Fireworks case moves to trial for MSU freshman

This case is a travisty. Our athletes run around the dorms looking to beat up anyone in range, and get slapped on the wrist. Then, when a freshman does something stupid with a firework, they threaten to put him away for 15 years! Madness! This kid could be a productive citizen, injustice in its most common form!

shouldn’t he get some independent study or lab credits for this? …he is pre-law afterall

why isn’t he being given the same slap on the wrist as the other students? if anything he seems like the least guilty out of the bunch. What the hell is wrong with ELPD and prosecutor’s office? AND WHY THE HECK ARE WE WASTING TAX MONEY ON THIS! lets keep geology and cut some funding the prosecuting office so they can waste time on this crap.

This article doesn’t say so, but presumably he was offered the same sort of plea bargain as the other people involved.

The felony charge does seem silly, but would you want to take that chance at trial?

Ouch.

i remember reading this story back when it happened late last year and I have one word for the entire thing – comical. i can’t believe the city is taking it this far. it was a firework and it was a prank not intended to hurt or injury anyone – throw them a fine of $200 and move on to doing more important stuff that will benefit EL and its citizens. this is a waste.

Overcharge and then plea bargain. It is thier brainless strategy they have used for years.

Those brainless twits in blue have nothing better to do and the white pompous prosecutors and judges don’t earn a dime of their paycheck. They should all be summarily dismissed. They are worthless and this is a rediculous case. They make it sound like some pre-law freshman is an East Lansing terrorist. Damn them!! Damn them all!!

They lit the fireworks! They lit the fireworks when they shouldn’t have!

Seriously, he’s charged after the FACE? Thanks SNEWS.

I respect this kid for sticking to his guns and taking this to trial … but, damn, he gets the wrong jury and it’s a felony conviction. Those are some big dice for a 19-year-old to be rolling with his life.

ELPD and prosecutor seem have nothing serious to do but bully kids making prank? Have you had any clue who robbed the banks around greater lansing area? Why don’t you spend more effort catching the real bad guy?

Legal system run amuck. These prosecutors and the judge should be voted out of office for this waste of time and resources and absolute poor judgment.

They are an embarrassment to the State.

Gook luck to the students, but when the supposed “adults” and “authority figures” are so idiotic, I don’t hold out much hope.

What ever happened to that carload of men rolling around EL beating people up? Seems like a much bigger deal than a silly firework.

To Wasielewski: Biała duma

What ever happened to that carload of men rolling around EL beating people up? Seems like a much bigger deal than a silly firework.

To Wasielewski: Biała duma

If Wasielewski gets anything more than a slap on the wrist, I will not be voting for Dunnings III in the next election. I think this whole situation is ridiculous. I’m surprised the ACLU hasn’t gotten involved. Wasielewski’s lawyers should go to the national media. I think the consensus for this situation would show that Dunnings III is blowing this way out of proportion.

I’m not sure why people think this kid should get off easy. He did something illegal, plain and simple. The crime carries very specific consequences and he either chose to remain ignorant as to them or disregarded them. He got caught and was very likely offered the same plea deal that his three friends took. He and his lawyer obviously believe he has a chance of prevailing at trial. If he does, good for him. If not, he’ll serve the appropriate time for his error as determined by a judge and jury of his peers.

Punishing crime isn’t about how major or minor the crime is, it’s about consistently applying the law across the board. I would expect anyone who does the same thing to receive the same level of attention from the criminal justice system, and to be offered the same options. No one is forcing him to go to trial. And, as always, the moral remains – don’t break the law.

Above quote “Overcharge and then plea bargain. It is thier brainless strategy they have used for years.” Correct, East Lansing has many ordinances that are larger offenses then anywhere else. Take an open intox. everywhere else it is a civil infraction, in E.L it is a misdemenor so they can make a deal. This whole case is BS. WAY TO GO Wasielewski for fighting this. And we should start a revolution in this effing city and burn down city hall. Most Bureucratic city in the world.

The one without sin should cast the first stone. We are so quick to pass judgments on an event that they were not directly an eye witness to. By all means, I’m not saying he should not be disciplined IF he did it. However, do so without a conviction, and a record with a beneficial type of program. instead of ruining his life before he can begin it. A rule in life is there are always two sides to every story and many people do bear false witness, such as people in our law enforcement. A story is always better when it is told in a discriptive emotional manner. Regarding the previous stmt who would ever vote for Stuart Dunnings 111. He has great influence and power in his position.He could start more preventative youth programs. Unfortunatly, he uses part of his power in determining how our taxes are being spent by placing the fate of our youths by quick fixing the problem and throwing them in prisons. His power is used in many abusive ways. For example, convicting a innocent young man Mccullum who had a jury trial where he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He was released after a few years for being innocent and was given a pat on his back and given a sorry. What a gut-wrenching feeling! What if someone did not go on the other side and rescue him. Everyone involved in that conviction should have to serve the time in prison just as he had to. Him and his family should be awarded millions for that torture. Dunning’s power ruined that innocent family. It does make you think for a moment how many more cases are there that were wrongly convicted. Are we as a society that heartless to vote for him again? I did not. I’m sorry when you are granted that king of power, there is absolutely no room for mistakes. Everyone should have been fired and convicted immediately! I am old school an eye for an eye. In many situations as such, the charges are so above and beyond the actual crime committed. In many cases with just hearsay. What is our law enforcement doing to our children? Kids are going to do silly irresponsible rights and wrongs. People please think back at that age and remember how vulnerable you were in life. This is what life is all about… learning. Over the years, The legal system is getting extremely out of hand with prosecuting felony con-
victionsfor such stuff as firecrackers. they are taking advantage of the innocence in our kids. 95% of the time they don’t even know what they’re being charged with. I do know who would be an excellant replacement for Dunnings111: Joel Ferguson, Lansing would not be where it is today without his diplomatic business knowledge. I admire his fairness and intelligence.

Alright Alright! You really got to be joking!!!!! What!

This is a prime example of how unjustly the Lansing courts are getting. This has happened many times where more than one person is convicticed of a crime. They will single one in the group out and hype up the charges to like 5 felonies to laws you have never heard of. By the the time the plea comes you are still convicted on a felony conviction. Where are our constitutional rights? You know the judge is going to believe the cops. Please legal system don’t waste my hard earned money because you guys have to make it look like your working s BIG case over dam firework that you can buy in the store. We are going to protect our own just like u do. For God sakes he is just a kid!!!! cop Bullies

Diane Im sorry could you please make a name for yourself on a real crimminal. Did you college? Ok, No Burden of proof. Maybe you did not read that right or did not have your glasses on. I will show some manner and capitalize it for you, NO BURDEN OF PROOF.

Dismiss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, If he comes out with a ticket, the arrest charges will still be in the system. Why are they crucifying him. Poor Baby, Fight for your rights. hang in there

Cool. Can we do this to the Einsteins on our football team too?

I don’t understand why the girls aren’t being charged with the same thing, I think this is yet another case of sexism.

he was not offered the same plea bargain as the girls were… he has a different lawyer