In early January, five people were killed and six were wounded when a gunman opened fire in Fort Lauderdale international airport. While airport shootings and violence are rare, they do attract a lot of media attention. The suspect in the Fort Lauderdale shooting is currently pleading not guilty to 22 charges that would certainly result in life without parole or the death penalty, according to the National Public Radio. When a person is convicted of a felony, they are are not solely punished based on the crime they committed. Their criminal history, the experience of their attorney, the opinion of the jury, and even the location in which they allegedly committed the crime all come into play. A crime that is committed on school ground, a public library, or a church may be punished to a greater extent than the same crime that was committed in a home or in a parking lot. For instance, violence at an international airport is not treated the same as the same offense committed elsewhere. If you have been charged with committing violence in an international airport, which is a felony, do not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for help.
Imprisonment of Up to 20 Years, or More
According to 18 U.S. Code § 37, it is unlawful to intentionally use any device, weapon, or substance to:
Perform an act of violence, which either causes or is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death, towards a person in an airport serving serving international civil aviation (an international airport); and
Destroy or seriously damage any facility within the airport or aircraft that is not in service.
By violating this code and endangering or conspiring to endanger safety at the airport, the defendant shall face up to 20 years in prison. However, if a death occurs because of the defendant’s aforementioned violations, the defendant may face up to life in prison or the death penalty.
Destruction of Aircraft
According to 18 U.S. Code § 32 destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, a defendant facing charges of destruction of an aircraft or facilities faces up to 20 years in prison. Violations of destruction against an aircraft under this code include:
- Setting fire to;
- Damaging;
- Destroying;
- Disabling;
- Wrecking;
- Placing or causing to be placed any destructive device or substance;
- Interfering with the safety of any occupants;
- Damaging cargo;
- Communicates knowingly false information which would endanger the safety of the aircraft; and
- Conspires to do any of the above prohibited actions.
Contact an Experienced West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing charges of destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, or are facing charges of international airport violence, you may be facing decades behind bars. For experienced criminal defense, call the West Palm Beach attorneys of Skier Law Firm today at (561) 820-1508.