Father Gets 20 Years In Prison for Firing A Warning Shot in Florida

[KeepingItReal]

Gun toters should read this article about a father protecting his family in his own home and think long about what could happen if their gun is ever fired. Don't know what the plea bargain he turned down would have given him. This man was a Sea World Biologist. I have owned many guns, I do own a gun now lawfully and I do keep it loaded.

'I hadn't done anything wrong': Father-of-two who was given 20-year prison sentence for firing a warning shot to scare violent thug who was threatening his family hits out | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781660/I-hadn-t-wrong-Father-two-given-20-year-prison-sentence-firing-warning-shot-scare-violent-thug-threatening-family-hits-out.html)

[B767drvr]

Gun toters should read this article about a father protecting his family in his own home and think long about what could happen if their gun is ever fired. Don't know what the plea bargain he turned down would have given him. This man was a Sea World Biologist.

'I hadn't done anything wrong': Father-of-two who was given 20-year prison sentence for firing a warning shot to scare violent thug who was threatening his family hits out | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781660/I-hadn-t-wrong-Father-two-given-20-year-prison-sentence-firing-warning-shot-scare-violent-thug-threatening-family-hits-out.html)

Your use of the term "gun toters" leads a reasonable person to believe you don't agree with lawful firearm owners.

The fact that you site an article where a firearm was discharged, the situation resolved without injury, and you warn other firearm owners to take heed all lead me to believe you are against firearms.

Would you have preferred a violent resolution to this sad predicament?

What exactly are you warning firearm owners about? One could reasonably assume, forget the warning shot and shoot to kill. I mean how much worse could it get? 20 years for firing a warning shot or how many years for a manslaughter or negligent homicide conviction? I guess I see your point. Fire away!

[Edjkoz]

This is sad. Had he used a stand his ground defense, he could have killed the person and got away with it. This isn't a gun issue but an issue with the law

[Taltarzac725]

Gun toters should read this article about a father protecting his family in his own home and think long about what could happen if their gun is ever fired. Don't know what the plea bargain he turned down would have given him. This man was a Sea World Biologist.

'I hadn't done anything wrong': Father-of-two who was given 20-year prison sentence for firing a warning shot to scare violent thug who was threatening his family hits out | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781660/I-hadn-t-wrong-Father-two-given-20-year-prison-sentence-firing-warning-shot-scare-violent-thug-threatening-family-hits-out.html)

This is from 2008.

[sunnyatlast]

Gun toters?

Sounds like "Knuckle Draggers". Why would you degrade people who want to protect their home and family within the laws and constitution?

This story appears in the UK rag paper for what reason?

The guy apparently didn't take the plea deal offered him of probation and no incarceration. Maybe he should have listened to his lawyer, or appeal if his lawyer didn't advise him of the mandatory sentence he'd face by going to trial.

[Walt.]

He was somehow charged with "aggravated assault using a firearm." Of course, you have to wonder, what was he thinking when he let his 16 year old daughter's homeless boyfriend move in? Also... why is this 6 year old story being brought up?

[Barefoot]

Gun toters should read this article about a father protecting his family in his own home and think long about what could happen if their gun is ever fired. Don't know what the plea bargain he turned down would have given him. This man was a Sea World Biologist.

'I hadn't done anything wrong': Father-of-two who was given 20-year prison sentence for firing a warning shot to scare violent thug who was threatening his family hits out | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2781660/I-hadn-t-wrong-Father-two-given-20-year-prison-sentence-firing-warning-shot-scare-violent-thug-threatening-family-hits-out.html)

I don't agree with the sentence, I think it was too severe.
However the headline makes it sound as if an intruder broke into the home and was threatening the family.
The article goes on to explain that the violent thug was a 17 year old boy that the father had invited to live with them. A boyfriend of his daughter.
Evidently the daughter was quarreling with her boyfriend and the father fired a warning shot into the wall.

[KeepingItReal]

This is from 2008.

Well aware of that, especially since it is right in the article, apparently he wanted to speak out now about his sentence.......

Lee Wollard, 59, from Devenport, Florida, was given the lengthy term after a jury found him guilty of aggravated assault, shooting a firearm inside a building and child endangerment in 2008.

By WILLS ROBINSON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 17:47 EST, 5 October 2014 | UPDATED: 19:05 EST, 5 October 2014

[KeepingItReal]

Your use of the term "gun toters" leads a reasonable person to believe you don't agree with lawful firearm owners.

The fact that you site an article where a firearm was discharged, the situation resolved without injury, and you warn other firearm owners to take heed all lead me to believe you are against firearms.

Would you have preferred a violent resolution to this sad predicament?

