Verdict

After the arrest in July 2023, we learned that we were being charged with a felony. We were appointed attorneys due to the severity of the charges and went right to work trying to get the charged reduced/dismissed/mitigated.

Ultimately, our efforts amounted to nothing. So, on July 22, 2024… our criminal trial started. A jury was selected, and the opening statements were given, and the state began presenting their case. On July 23, the state presented the rest of their case, and we decided to exercise our fifth amendment right not to testify. We chose that option because, thanks to the state’s evidence, our own words were already in the record. There was nothing we could add that would do better.

On July 24, closing arguments from all attorneys were given as well as instructions to the jury. And the waiting game continued. After lunch and a little more waiting and we got our verdict. As I told our friend that was there for support, “I don’t know whether I’m excited or terrified.”

As the jury confirmed that they reached a decision. We stood at attention, and the clerk read the verdict of “Not guilty.” It was then that the weight of the last 18 months fell off our shoulders, and we could take a deep breath effortlessly.

We get to go about our lives now without the label. We also get to figure out our next steps. Life has gotten a million times better.