In what way could that possibly have obstructed that investigation?
Like how is this complicated? Somebody commits a crime and then calls you and says "Hey can you hide X so the cops don't find it?" Always a crime to hide X in these circumstances.
> Conspiracy to Conceal Documents (Count 12) and other objects that would implicate Maricela Rueda in the riot and shooting at the Prairieland facility.
> Defendants convicted: Sanchez Estrada and Maricela Rueda
Obviously prosecutors always present things in the worst possible way for defendants, but I think the GP poster's point is pretty valid:
> Being aware that he was moving the zines to obstruct a federal felony investigation is surely relevant. Intent is an important aspect of crime.
True, that is their job.
Problem is, it is the judge's job to determine appropriate punishment for the crime once it is proven the defendant is responsible for same.
30 years (360 months) for a first time offender is roughly equivalent to Second Degree Murder (see section 2A1.2 here[0]). Even assuming the defendant has 13 or more felony convictions, this sentence would be roughly equivalent to Child Exploitation Enterprises (see section 2G2.6 here[0]).
The calculation of sentence length is based on the 2025 guidelines published here[1].
0 - https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/guidelines-manu...
1 - https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/guidelines-manu...
Probably. But put yourself in the defendant's shoes when the sentence was handed down. And then imagine what comfort is had by someone saying it "likely won't hold up on appeal".
> That said, I don't believe the commenters above were defending the sentencing. They were debating whether it was a legitimate charge and whether the article explained it fairly.
Agreed. I do not think the commenters were defending the sentencing and perhaps not considering it. What I sought to provide was recognizing the punishment must fit the crime.
>it is still a crime
Pardon me, but effin what?
Ah yes. There's a word for it.
You're literally calling for prosecuting thoughtcrimes.
Good job, making Orwell proud.
>take an action in the real world (not a crime)
>it's a crime
You're not make it any better, you're just repeating your desire to prosecute thoughtcrimes.
"Your honor, he wanted the President dead and he breathed! That's an action in the real world! Off with his head!"
By your logic putting a pin in a voodoo doll is a crime.
I implore you, abscond and perish promptly with such twisted cognizance of justice.
> your desire
I don't think it's my desire. I'm pretty sure i'm just describing how our legal system actually works.
And if you think this is bad, go look up the requirements for a conspiracy charge which are even less than this.
....like putting a needle in a voodoo doll, fully believing it will result in the death of a person it represents.
>I'm pretty sure i'm just describing how our legal system actually works.
FIY, I just intentionally put a needle through your voodoo doll, fully believing it will result in your untimely death.
You might want to report me for attempted murder, and find out the defense between how our legal system actually works, and how you wish it worked.
If you're still reading this, I'm willing to repeat the above real world action of stabbing your voodoo doll as many times as it is necessary for it to work, in the presence of witnesses.
You're welcome.
>And if you think this is bad
This is not just bad, it's insane.
I'm not going to switch to another subject (conspiracy charges).