KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Finch Avoids Prison Time

Finch Avoids Prison Time

Fresno - Clifford Finch smiled, and hugged his attorney after his sentencing Tuesday.

Finch was facing a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to assault with a firearm.

Instead, a judge sentenced him to 5 years probation and 200 hours community service.

“Both Judge Sarkisian and Judge Pena, I appreciate their careful thought and consideration,” said Finch of the Fresno County judges.

Finch was critically shot in a confrontation with Fresno police in September 2007.

Finch fired first at officers, who then fired back at him.

Four doctors declared that finch was legally insane at the time.

“It was absolutely uncontroverted that he was suffering from post traumatic stress. He was living the Vietnam War for 40 years, he never talked about it. Doctors in this case agreed to it and prosecutors couldn't say anything about it,” said Finch’s attorney, Ralph Torres.

Finch says he doesn't even remember the incident.

Finch was originally charged with attempted murder and assaulting a police officer.

“It was a mental disorder, I didn't remember these things and here I was being handled as a criminal, and it was very upsetting,” said Finch.

His son sat beside him in the courtroom, as he learned his fate.

“I was prying in there, and you got to be careful what you pray for because a lot of times it comes true. I was praying for justice, and I knew the things my dad did, but this was a hard case,” said Andy Finch.

Clifford Finch will also have to pay the police department nearly $4,000 to fix a patrol car that was damaged during the shootout.