Lawyer Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Assaulting Drinking Buddy over Rude Call to His Law Firm
A Minnesota lawyer has been sentenced to more than six years in prison based on allegations he assaulted a former client who made a rude call to his law firm while the two men were drinking beers together.
Brian Pitera, 44, of Roseville was sentenced on Thursday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The fracas occurred last Christmas in St. Paul while Pitera was drinking beers with Richard Wegleitner, a former client. Prosecutors allege Pitera was angry because Wegleitner called Pitera’s firm and was rude to the receptionist.
Wegleitner was treated for a collapsed lung, broken collarbone and lost teeth, according to the charges. Pitera had alleged Wegleitner took the first swing, and he was merely defending himself, the story says. A prior story in the Star Tribune said Pitera and Wegleitner were roommates.
