>>It took them a long time to decide a charge, possibly to wait for the emotions to die down so they could slap his hands and walk away.
From the version of the article on Yahoo:
The charge is a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine under New Mexico law. The charges also include a provision that could result in a mandatory five years in jail because the offense was committed with a gun.
18 months is hardly a “wrist slap”, even less so if they add the 5 year “evil gun” add-on (which they should)
Now that's a little more serious. It screams "plea deal" and I'll bet the phone started buzzing in his attorney's hand the second it was announced. Personally I'd add another five years for Being A Liberal Jerk. If it isn't illegal it ought to be.