previous post next post  

Thought for the day.

By The Armorer on February 24, 2004 | | Comments (3)

Don't bring a nickel-plated toy to a gunfight.

Looks like a kid who either needs help, or is a candidate for, as the Emperor would put it, Cloroxing out the gene pool.

Share This Article:

Share |

Categories:

3 Comments

By Eric Sivula on February 24, 2004 10:10 PM
The kid is stupid and deserves a swift kick in the head, but charging him with 'brandishing a firearm' is crap. if it was a toy, then it IS NOT A FIREARM. And if it was a firearm, then it WAS NOT A TOY. 'Terrorizing' or 'attempted robbery' I could see, but 'brandishing a firearm'?
 
By John of Argghhh! on February 25, 2004 6:41 AM
"Brandishing a firearm" comes from intent and effect. If you are carrying a fake gun to scare people because they think its a real gun, then in legal terms, you are "brandishing a firearm" because the charge stems from your intent and the effect the action has on the victims. Plus, prosecutors love to load up charges so they can trade some away (usually the ones they figure they'll have to toughest problem proving) to get a plea bargain and avoid a trial. That's why prosecutors NEVER like to see a criminal law sunset - in their heart of hearts, they want every aspect of day-to-day life chargeable, it makes their jobs simpler. In the event - whether or not the gun is real is a matter of extenuation and mitigation in the sentencing phase.
 
By blaster on February 25, 2004 8:20 AM
Hadn't heard this - I live in Reston.