<P> One psychologist who disagreed with Couch's sentence--Dr. Suniya S. Luthar, who specializes in "the costs of affluence in suburban communities"--maintains that research shows feelings of entitlement among affluent youth are a social problem, and that "we are setting a double standard for the rich and poor". Luthar asked, "What is the likelihood if this was an African - American, inner - city kid that grew up in a violent neighborhood to a single mother who is addicted to crack and he was caught two or three times...what is the likelihood that the judge would excuse his behavior and let him off because of how he was raised?" </P> <P> Writing in The Guardian, Texas student Jessica Luther points out that Couch's family's ability to pay for private therapy, i.e., their wealth, was intrinsic to the judge's reasoning for giving Couch a light sentence . An offender without their means would end up in the overcrowded, publicly supported Texas juvenile justice system where (the judge noted) Couch "might not get the kind of intensive therapy in a state - run program that he could receive at the California facility suggested by his attorneys". </P> <P> Another psychologist--Robin S. Rosenberg--has argued Miller's defense makes no sense because Couch could have learned that bad behavior has consequences in other areas of his life, and that a sentence to a luxurious rehabilitation home reinforces the message "that his wealth and privilege can obviate the negative consequences of his criminal behavior". </P> <P> Critics have also complained that the presiding judge--District Judge Jean Boyd--gave a much harsher sentence to another 16 - year - old intoxicated driver 10 years earlier . In February 2004, Boyd sentenced Eric Bradlee Miller to 20 years, telling him, "the court is aware you had a sad childhood...I hope you will take advantage of the services (offered by the Texas Youth Commission) and turn your life around ." Miller had killed one victim, not four, and had a much lower blood alcohol level (0.11% compared to Couch's 0.24%) but was from a much poorer family . </P>

Where did the couch family get their money