An April Fools’ Day Joke That Wasn’t So Funny

Digging around looking for April Fools’ Day material I found this criminal case; it’s a textbook example of what not to do on a day like today:

April 7, 1970, [the] defendant entered the grocery store where she worked. He produced a toy handgun and stated, ‘This is a hold-up’. [The cashier] gave him the folding money from the register which he took and fanned out on the counter. He had a mask, but didn’t put it over his face because she already knew who he was, and for this reason he stated he should shoot her. She said, ‘Please don’t shoot me’. He stood there for a minute, gave the money back to her and said it was an April fool’s joke. Thereafter, he ordered and paid for one bottle of beer and left.

The court found that the defendant had the requisite intent to commit armed robbery and he was charged as such. It’s not all that funny having to go to court to defend yourself for a joke, but then again, I don’t think armed robbery is ever really a joke anyway. Not the brightest defendant.

Goodwin & Scieszka would like to wish you a happy April Fools’ Day. Our advice: faking an armed robbery is a good way to get you into a whirlwind of legal trouble. Avoid it. Save yourself the headache. Try something simple like a fake news story.

As always, if you’ve been injured, then our firm is here for you. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your personal injury. If you or a loved one is one of the many people affected by a personal injury accident in Michigan don’t attempt to fight alone, because you’re not alone.

Our Michigan attorneys are here to help, and we can guide you and your loved ones through the complex judicial process for all personal injury cases, like slip and fall lawsuits or dog bite claims as well as help you with what to expect in a settlement and what to expect in a trial. Remember, our lawyers fight for you and Your Rights.