A Dangerous Rush to Judgment. Client was a long-term and well respected school employee. One day just before a school vacation, Client as well as a few other staff members reported thefts at the school. Client was soon contacted by police because she was seen in the hallway at the time of the alleged thefts. Client gave a full statement to police, and cooperated entirely with the investigation, as she had nothing to hide. Client soon learned that the investigation was more like a witch hunt. In fact, client was quickly charged and a replacement employee hired, based on nothing more than the fact that she was in the hallway at the time the thefts reportedly occurred. Just like that, a life-time of achievement was thrown away. After months of litigation where we filed multiple motions for additional discovery regarding the investigation (or lack thereof), we obtained a copy of the surveillance video in the hallway. This video showed that there was actually another individual in the hallway, and in the classrooms where thefts allegedly occurred. A careful viewing of this hour and a half video showed a high school student exiting one of the classrooms, pulling money out of his pocket, looking at it, and then doing a fist pump in celebration. The evidence against him was damning, and my client endured significant heart ache and stress as a result of his actions. But my client was a consummate professional and educator and felt badly for this individual - a special needs student with serious limitations. She didnt want to sit through a trial where our entire defense would be to show that this boy was actually the culprit, as she knew he already had troubles. So after significant negotiations, we were able to reach a fair resolution that allowed for my client to be vindicated without dragging this boy through the mud and stress of a trial. My client accepted a short period of pre-trial probation. As long as client stays out of trouble, all charges will be dismissed. Client can get back to what matters - her wonderful family, without this hanging over her head. And hopefully, this young boy will get the help he needs.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 20:16:32 +0000