Little Victories
Yesterday’s court proceedings produced the outcome we were hoping for! The judge ruled in favor of the prosecution regarding the issue of conflict of interest in the public defender’s office, which means that the defendant must now work with an alternate public defender. As I understand, this allows his former attorney to be called to the stand if the prosecution deems it necessary, and having to build a new client-attorney relationship potentially weakens his defense. Frankly, given the evidence presented in court, it’s hard for me to understand why the public defender did not recuse himself from the beginning. Just one of the many things that feels gross about both the justice system in general and our case specifically.
Deputy DA Kenney was prepared for this outcome and had already sent the appropriate documents to the alternate defender’s office. There is an official proceeding required to hand the case over, and Deputy DA Kenney asked for that to happen yesterday afternoon. I logged on to the session from home (with my camera OFF, lol!). The new defender told the judge that she expects to accept the case, but asked for another week to review the documents. It literally took about two minutes and we expect it to be that quick next week, as well. (Once it is our turn- there are multiple cases on the docket.) Nevertheless, I do plan on going. I think it’s important to show my face in court as much as possible. This will be in Department 24 at 1:30pm on Wednesday, March 11. I would love company, but if your availability to join us in court is limited, this would probably be the one to skip.
After that, the legal proceedings will resume on Friday, April 17 at 9:00am in Department 34 at the Hall of Justice Courthouse on Hedding. The defendant could put his plea in then, but it is more likely they will ask for yet another extension. Deputy DA Kenney assures us this is part of the process and things are on the right track.
Nevertheless, the slow pace of the justice system is absolutely exhausting and disheartening! Until he is brought to justice, my heart is in limbo. Grief needs peace and there is absolutely no peace when so much is unknown and unsettled. I find solace in music, dancing, writing, art, but the “adulting” gets in the way, and this situation requires a completely different, wrenching category of adulting.
I’m so grateful for friends who have reached out just to let me know they are thinking of me and to ask if there is any way to help. Prompted by a friend’s text, I have been reflecting on how to answer “Can I help?” I’m not good at asking for help simply because I like doing things myself! However, there are a lot of tasks I could use help with to lessen the general overwhelm. My garden needs tending, there are lots of items (Jeannessa’s and my own!) that need sorting and donating to the right places, and various other household tasks. I’d welcome help on these things, and I appreciate sensitivity to the reality that I may not be able to plan far in advance due to both logistics and emotional readiness. If you find yourself with an hour or two, and are ok with working on a job with me, ping me. Even if it doesn’t work out, I will appreciate the offer!
Whether it’s the outcome of a court proceeding or getting a job done to help me clear space in my head and my heart, I appreciate each of these little victories!