I came across this while reading about Marissa.

Florida Judge Orders Release of Elderly Man Serving 20 Years for Firing Two Warning Shots

A Florida judge has ordered a new trial for Ronald Thompson, the 65-year-old disabled veteran who was sentenced to 20 years in prison under Florida’s mandatory minimum law after firing two warning shots to scare off a gang of teenagers. In the meantime, the judge wants Thompson, who has already served three years of his 20 year sentence, released from prison.

Thompson’s story exemplifies just how awful mandatory minimum laws can be. In 2009, he was visiting an elderly friend at her daughter’s home when the woman’s 17-year-old grandson arrived. The boy’s mother instructed her mother (Thompson’s friend) not to let the teenager, who had a history of violence, into the house. Along with three other friends, the boy tried to force his way past his grandmother into the home. Thompson, fearing for his friend’s safety, fired two warning shots into the ground.

State Attorney Angela Corey charged Thompson with four counts of aggravated assault. What happened next was a nightmare for the disabled veteran: