Texas Man Indicted Under New Federal Law

A Texas man is the first person to be indicted under a new federal law which was signed into effect by President Obama on February 14, 2012. The law makes it a federal crime to "knowingly aim the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or at the flight path of such an aircraft." A laser pointer is any "device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object." The new federal offense carries penalties of a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in a federal prison.

The man charged with the crime had allegedly used such a device to shine a light into the cockpit of a Dallas Police Department helicopter which was being used to look for vehicle burglary suspects in a Dallas neighborhood. The defendant had apparently repeatedly aimed his high-intensity laser at the aircraft which created vision problems and control problems for its pilot. The pilot in the incident was able to direct law enforcement on the ground to the laser's location, which resulted in the man's arrest and indictment.

Arrested in Dallas for a state or federal offense?

With state and federal laws constantly changing as well as with new ones being added into law, as in the above case, the criminal justice system has become more and more complex. If you are arrested and charged with any type of offense, whether it involves drunk driving, laser pointing, illegal drug activity, or other crimes, it is essential to seek highly-qualified legal representation. You will want an attorney with a reputation for hard work, an aggressive approach, and the experience needed to handle all aspects of your case, from investigation to jury trial. If you are arrested on federal charges, you will want an attorney who is licensed to practice in federal court and who is experienced in handling such cases.

The D'Amore Law Firm supplies all of the essentials in criminal defense and more. Attorney D'Amore is a 20-year legal veteran with a background as a Special Prosecutor. This gives him the kind of knowledge, insight, and skill needed to give you the best chance at obtaining an optimum case result. His firm has earned a reputation for its quality of legal service throughout the greater Dallas area and is well-respected by law enforcement as well as the criminal justice system. Get the competent and dedicated legal help you need; contact the firm for a free case evaluation following your arrest.