Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw
United States of America v. Jacob Whinkler
Date: 09-22-2025
Case Number:
Judge: Not Available
Court: United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Washington
Defendant's Attorney:
Click Here For The Best * Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory
Description:
Washington, DC criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with pointing a laser at Air Force One.
18 U.S. Code § 39A explicitly prohibits knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path..
This federal law was enacted in 2012 to address the serious safety risks that "laser strikes" pose to pilots and passengers.
Legal penalties
Violating the federal law against aiming a laser at an aircraft can result in severe criminal and civil penalties.
Criminal charges: A conviction can lead to a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years in federal prison, or both.
Civil penalties: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose additional civil fines. Fines can reach $32,646 per violation, with higher penalties for multiple incidents.
Felony charges: In some cases, prosecutors may also pursue more serious charges, such as interference with an aircraft, which can carry an even longer prison sentence.
Who enforces the law
Multiple federal agencies work together with state and local law enforcement to prosecute offenders.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Investigates individuals who intentionally aim lasers at aircraft.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Pursues civil penalties for violations of federal aviation regulations.
Why laser strikes are dangerous
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a harmless prank. The FAA and FBI have highlighted the dangers, which are amplified by modern, more powerful laser devices.
Pilot incapacitation: The highly concentrated light from a laser can temporarily blind or disorient a pilot during a critical phase of flight, such as takeoff or landing.
Safety hazard: A distracted or incapacitated pilot could cause a mid-air collision or other catastrophic incident, endangering everyone on board and on the ground.
Reflected glare: When the beam hits the cockpit windshield, it can cause an intense flash of light that fills the entire space, overwhelming the pilot's vision. Even at high altitudes, the beam can appear to be the size of a watermelon.
18 U.S. Code § 39A explicitly prohibits knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path..
This federal law was enacted in 2012 to address the serious safety risks that "laser strikes" pose to pilots and passengers.
Legal penalties
Violating the federal law against aiming a laser at an aircraft can result in severe criminal and civil penalties.
Criminal charges: A conviction can lead to a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years in federal prison, or both.
Civil penalties: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose additional civil fines. Fines can reach $32,646 per violation, with higher penalties for multiple incidents.
Felony charges: In some cases, prosecutors may also pursue more serious charges, such as interference with an aircraft, which can carry an even longer prison sentence.
Who enforces the law
Multiple federal agencies work together with state and local law enforcement to prosecute offenders.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Investigates individuals who intentionally aim lasers at aircraft.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Pursues civil penalties for violations of federal aviation regulations.
Why laser strikes are dangerous
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a harmless prank. The FAA and FBI have highlighted the dangers, which are amplified by modern, more powerful laser devices.
Pilot incapacitation: The highly concentrated light from a laser can temporarily blind or disorient a pilot during a critical phase of flight, such as takeoff or landing.
Safety hazard: A distracted or incapacitated pilot could cause a mid-air collision or other catastrophic incident, endangering everyone on board and on the ground.
Reflected glare: When the beam hits the cockpit windshield, it can cause an intense flash of light that fills the entire space, overwhelming the pilot's vision. Even at high altitudes, the beam can appear to be the size of a watermelon.
Outcome:
Being charged with a crime is not proof of guilt.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Jacob Whinkler?
The outcome was: Being charged with a crime is not proof of guilt.
Which court heard United States of America v. Jacob Whinkler?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the District of Columbia, DC. The presiding judge was Not Available.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Jacob Whinkler?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney's Office in Washington. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best * Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Jacob Whinkler decided?
This case was decided on September 22, 2025.