Conviction for Shining Laser at Helicopter Overturned?

Sergio Rodriguez was sentenced to 14 years in prison for pointing a laser at a helicopter.

Today, the Ninth Circuit overturned his sentence. Why? He was just trying to see how far the laser would shine. (United States v Rodriguez, No. 14-10122)

This is not as ridiculous as it sounds. Mr. Rodriguez still faces 5 years in prison for pointing a laser at an aircraft. But the court decided that Mr. Rodriguez lacked the requisite intent for the more serious crime of attempting to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft, for which he had been sentenced to 14 years in a federal penitentiary.