• atx_aquarian@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    25
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    But, he added, Bensch’s involvement was “pretty minor” when compared to others, while noting that his age was a mitigating factor. Bensch was 19 years old on Jan. 6, 2021.

    “I am giving you this break because of your age” at the time and a lack of criminal history, McFadden said. “This doesn’t need to define you or your life.”

    I wonder how sentencing compares for, say, a 19-year-old for a first-time gang involvement where they may have just been going along with the others. We’re told this one used bear spray “against another rioter”, for example, but I don’t see more detail on that point.

    • HonkyTonkWoman@lemm.ee
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      5
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I’m pretty sure they’d just let that other 19 year old join a different gang. Like, maybe even join a fun one.

      What’s that one cool gang called? The one where members wear matching uniforms, get shiny badges to indicate their authority, & drive cars with cool flashing lights on top?

      I mean… no judge in their right mind would ruin the life of a young person just for following the crowd, right?

      /s (or whatever the sarcasm tag is on Lemmy)