Just Like Us Only Better

The AP reports (no link - on purpose) that former "Only One" and current actor Dennis Farina was given a sentence of up to two years probation and a fine of $1,991 for accidentally attempting to take a loaded .22 caliber pistol in his briefcase onto a commercial flight on May 11 of this year. According to the story, "while on probation" Farina cannot own or carry a gun.

I'm curious; did the law under which he was sentenced allow for imprisonment for more than one year? Because under 18 USC section 922(g)(1) "any person who has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" loses his or her right to arms. As the law expresses it:

It shall be unlawful for any (such) person ... to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

That would pretty much mean you can't touch a gun or ammunition.

Ever again.

He pled guilty to "a misdemeanor charge of bringing a weapon into a secure area at Los Angeles International Airport." According to the AP, in exchange for his guilty plea the charges of carrying concealed and carrying a loaded weapon were dropped. I'm pretty sure those were felonies.

Anybody taking bets on how Joe or Jane Average would have been treated?