Fatal hit-and-run driver Rouxle Le Roux's lawyer says people who threatened her client didn't know the facts.
Le Roux was sentenced to 11 months home detention and 250 hours community service after hitting and killing 15-year-old cyclist Nathan Kraatskow.
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Le Roux had been drinking and smoking marijuana that day, and was speeding while driving on a learner licence.
Insensitive posts on her Instagram surfaced after the sentencing and a petition asking the Crown to appeal her sentence reached 140,000 signatures.
On Thursday, Crown Law said the sentence was "appropriate" and there is no basis for an appeal, sparking further outrage among those who want to see Le Roux face tougher punishment.
Le Roux's lawyer Belinda Sellars told Newshub people who criticised the 19-year-old's sentence weren't fully aware of the case.
"I hope that this decision doesn't make people start again because I think that a lot of people that signed the petition didn't have the full facts."
Ms Sellars said after the sentence was delivered many people had become emotionally invested in the case without knowing all the details, such as the fact that Nathan rode through a red light.
She said some people had even contacted her after reading the full judgement.
"I've actually received emails from people who said they're sorry they signed the petition. Once they read the sentencing judgement they wished they hadn't [signed the petition]," she told Newshub.
Ms Sellars said death threats sent to Le Roux had frightened the teen, and often had come from people unaware of the facts of the case.
"For Le Roux it's been frightening quite frankly. The mob has felt very angry to her and the loudest voices have been saying the worst things, often the ones who know the least about the case."
Victim advocate Ruth Money told Newshub she's devastated for the family, but at least the decision was made quickly.
"I'm thankful that there was a quick review and that took into account victims' needs over Christmas," she said.
Ms Money said nobody should be sending death threats over the case, but they should find ways to speak up when they need to.
"You do need to use your voice. It's a democracy and you need to do it with respect and if you threaten people it just lowers your standard to that of an offender."
She said the public outcry over the sentencing has sent a clear message to officials.
"The public outcry was a sentiment to the Government, and to judges that sentence was far too light in their expectations."
Newshub.
