Barton is such a weasel. This is probably a friend of one of the staffs he's banging. That guy is such a sleaze ball and acts like he's a Supreme Court Justice.

OMG, is this a joke? What if it was a family member of Barton's,?

OK = exactly what else did this woman need to do - kill someone? My god this magistrate is a damn clown ! A guy like this needs to be removed immediately and charged with impersonating an officer of the court.

Unfortunately, the story presented here does not provide all of the details. Just as media tends to do--the news only provided one side of the case. While violence is never okay, it is important to remember that there is always another side to every story. This woman is a beautiful human being with no prior history of such actions. Please do not judge without having all of the evidence. She deserves a second chance just as we all do. Best wishes to everyone.

Was she driving impaired? Is any of what is reported here true?

This article is based on Baldwin Township police reports, court documents, and interviews with the Baldwin Township police chief. As stated in the article, the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch editor has requested an interview with Judge Barton to find out why the charges were dropped. When we have that information, it will be reported as well.

Really, Bethany? Please don't defend her actions. So...because she has no prior history, they should just ignore this? Ridiculous statement to make. I guess the witness AND the cop are lying, and she is innocent. No one is saying she doesn't deserve a "second chance" but there are consequences for your actions, regardless of whether or not you're a "beautiful human being." Her actions were deplorable and criminal and it's ridiculous that the charges were dropped. Please don't defend her actions. Had she done this to one of your family members or you, I doubt that you'd have the same opinion. Again, actions have consequences. Having no prior history of these types of FELONIES doesn't mean she should get a pass. There are no "details" that would justify her actions, so please quit defending her.

so Bethany, how can one make a statement like that and not provide anything to back it up? It doesn't matter if she's a "wonderful" woman who never did anything. She did the crime and she's still accountable.

But she does have prior history of acting like this! I've got stories for daaaays. She's just never been in legal trouble for her violence issues. Good thing being a "beautiful person" keeps her from paying the consequences.

Perhaps Barton was concerned that her self esteem might be damaged, or he gave her a pass because she was having a bad hair day? Does anyone feel as though
Allegheny County has become a safe haven for drug possession and other "victimless" crimes? I'm going to be very interested to see if Barton even talks to the editors/reporters.

I'm guessing part of it is that she is related to some one. On the other hand often the initial charges are dropped when it's a DUI case. She will, if the new penalties on DUI are in fact the way things are operated, pay a pretty good price for this. Not to say I am taking this lightly, but the new penalties are based on your level of intoxication more than anything, and that's how it should be.

Justice,

Two things. First, the article clearly states that our Baldwin-Whitehall Patch editor contacted Judge Barton to try to get you an answer as to why the charges were dropped. Since this article was posted, he has been able to do so, and that update will be posted soon.

Second, I've deleted your comment. We can't allow accusations to be posted in the comments section without documentation to back them up, as those accusations could be considered libelous. Here are the Patch Terms of Use, which must be followed when commenting: http://dormont-brookline.patch.com/terms

Here's the update. The charges were dropped because the victims didn't want to participate in the prosecution: http://dormont-brookline.patch.com/articles/road-rage-update-victims-did-not-want-to-participate-in-prosecution

A lot of you sound real dumb. I personally know the judge and the woman involved in this case. Judge Barton is very good at what he does. And who knows what really happened that night.... I could call the police and say Mike Tyson just showed up at my house and punched me in the mouth. Doesn't mean it happened. Why not focus on something like child molesters who are out there ruining kids lives and getting less punishment than Amanda probably will. Bottom line is dont open your mouth unless you have at least half a clue what you ate talking about.

Read the update idiots. Know the facts before you open your big mouth

Hey Ed, before you start calling people idiots, maybe you should read the story yourself. Just because the VICTIMS don't want to press charges doesn't mean she didn't do it. I don't care WHO you know, clown. The only reason the charges were dropped against her was because the victims refused to cooperate. There's a HUGE difference between being innocent and victims not wanting to cooperate, apparently you can't grasp that. So run your mouth elsewhere.

And your argument is laughable, although considering how articulate your post is, I shouldn't be surprised. You foolishly said "Why not focus on something like child molesters who are out there ruining kids lives and getting less punishment than Amanda probably will." So because there are worse crimes, she shouldn't be prosecuted? Wow.
It's better to keep your mouth shut and look foolish than to open it and remove all doubt.

And really, Ed, no one disgraced anybody here. There were witnesses, including one police officer, who saw her commit felonies. She was DUI. They found dope in her car. Really, man, get a grip. Telling the truth isn't disgracing her, she did that all on her own.

Here's my question..If this happened if front of the cop, why do the victims need to be present? Any interview going towards the DA's office? Who was the representative present at the hearing?

Ed, you are the only one here that sounds "real dumb"