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Lying to the FBI/federal authorities is a crime. Lying to the local police is not a crime. However, obstruction of justice is a crime, so if you lied and your lie's purpose was obstruction of justice, you can be charged.
Thanks for the daily laugh. Lying to police is typically charged as Making or Providing a False Statement, which is different than Obstruction of Justice.
Is there any way the Nigerian guys did this on their own? Is anyone talking about this?
What motive?
According to the CPD there are numerous phone contacts directly before and after the alleged event between Smollett and one of the "Nigerian" guys. That strongly suggests there was coordination.
Which brings up another odd issue about this case: these guys are American citizens born and raised in the United States, so why does seemingly every media account refer to them as "Nigerian?" If their parents were from Mexico, would they be referred to as the Mexican brothers? If their parents were from the Netherlands, would they be referred to as the Dutch brothers? If their parents were Lakota, would they be called the Native American brothers?
If it is not left or right... then perhaps you should lecture the left about it being wrong... the right is already there...
In practical terms, Smollett could have been put on trial, and found guilty of filing a false police report. Filing a false police report is normally a misdemeanor, but it can be a felony. If found guilty of the felony, Smollett could have faced a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail. Given that he has no previous criminal record, the time in jail probably would not have been imposed, and instead public service would have been imposed. Guess what, he gave Illinois the $10,000 and has performed public service, and may perform more public service. From the Prosecuting Attorney's office, this would be a win. They got what the state would have gotten anyway, without the time and expense of a trial. Smollett's team got a win, because they avoided the publicity and repercussions of a trial ending with a guilty verdict. That is what plea deals are all about, both sides getting a win.
According to the CPD there are numerous phone contacts directly before and after the alleged event between Smollett and one of the "Nigerian" guys. That strongly suggests there was coordination.
Which brings up another odd issue about this case: these guys are American citizens born and raised in the United States, so why does seemingly every media account refer to them as "Nigerian?" If their parents were from Mexico, would they be referred to as the Mexican brothers? If their parents were from the Netherlands, would they be referred to as the Dutch brothers? If their parents were Lakota, would they be called the Native American brothers?
According to the CPD there are numerous phone contacts directly before and after the alleged event between Smollett and one of the "Nigerian" guys. That strongly suggests there was coordination.
The whole thing is so strange I'm wondering if the two guys did it on ther own somehow, but I can't see a motive.
The phone calls may've been unrelated? I'm speculating. I guess the ridiculousness of hiring two black guys to pretend to be white guys to attack you seems beyond the pale. I honestly can't fathom it. I would at least hire thugs of the correct race.
In practical terms, Smollett could have been put on trial, and found guilty of filing a false police report. Filing a false police report is normally a misdemeanor, but it can be a felony. If found guilty of the felony, Smollett could have faced a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail. Given that he has no previous criminal record, the time in jail probably would not have been imposed, and instead public service would have been imposed. Guess what, he gave Illinois the $10,000 and has performed public service, and may perform more public service. From the Prosecuting Attorney's office, this would be a win. They got what the state would have gotten anyway, without the time and expense of a trial. Smollett's team got a win, because they avoided the publicity and repercussions of a trial ending with a guilty verdict. That is what plea deals are all about, both sides getting a win.
This is so rational I think I love you
Makes sense if they were trying to do the practical thing rather than the dramatic/emotionally reactive.
BUT an explanation with more detail would've been great. As in, was this a hoax or not. Their failure to state such in so many words is disturbing.
Had the prosecutor stated what you did herein I'd feel better.
The blatancy of no one saying they are still pursuing the "real" attackers seems incongruent with them NOT stating the above.
If not a hoax, they why not still investigating?
If the prosecutors know it's a hoax, why not do a plea deal rather than what they did?
Why not OUT it as a hoax? Seems they wish to leave doubt and confusion...why?
Last edited by VexedAndSolitary; 03-27-2019 at 09:14 AM..
In practical terms, Smollett could have been put on trial, and found guilty of filing a false police report. Filing a false police report is normally a misdemeanor, but it can be a felony. If found guilty of the felony, Smollett could have faced a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail. Given that he has no previous criminal record, the time in jail probably would not have been imposed, and instead public service would have been imposed. Guess what, he gave Illinois the $10,000 and has performed public service, and may perform more public service. From the Prosecuting Attorney's office, this would be a win. They got what the state would have gotten anyway, without the time and expense of a trial. Smollett's team got a win, because they avoided the publicity and repercussions of a trial ending with a guilty verdict. That is what plea deals are all about, both sides getting a win.
Why do people keep saying this? Yes he DOES have a previous criminal record -- which incidentally includes lying to police. Also incidentally, he tried to throw his own brother under the bus the first time he was arrested just like he's throwing the "Nigerian" brothers under the bus now. . And there was no "plea deal" -- the sixteen felony counts were dropped entirely so he will never have to own up to what he did.
He clearly didn't learn his lesson the first time so maybe some time in jail could have helped him clear his head a little and clue him in that actions do have consequences. Instead he is learning that wealth and celebrity are a Get Out of Jail Free card.
Why do people keep saying this? Yes he DOES have a previous criminal record -- which incidentally includes lying to police. Also incidentally, he tried to throw his own brother under the bus the first time he was arrested just like he's throwing the "Nigerian" brothers under the bus now. . And there was no "plea deal" -- the sixteen felony counts were dropped entirely so he will never have to own up to what he did.
He clearly didn't learn his lesson the first time so maybe some time in jail could have helped him clear his head a little and clue him in that actions do have consequences. Instead he is learning that wealth and celebrity are a Get Out of Jail Free card.
Indeed, in 2007 Smollett pleaded no contest to DUI, driving without a license and providing false information to law enforcement (pretending to be his brother). He was given two years probation and the choice of a fine or jail time for his 2007 arrest in Los Angeles.
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