[Cerek]

Originally Posted by Variol (Farseer) Elmwood Wow, ..little passion creeping in there Cerek? Of course, I do agree.

This 20-year old is facing felony charges because he thought it would be "cool" to act like the Joker. Unfortunately, in the USA, conviction of a felony offense automatically imposes several restrictions on the individual.

For example - if convicted - some of the restrictions this person will face include:

1. Losing his right to vote or ever hold public office.
2. Losing the right to leave the country or state of residence.
3. Losing the right to own a firearm.
4. Losing the right to be certified in several different fields of employment, including (but not limited to) attorney, electrician, plumber, contractor, doctor, nurse, physical therapy, and even insurance salesman.
5. Being denied housing in various apartment complexes (varies among different housing units).

Years ago, I read about a judge handing down sentencing on two juveniles who had decided to steal a car one weekend and go for a joyride. Of course, it didn't take long for them to get caught. After finding the juveniles guilty, the judge read a list of the things they would no longer be allowed to do because of their felony conviction. He summed it up by expressing disappointment and sorrow that their lives would be so much more limited now because of one bad decision made at a young age. The same thing applies to this boy. That is why I can't see anything humorous or amusing in this story.

He is 20 years old and has severely limited his options in life through one act of stupidity. He may eventually overcome the restrictions placed on his life. Not all of the consequences listed are permanent. But he will face an uphill battle and no matter what he accomplishes, the stigma of the felony conviction will always be hanging around in the background. The other possibility is that he won't overcome the obstacles he has now placed in his life and will spiral down into a series of continued hardships because of his actions. All because he didn't take the time to consider the real life consequences of acting like a character in a movie.

I do feel sorry for him, but he brought it on himself.