Pointing a laser at an aircraft is just plain stupid. However, I have a problem with the justice system making "examples" out of people, 14 Years is more then some people get after being convicted of rape or murder. Seems more like a 2-5 year offense, and unless you can point me to even one incident of a person that's been killed by this behavior the argument about it being potential murder etc.. is moot. Driving badly is can also kill people (and does, every day) however when was the last time someone was sentenced to 14 years for (just) driving like an ass?
Maximum penalty under the statute is 5 years, <a href="http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/39A" rel="nofollow">http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/39A</a>, so what else was going on?<p>Looks like he was convicted both for pointing a laser at an aircraft and attempting to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. There is a good chance this gets overturned on appeal. Under the sentencing guidelines, the two offenses are similar offenses arising out of the same conduct and should have been grouped. You don't get to impose an above maximum sentence just because the guy has gang affiliations.
Important bit:<p>Judge O’Neill cited Rodriguez’s criminal past, which includes probation violations and gang affiliation, as additional reasons for the sentence.
I wonder if "lasing," people's cars as they drive would cause the same types of ramifications. Seems very likely, and even more dangerous than "lasing," a pilot (a highly trained individual). I consider most drivers easily distracted and careless (myself included).<p>Food for thought, while lasers can focus a beam at a pilot, at air shows and in the air force, pilots usually have spotters that use a mirror and line of sight....so while I understand his sentence to be a deterrent by example, I DON'T agree with harsh sentences for non-violent crimes.
Great success. You have to ask yourself what possesses people to shine a laser at an aircraft.<p>It's just a shame this article contains my most hated word: 'Lasing' or Light Amplification by Stimulated-ing
Disclaimer: I am a private pilot and I am biased.<p>Pointing a laser at the aircraft is dangerous to passengers and people on the ground. But it is also dangerous to pilots who might receive (permanent) damage to their eye sight thus risking to lose the job (that they love and that feeds them). If someone points a gun at the police officer and gets shot, then I think it is a Darwin law at work. Same here - I have no problem with getting idiots locked up for life.
If American courts want to put a precedent to an ordinary crime such as this, they may follow India's example and do this instead:<p><a href="http://www.deeshaa.org/2013/12/06/lets-weep-for-a-morally-adrift-society/" rel="nofollow">http://www.deeshaa.org/2013/12/06/lets-weep-for-a-morally-ad...</a>
I realize I'm probably supposed to be outraged about this.<p>Helicopters are complex, unstable, low-flying machines that require active awareness from the pilot. This person put multiple lives at risk because he thought it was funny. I have very little sympathy.
Embedded at the end of the Article is the critical information that reduces the Outrage-of-the day reaction a bit:<p>"Judge O’Neill cited Rodriguez’s criminal past, which includes probation violations and gang affiliation, as additional reasons for the sentence."<p>So this is some "repeat-offender" (three srikes/N strikes/Parole violation) type sentencing.<p>Still a bit much in my opinion - He & his girlfriend were being stupid and reckless no doubt, but 14 years (and five for the GF) for this crime is excessive however you slice it.
"Rodriguez’s sentence clearly demonstrates the seriousness of his actions."<p>This awkward moment when the seriousness of the crime is judged by the length of the sentence. Reminds me of a typical Soviet (and modern Russian) "public process" comments like "He wouldn't has been sentenced if he hadn't committed anything criminal", "Our court doesn't just sentence for nothing" etc.
14 years is probably too much, but I have no problem with hefty jail time for someone who does this. Attempting to blind a pilot is very serious and puts lives in danger.