whoisgregg - 2:26 pm on Apr 30, 2010 (gmt 0)

Let's say 1000 people get caught jaywalking and they all get a $50 fine... then someone jaywalks in front of Apple and Apple calls their friends in a law enforcement task force, and you are charged with jaywalking, and your fine is $1000 and your shoes are collected as evidence.

In this case, the crime was publicized. Typically the government seeks maximum penalties for people whose crime ends up in the public spotlight and/or for people who profit indirectly from the crime through publicizing it's details.

A person who commits a crime blatantly, openly, and in front of as many people as possible is not just breaking the law but is also challenging society's ability to punish criminals who commit that crime. (Like the whole "come and get me" schtick that movie villians always pull.)

The government is not being harsh with this case, they're just not being as incredibly lenient as they are most of the time. It's an important distinction.