What exactly are you warning firearm owners about? One could reasonably assume, forget the warning shot and shoot to kill. I mean how much worse could it get? 20 years for firing a warning shot or how many years for a manslaughter or negligent homicide conviction? I guess I see your point. Fire away!


Reasonable person not so much, crazy how things do get twisted. I have owned many guns, I do own a gun lawfully, I keep it loaded and will use it if necessary, just a story that appeared in the /Daily Mail Today. If he got 20 years for a warning shot inside his own home with the problems he was dealing with it's a pretty tough sentence .. No doubt the motorcycle rider would have been better off had he not had a gun and fired it most likely. In Florida firing a weapon, even a warning shot, can get anyone in to some big problems. Having a gun available outside your home could have severe unintended consequences.

[KeepingItReal]

Gun toters?

Sounds like "Knuckle Draggers". Why would you degrade people who want to protect their home and family within the laws and constitution?

This story appears in the UK rag paper for what reason?




tote 1 (tt)
tr.v. tot·ed, tot·ing, totes Informal
1. To haul; lug.
2. To have on one's person; pack: toting guns.

I am a lawful gun owner and have owned rifles, shotguns, etc., it is a pretty tough sentence for just firing a shot, any degrading done is just in your own mind.. Unlike calling the Daily Mail a rag for no reason but I doubt they care.

[KeepingItReal]

I don't agree with the sentence, I think it was too severe.
However the headline makes it sound as if an intruder broke into the home and was threatening the family.
The article goes on to explain that the violent thug was a 17 year old boy that the father had invited to live with them. A boyfriend of his daughter.
Evidently the daughter was quarreling with her boyfriend and the father fired a warning shot into the wall.



I agree it is ridiculously severe but it happened just for firing a warning shot inside his own home. Someone pulling a gun and shooting in public no doubt would be considered even more dangerous it would seem but then who knows.

[jblum315]

What relevance does this have for TV? Took place in England years ago, reported by The Daily Mail, a scandal sheet?

[JBarracks]

Who found him guilty of aggravated assault? A jury or a judge? And who was the prosecutor who thought that he should be charged with this crime?

The Governor should issue a pardon if the story is true as read.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

You always need to know the full story and all the facts before passing judgment. Giving the man 20 yrs is just stupid in my opinion. Like our prisons are not over crowded enough already. They are releasing convicted violent people to house drug users and guys like in the article makes no sense at all.

[Sandtrap328]

Instead of something that happened in 2008 and reported in a foreign paper, concentrate on the present.

The Wesley Chapel retired police captain who shot a young father in a movie theater for tossing popcorn, poster boy Zimmerman for shooting a black teen, a man who shoots into a car full of teens over loud music, and now an angry biker who shoots at an occupied car for honking the horn. All of these supposedly had carry permits!

[Taltarzac725]

This is sad. Had he used a stand his ground defense, he could have killed the person and got away with it. This isn't a gun issue but an issue with the law

Man jailed for 20 years for protecting his family in his own home. (http://monroetalks.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=7c9009680dc579872224c6a17383dd 51&topic=23901.msg524968#msg524968)

You are right. It is legislators painting with too broad a brush and throwing fairness and common sense out the window to give prosecutors a tool in their war on crime. This tool was mandatory sentencing primarily related to the war on drugs.

[justjim]

It would be nice to know if the guy is still serving time or out on an appeal. By the way, it's been proven over and over again, thousands are in prison for punishment too severe or crimes they didn't commit. The "system" is far from perfect.

[Taltarzac725]

It would be nice to know if the guy is still serving time or out on an appeal. By the way, it's been proven over and over again, thousands are in prison for punishment too severe or crimes they didn't commit. The "system" is far from perfect.

Sentence a (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/sentence-a-crime-in-itself-mandatory-minimum-tales/nfJjN/)

As of March 2014 he is still in prison.

[KayakerNC]

Evidently he was too cheap to hire a competent lawyer.:crap2:

[redwitch]

He felt he had done nothing wrong and opted for a trial by jury. He had been offered probation and no jail time. He was not standing his ground. His daughter was not in mortal danger. He opted to fire his weapon rather than call the police or use less potentially deadly means to get his point of view across. The jury found him guilty. The judge's hands were tied due to mandatory sentencing.

It was this man's arrogance that put him into prison. It is the stupidity of mandatory sentencing that will keep him in prison.

A concealed should be fired only under two circumstances -- at a shooting range or to protect yourself or another from serious bodily harm. Warning shots are this side of stupid. Either shoot to kill or get rid of your gun.

[manaboutown]

What sort of father was he to allow a scumbag 17 year old boyfriend live with his 16 year old daughter in his house? This man made some very poor decisions.

[kittygilchrist]

Florida lawmakers approve 'warning shot' bill revising self-defense laws | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/04/florida-lawmakers-approve-warning-shot-bill-revising-self-defense-laws/)

Revision in florida statutes eases mandatories for warning shots in self defense.

