Chapter 18 - Pretrial
Jocelyn was charged with:
Felony forgery/identity misuse connected to false parental authorization and school documents.
Misdemeanor child endangerment tied to punitive porch/garage sleeping and physical expulsion.
Attempted custodial interference.
The last was hardest.
The state argued:
She intended to remove Emmett across state lines and keep him there without Declan’s consent.
Defense:
She intended a temporary grandparent placement, believed Declan would agree, and never completed removal.
The statute required intent.
Jury question.
No kidnapping charge.
No conspiracy with Ruth.
Ruth was victim of deception.
Cecily not charged because evidence did not show she knew the documents were forged.
Maribel witness.
Then a plea offer.
Prosecutor:
Plead guilty to felony forgery and misdemeanor child endangerment.
Dismiss attempted custodial interference.
Recommendation:
Short jail/home confinement mix, probation, no contact with Emmett without approval.
Jocelyn refused felony.
Career.
Professional licensing? She wasn't licensed. Still employment.
Reputation.
She offered misdemeanor false statement and endangerment.
Rejected.
Trial.
Meanwhile my diversion ended.
Charge dismissed after completion.
I did not use that as superiority.
Just closure.
Then Emmett asked:
“Jocelyn jail?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do I go court?”
“No.”
Good.
Prosecutor built case without him live.
Videos.
Documents.
Adult witnesses.
Child forensic interview used only where legally admissible; they tried to minimize.
May you like
I was grateful.
He had already been forced to prove enough.
