No. of Recommendations: 8
“The clip starts with Pretti yelling and appearing to spit on the vehicle as federal officers are driving away from the area ... before he brings his foot up and kicks and shatters the rear right tail light, leaving it hanging by cords.
That video ran on the NBC evening news tonight.
Pretti should have been charged with vandalism or malicious damage.
This is what you get in Minnesota for malicious damage, according to the net sifter:
Malicious damage to property in Minnesota, charged under MN Statutes 609.595, is prosecuted as criminal damage to property, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies based on damage value, bias motivation, or risk of bodily harm. Convictions can result in up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Levels of Criminal Damage to Property in MN
1st Degree (Felony): Damage over $1,000, causes foreseeable risk of bodily harm, or damages public safety motor vehicles. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines.
2nd Degree (Felony): Damage between $500 and $1,000, committed due to bias (race, religion, sex, etc.), or damages public safety property. Penalties include up to 1 year and 1 day in prison and/or $3,000 in fines.
3rd Degree (Gross Misdemeanor): Damage between $500 and $1,000. Penalties include up to 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 in fines.
4th Degree (Misdemeanor): Any other intentional damage to property. Penalties include up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Key Factors and Considerations
Definition: It must be intentional damage to another’s property without consent.
Aggregation: Damages within a 6-month period can be combined to increase the charge severity.
Restitution: Courts often order restitution to cover repairs or replacement costs for the victim.
Bias Crimes: Damage motivated by bias against protected classes can elevate the charge to a felony
He damaged a law enforcement motor vehicle. He earned a felony conviction, prison time and/or a 4-5 figure fine. I would have no problem with him being prosecuted under the Minnesota statute. *That* is rule of law. But that didn't happen. The troopers dismounted, and beat the crap out of him. *That* is thuggery.
Am I the only person left, who can tell the difference between "right" and "wrong"?
Steve
