It could be the difference between a misdemeanor and felony, though.
Nobody is excusing their actions, but it's a well known fact that the CUPD inflates their charges.
Just doing their part to help CU earn a Fulmer cup.
An aside: Fulmer Cup points was Howell's focus on the story today. I found that to be a terrible approach to writing an article about this event. Maybe someday the buffs will have a professional writing about them.