Chapter 12 - THE VERDICT
Brandon was convicted on the principal violent offense submitted to the jury and on multiple financial counts supported by the evidence.
Not every prosecution count resulted in conviction.
That mattered too.
The system was not supposed to produce maximum punishment merely because I had suffered.
It was supposed to decide what could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing occurred later.
The court considered the seriousness of the fall, planning evidence, financial motive, lack of immediate assistance, criminal history, and other statutory factors.
Brandon received a substantial prison sentence.
Not a theatrical hundred-year punishment.
A serious sentence consistent with the offenses of conviction and jurisdictional rules.
He was also subject to restitution and financial judgments.
Margaret received a lesser sentence reflecting her different conduct and cooperation.
She lost money.
Freedom.
Status.
May you like
But consequences were individualized.
That mattered to me by then.
