The Javadis said they were never interested in seeing Elwell locked up for life, but rather acting on advice given to them by their attorneys that drunken drivers convicted of intoxication manslaughter often receive probation instead of years behind bars.
I think I would rather see the person locked up for a couple years instead. According to the article, it seems they are often given extended probation. The killer being immediately released on probation would be difficult to see.
However, a better way to insure the guy remembers their daughter would be to sue him for wrongful death so he can't afford another BMW for a while.