parents charged with unruly conduct for "harmless fun" comment

[Jim Johnson]

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/28/georgia-teens-accused-detonating-10-small-bombs-in-backyard-house/?test=latestnews

SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- Five teenagers face felony charges after being arrested on suspicion of making and detonating up to 10 bombs in the backyard of a house in Snellville, Ga., about 25 miles east of Atlanta, WSB-TV reports.

Snellville Police Det. Jim McDonald said the teens, ages 16 to 19, had made the small bombs using water bottles, bathroom cleaning fluids and aluminum foil.

He said officers found the remnants of 10 exploded devices in the backyard of the house.

"The container expands and pretty much just blows up," McDonald told the station.

Officers had surrounded the house with guns drawn after a neighbor rang police fearing someone was being shot.

The five teens face felony charges for possessing and manufacturing destructive devices, while two parents at the house will be charged with unruly conduct after telling police they thought the teens' bomb-making exploits were "harmless fun."

[doobie]

Holy crap..with the stuff I did...glad the cops never charged me with anything.... though I did stink out the house after accidentally setting off some explosives in the basement.

[Tom Sawyer]

A destructive device is not...

The term "destructive device" shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684 (2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the United States Code; or any other device which the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.

[KBCraig]

A destructive device is not...

The term "destructive device" shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684 (2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the United States Code; or any other device which the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes.

That's the federal definition, but I imagine they were charged under Georgia state law.

In Mass., that would be an "infernal device", and they would spend years in prison.

[Tom Sawyer]

Yeah if you can get 5 years for oral sex, with your spouse...  Georgia, the only thing that makes Alabama and Mississippi look progressive.

[Jim Johnson]

Yup... and even if they get off, the arrest will create havoc for them the rest of their lives.

[Russell Kanning]

remember citizen .... if you want your neighbors to spent time in jail .... call 911 for their safety and security

[Sam A. Robrin]

remember citizen .... if you want your neighbors to spent time in jail .... call 911 for their safety and security

I've got a little list--bet you have, too!  With a little planning and foresight, plus technical and legal knowhow...

[Russell Kanning]

hehehe