Ethan Couch: Judge Who Gave Affluenza Teen Probation Gave Another Teen 20 Years In Prison

State District Judge Jean Boyd, who retired shortly after handing down a 10-year probation sentence to Ethan Couch after he killed four people in a drunk driving accident, also handed down a ruling of 20 years in prison to another teen involved in a fatal DWI crash.

The Star Telegram reports that in 2004, teenager Eric Bradlee Miller borrowed $10 from his grandfather to go see a movie, but instead of heading to the theater, the then 16-year-old bought a bottle of vodka from a convenience store, then stole a truck from the same store and took off down the highway, speeding near River Oaks, Texas.

Shortly after, Miller crashed into a vehicle, killing Philip Andress, a 19-year-old husband and father. Miller kept driving after the collision, but when authorities captured him, he had an alcohol blood level of 0.11. He was arrested and charged with one count of murder and one count of failure to stop and render aid.

Since Miller was 16 when the accident occurred, his case was sent to Judge Jean Boyd. Prosecutors wanted the judge to certify Miller as an adult, but she refused, instead deciding to dole out punishment herself after a grand jury found him guilty.

Miller, the product of a broken home, lived with his grandfather. His mother, a drug addict, was unable to care for him. Judge Boyd sentenced the teen to 20 years behind bars. After handing down the sentence, Judge Boyd spoke directly to the teen.

“The court is aware you had a sad childhood, but you are fortunate to have a grandfather who is so committed and loves you. I hope you will take advantage of the services [offered by the Texas Youth Commission] and turn your life around.”

A little under a decade later, another 16-year-old stood in front of Judge Boyd, and although he was accused of killing people while drinking and driving, just as Miller was, Ethan Couch teen came from a much different socioeconomic background. The “affluenza teen” was armed with high profile attorneys and a psychologist who explained the accident away as something that occurred because the teen didn’t understand boundaries.

Although legal experts indicate that it’s difficult to compare the two cases, since juvenile records are sealed, Miller’s family and friends were livid when they found out that another teen in the same county received a much lighter sentence, and in turn, bailed on his light sentence of probation. Harold Willett, a long-time family friend of the Miller family, stated that the only reason Couch isn’t behind bars as well is because the teen had enough money to pay the right people off.

“Then you got this punk a– kid, the similarities, tragic as they are. It was the same only different because Couch’s family has all that money.”

Miller, now 28, had no money to hire high-profile attorneys, yet both boys used their background and upbringing as their defense. Yet, while the poor Miller received time in prison, the wealthy Couch got to spend time at an upscale rehabilitation center in California. Miller’s 84-year-old grandfather Donald Chaffin agrees with Willett in that money talks when it comes to the Texas juvenile court system.

Rich vs. Poor Same judge different outcome #Affluenza #JudgeJeanBoyd & #EthanCouch vs #EricBradleeMiller #Moneytalks https://t.co/67hXgx1qPC

— CharlesEdwinPowell (@cedwinpowell) December 23, 2015

“There’s always been an issue in the court system here. If you got money you got freedom. That’s the way it’s been since I can remember.”

Chafin barely had enough money to take care of himself, much less his grandson. The elderly grandfather lives on veteran disability benefits, and didn’t have help financial help from Miller’s parents. In turn, the teen was appointed a public defender.

Miller was released from prison in 2008, but returned after a traffic incident and failing to report to his probation officer. He is up for parole again in 2017.

Judge Jean Boyd has yet to comment on the discrepancies in the sentences she handed down.

[Photo Courtesy of the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office]