Even while it looked like Paris Hilton would dodge hard time behind bars, Joe Public was not happy.
Miss Hilton’s early release from prison after three days was a hot-button topic around the region yesterday, and many were eager to voice their frustration at the perceived preferential treatment for the famous and wealthy.
Iftikhar Malik, an international history professor from the United Kingdom, called the ordeal a “flop of celebrity culture.”
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“She’s rich, and she’s spoiled,” said Mr. Malik, 57. “In England, we’d call her a brat.”
Miss Hilton, who on Sunday began serving a 23-day sentence for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case, was released from Los Angeles County jail due to an unspecified medical condition just after 2 a.m. yesterday. But her freedom could be short-lived, as the Los Angeles judge who sentenced the reality-TV star ordered her back into court this morning to determine whether she should return to jail.
Yesterday’s ruling would allow the 26-year-old hotel heiress and socialite to serve the remainder of her sentence on house arrest in a plush mansion — a far cry from the 12-by-8-foot cell many said she deserves yesterday afternoon.
“It’s ridiculous. She should have to stay in jail like anyone else,” said Alicia Versteegh, 21, a student working at the Canadian Embassy. “She has people and kids looking up to her. What are they supposed to think? If she can get away with it, I can, too.”
Elaine Jordan, 37, a D.C. resident, agreed and lamented the disparity between punishments for the upper crust and the common man.
“If it was me, I’d still be sitting in jail,” she said. “It’s because of her money, that’s why she’s sitting at home.”
Aaron Riggens, 23, said while waiting at Union Station that he’s surprised Miss Hilton served any time at all.
“We’ll see if she actually stays home for 40 days,” he said. “They’ll probably turn her house into a reality show — ’Paris Hilton: Grounded.’ ”
Miss Hilton was originally to serve 45 days but had her sentence reduced to 23 days for “good behavior.”
After turning herself in to authorities in downtown Los Angeles late Sunday night, a few hours after appearing at the MTV Movie Awards, Miss Hilton was transferred to the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, 15 miles north of Los Angeles.
Less than four days later, authorities released her after conferring with county doctors. Her original 45-day sentence has been reinstated, with five days credited for time served. An electronic monitoring bracelet will be placed on her ankle.
Randy Johnson, 55, vice president for employment policy for the Chamber of Commerce, said Miss Hilton likely received a fair trial, but the punishment has been another story.
“It’s unfortunate, but it perpetuates the image that the rich get different treatment than the poor,” he said while having lunch at the Hard Times Cafe, in Arlington. “She may have had an illness, but I doubt someone with less capable lawyers would be able to get such a break.”
Miss Hilton’s legal mess started Sept. 7 when she failed a sobriety test after police spotted her Mercedes Benz weaving down a Hollywood street. She pleaded no contest to reckless driving and was sentenced to 36 months’ probation, alcohol education and $1,500 in fines.
On Jan. 15, she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol. Told that her license was suspended, Miss Hilton signed a document acknowledging she was not to drive. Then, on Feb. 27, she was pulled over a third time, violating her probation.
Essi Thompson, 33, of Riverdale, Md., who said she is on probation for drug possession, said she recently spent six days in jail until her husband posted a $300 bond.
Mrs. Thompson, who was en route to her probation officer yesterday, called Miss Hilton’s punishment a “slap on the hand” and said money is what got her out of hot water.
“That’s not really teaching her anything,” Mrs. Thompson said.
Despite the general consensus of contempt, Miss Hilton has at least one person who thinks she got a raw deal.
“Why should she get slam-dunked because she’s a celebrity?” said James Watkins, 51, a mental health care employee from the District. “People are out there doing murder, abuse and other stuff a lot worse. … I think people just got carried away with this case.”
• Kevin Vance and Gordon Van Owen contributed to this report.
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