I signed a petition for his release after reading full report by cbs.
http://www.change.org/p/commute-the-20-year-mandatory-minimum-sentence-for-a-father-protecting-his-family

[KeepingItReal]

What relevance does this have for TV? Took place in England years ago, reported by The Daily Mail, a scandal sheet?

Uh! Did we even look at the article, Lee Wollard, 59, from Devenport, Florida, was given the lengthy term after a jury found him guilty of aggravated assault, shooting a firearm inside a building and child endangerment in 2008.

On October 5, 2014, at 9:00 am, CBS Sunday Morning will air an interview Lee gave from prison. For any of you who have a chance to watch, please know that if you can raise awareness about the case based on what you hear from Lee, it would be an important act of compassion.

[Taltarzac725]

Florida lawmakers approve 'warning shot' bill revising self-defense laws | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/04/florida-lawmakers-approve-warning-shot-bill-revising-self-defense-laws/)

Revision in florida statutes eases mandatories for warning shots in self defense.

I signed a petition for his release after reading full report by cbs.
Petition · Grant clemency to a father serving a 20 year mandatory minimum sentence for trying to protect his family · Change.org (http://www.change.org/p/commute-the-20-year-mandatory-minimum-sentence-for-a-father-protecting-his-family)

Thanks for posting this link and signing the petition.

[dplars]

His attorney picked the wrong venue. Who was the judge? Conservative or liberal.....take a guess?

[redwitch]

His attorney picked the wrong venue. Who was the judge? Conservative or liberal.....take a guess?

Read the story. The judge had no choice. And you don't get to pick and choose your venue. Unless you can prove extreme prejudice or bias, you are tried in the county where the crime allegedly occurred. Cherry picking judge and jury is not that easy to do.

[Barefoot]

He felt he had done nothing wrong and opted for a trial by jury. He had been offered probation and no jail time. He was not standing his ground. His daughter was not in mortal danger. He opted to fire his weapon rather than call the police or use less potentially deadly means to get his point of view across. The jury found him guilty. The judge's hands were tied due to mandatory sentencing.

It was this man's arrogance that put him into prison. It is the stupidity of mandatory sentencing that will keep him in prison.

A concealed should be fired only under two circumstances -- at a shooting range or to protect yourself or another from serious bodily harm. Warning shots are this side of stupid. Either shoot to kill or get rid of your gun.

Well said, excellent post.

[jblum315]

I understand the judges hate the mandatory sentencing but they have no choice.

[John_W]

If you notice on the photo from the UK newspaper, there is a CBS logo in the corner. That story ran yesterday on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. So I knew about it right away from the headline. In the TV story they showed a large hole in the wall, where the 17 year old had punched the wall during the confrontation. They said in the story, had he just shot and killed the kid instead of firing a warning shot, he would of probably walked away with no crime or time.

His biggest mistake was inviting the punk into his home to live all because he didn't have a place to live and he was dating his 16 year old daughter. Really, he obviously didn't have a lot of common sense. That's even clear for rejecting the plea bargain and going through with a trial. The only reason I can think of, maybe losing his job if convicted of a crime. It never mentioned that, only that he wanted a jury trial instead.

His wife said the kid was very nice the first week and then it all went down hill. His daughter and the kid were sneaking out at night, so he tried to have him evicted from the home, but couldn't get him to leave. Maybe he didn't try hard enough, maybe he could of called the police. Next mistake, not being able to control his own 16 year old daughter. Now, he is serving 20 years and the kid is walking around free.

[KeepingItReal]

Florida lawmakers approve 'warning shot' bill revising self-defense laws | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/04/florida-lawmakers-approve-warning-shot-bill-revising-self-defense-laws/)

Revision in florida statutes eases mandatories for warning shots in self defense.

I signed a petition for his release after reading full report by cbs.
Petition · Grant clemency to a father serving a 20 year mandatory minimum sentence for protecting his family · Change.org (http://www.change.org/p/commute-the-20-year-mandatory-minimum-sentence-for-a-father-protecting-his-family)

Petition signed today....it has a place to E Mail it to others if anyone desires to do so...

[wazoga]

I am a brand new villager, just arrived last week. about 15 years ago i had fl ccw and if you read statue 790 firearms laws it states warning shots are a felony. You can only fire to stop a forceable felony or if faced with death or grave bodily injury. at least that is what it was 15 years ago.

[kittygilchrist]

https://www.change.org/p/gov-rick-scott-grant-clemency-to-lee-wollard/u/8363624?tk=BpPw77QJVgYrvr4bdYfFSKMIfZE7dOZcOqdNTH6 lBQo&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=petition_update_email

Update on petition...