Man pleads guilty for McDonald's attack

I think, at one time or another, we all, wanted to strangle some clerk with our bare hands. But it doesn't take a genius to figure out hot coffee can be a dangerous weapon. This guy should definitely pay for his actions.
 
After reading the story, I learned that he originally pled not guilty, but at trial pled guilty. If I have that part right, it’s my expectation that the reason he changed his plea was because his attorney worked out a plea deal, if he pled guilty. I would expect no jail time with a suspended sentence, but a fine and the victim’s expenses. He should also face civil penalties.

Felonious Assault is kind of a catch-all charge that is used on occasions where nothing else fits, if that makes sense to you. It’s used in instances where there may have also been battery, but FA is a more serious charge, so FA is a situation where this would fit.

People sometimes react without thinking. If all the person behind the glass did was to ask to see his receipt, then this man deserves the maximum penalty the law allows and this is what has always upset me. Too often some people get off too easy because of their social standing in the community. Police work hard to get justice for the victim.
 

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911 said:
After reading the story, I learned that he originally pled not guilty, but at trial pled guilty. If I have that part right, it’s my expectation that the reason he changed his plea was because his attorney worked out a plea deal, if he pled guilty. I would expect no jail time with a suspended sentence, but a fine and the victim’s expenses. He should also face civil penalties.

Felonious Assault is kind of a catch-all charge that is used on occasions where nothing else fits, if that makes sense to you. It’s used in instances where there may have also been battery, but FA is a more serious charge, so FA is a situation where this would fit.

People sometimes react without thinking. If all the person behind the glass did was to ask to see his receipt, then this man deserves the maximum penalty the law allows and this is what has always upset me. Too often some people get off too easy because of their social standing in the community. Police work hard to get justice for the victim.
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Thank you for the explanation, 911. The application of various charges for assaults were always a mystery to me.

This man needs to address his anger management. His actions were obviously indefensible, but also ridiculously disproportionate to the perceived offense of being asked for his receipt.
 
StarSong said:
Thank you for the explanation, 911. The application of various charges for assaults were always a mystery to me.

This man needs to address his anger management. His actions were obviously indefensible, but also ridiculously disproportionate to the perceived offense of being asked for his receipt.
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SS: I can only address the charge as we interpret the law here in PA. Other states may address the charge with a different interpretation. When someone asks me what is the difference between A&B and FA, I give the example of; if I punch you in the nose with my fist, that’s A&B. If I punch you in the nose and use a weapon doing it, that’s FA. This is why FA is a more serious charge. As funny as it may seem, the coffee is the weapon.
 
911 said:
SS: I can only address the charge as we interpret the law here in PA. Other states may address the charge with a different interpretation. When someone asks me what is the difference between A&B and FA, I give the example of; if I punch you in the nose with my fist, that’s A&B. If I punch you in the nose and use a weapon doing it, that’s FA. This is why FA is a more serious charge. As funny as it may seem, the coffee is the weapon.
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Not funny at all. He intended to harm her, even if only by humiliating her by making a mess of her appearance, uniform and work area. That he did so with scalding coffee adds to his already ugly intent.

Thanks for the example, it helps explain the nuances.
 
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