Chapter 18 - SADIE’S STATEMENT
Sadie did not testify live initially.
The prosecutor hoped:
Medical records.
Video.
Adult witnesses.
Would be enough for assault.
Defense exercised confrontation rights regarding certain statements.
The judge evaluated child testimony accommodations.
At six, Sadie could testify if competent, with appropriate protections.
I hated it.
Naomi reminded me:
“You don’t choose criminal procedure.”
I knew.
Still hated it.
A child specialist prepared Sadie.
Not rehearsing answers.
Explaining courtroom.
Who sits where.
If you don’t know, say you don’t know.
If you don’t remember, say that.
No guessing.
Sadie asked:
“Will Uncle Derek yell?”
“No.”
“Will he look at me?”
“Maybe.”
“I don’t want.”
Court allowed positioning and limited visual accommodations consistent with rights.
Not magical hiding.
Then plea negotiations resumed.
Derek offered to plead guilty to felony child endangerment and misdemeanor assault, plus evidence tampering.
Prosecutor considered.
Would Sadie need to testify?
Possibly not.
Sentencing range lower than trial maximum.
Natalie asked:
“What do you want?”
I hated the question.
This was not my sentence.
But victim input mattered.
I asked Sadie’s therapist.
Not Sadie directly as a bargaining tool.
The therapist said avoiding live testimony could reduce stress.
Not always.
Sadie herself, when told adults were deciding whether she had to speak in court, said:
“I already told truth.”
That sentence stayed with me.
She had.
Police.
Doctor.
Therapist.
Video.
Why should she perform truth repeatedly because adults needed procedure?
Sometimes law requires it.
If a lawful plea avoided that, I supported.
The prosecutor ultimately rejected Derek’s offer because one key count and digital conduct still required more accountability under their assessment.
Trial continued.
I was furious.
Then Naomi said:
“You spent eighteen years defending systems where victims do not personally set charges.”
“I know.”
“You hate it now.”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Not good.
Human.
Sadie would testify briefly if needed.
Then Derek made a choice that changed the trial again.
He entered an open plea on the assault against Sadie.
Guilty.
No sentencing agreement.
That count was done.
No need for Sadie to prove he stomped her hand.
The remaining trial would concern broader endangerment, evidence tampering, and digital conduct.
He finally stopped disputing the most undeniable fact.
Sadie would not testify.
I cried in a courthouse bathroom.
May you like
Not victory.
Relief.
