. I did not believe them for a second. I assumed that Matt came to some realization and feared the sentencing he faced. It seemed obvious that these lawyers were just trying to do some damage control because they needed me on their side.
But the fact is, I know almost nothing about the law. Before shaming Matt for being a liar, I wanted to make certain that I understood the situation. I called the Assistant County Prosecutor that is working Matt’s case, Keith McGrath. This guy’s job is to put Matt away for the MAXIMUM sentence. I asked him to explain to me this so-called legal procedure that forced Matt to plead “Not Guilty” today. The answer was odd but insanely relieving.
In the State of Ohio there are rules that prevent people from “judge shopping”; this means that you can’t just wait for the week your favorite or most lenient judge “happens” to be working. Since Franklin County has 17 judges that handle felonies, you need to have random judge assignment to make sure people don’t game the system. Matt pleaded “Not Guilty” today because he needed to get a random judge to maintain the integrity of his sentencing. Mr. McGrath told me on the phone that “It’s just how our court system works, you have to plead ‘Not Guilty’ to get that random judge, then plead guilty.” He said “…Matt has no choice on how the court process works.” I asked Mr. McGrath if Matt is still on the course to take full responsibility for his actions, he said “Yes.”
Some may ask “Well then why did the judge blow up in court the other day?” From what I hear, Matt’s attorneys may have messed up and didn’t clearly understand the rules above until it was too late. I think the judge was annoyed that everybody’s time was wasted. She probably would have taken the case, but the selection process could have been questioned it the future.
Matt received a randomly assigned judge today and he will plead GUILTY on September 18th. At this very moment, Matt has the ability and the means to get out on bail. Instead, he is sitting in jail and taking responsibility because he said he would. Matt, I know you can’t read this but I am so sorry for doubting you. Don’t give up the ship.
Watch the confession video here:
I applaud you Matt. It takes a REAL man to not only admit his mistakes to a family but you did it to the world. Knowing the things people who know nothing of your situation will say about you. I’ve never been a drinker so I know nothing about she’s but I think what you’re doing is great. I know other people will criticize my comment but I don’t care. You are showing the world that there ARE real honest people out there who ARE willing to man up for their mistakes. I support you and again applaud you. I wish you the best and I will pray for the victims family and for you. You are an inspiration to others who choose to drink and drive that they may take a second to remember you and your story. Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you Matt.
Matt, you have made a irreversible mistake by drink & drive causing a man’s life. Such mistake is hard to forgive. It is very irresponsible of you back then, however by turning yourself in and pledge to take full responsibilities, for that I admire your courage and sensibility.
Hopefully, this will bring some comfort to those who are affected by this incident. And your confession will have constructive impact on the rest of us about not to drink & drive.
Thank you for being honest about your mistake and willing to accept the consequences.
Matt what u are doing is a one in a million kind of message you are sending. A message that touched not only me but my family & Friends that drink & drive . Thank you. Im very sorry to the family of the man who lost his precious life to soon. God Bless all involved.
Matt, I am sorry I doubted you after seeing the news story. I admire your honesty and willingness to plead guilty to a crime you know you committed. Other people would try to get a deal and make excuses.
I am also upset with the news stations that portrayed you as a person who went back on his word…shame on them!
Thank you for update and explanation. Thank you, Matt, for taking responsibility. I’ll be praying for you and the victim’s family.
Dixie Graham
Thank you for update and explanation. Thank you, Matt, for taking responsibility. I will be praying for you and the victim’s family.
Dixie Graham
If he doesn’t plead guilty tomorrow, this website should shut down.
Fry him. Everyone keeps talking about how brave this guy is and his sad little story and his sad little video with the somber background music and the close-ups of his scars, just for effect to show that he was injured in the accident as well. I don’t buy it for a second. This guy is exploiting social media to get people to see him in a positive light. “Oh, look at him, he’s taking responsibility for his actions, look at how honorable it is that he will plead guilty to a crime he was actually GUILTY of. The truth of the matter is this guy was most likely going to jail anyhow. But this way he has a hope of getting some sucker judge to feel sorry for him and give him a break because he did an “honorable” thing and admitted his mistake. I have no sympathy for drunk drivers. This man took a life by being drunk and stupid and he deserves the maximum sentence and I hope he gets it.
GOD BLESS YOU
Dear Matthew, You do not know me but I think about you everyday . One morning I was on my computer and had the “Today Show” on in the background . It was a piece on you and a few others that have been given severely high sentences for drinking and driving causing a death. I looked up and saw you , and I thought my high school friend moved to Ohio and the last name sounded familiar and I saw your face and I saw your mothers resemblance . I thought oh no way it cant be the world is to big. So I googled your name and sure enough it was my friend Kari J. Your story has touched me so deeply not only because I know your mother (though have not seen or talked to her since high school, but have talked to your Aunt Donna many years ago) and I do not know you but you have made a huge impact on me and touched my heart so deeply with your honesty, your bravery and your commitment . People are cruel and mean and that’s just life but do not let them bring you down and continue what you are doing you will and you can make a difference. Growing up I have done what you did that fatal night . I have and so many of us growing up have and fortunately our stories and our lives did not end tragically though could have . You at your young age have inspired me and brought me comfort that you will be ok. You will make it through this and you are important and something good will come out of this tragedy. My heart breaks that you must be where you are but there is a reason for everything . Your mother is proud of you I am sure and loves you I read her facebook and twitters and its aways about her son Matt and she is making a difference. I use to worry everyday when I was your age about my little brother ending up in your situation . I would preach and beg him not to drink and drive , he must call me anytime I will drive him anywhere but please do not drink and drive. Its very hard for people to listen to you and the more voices out there the more we can drill it in their head. Your voice is heard I HEARD it and I know people your age hear it . I will make sure they do. I have been wanting to write you and your mother so I am because I said I would. God bless you Matt. You have a lot to offer this world wherever you are a wonderful person I can see that .I hope to meet you one day and my thoughts and prayers are with you daily. I will never forget you. Keep going and never give up. xoxooxooxoSusie