Friday, September 17, 2010

The most exhausting week ever

Well, professionally speaking.

The jury returned a guilty verdict today, on both charges. A sad day because we're reminded that one young man is dead and another is going to prison. On days like this I feel utterly drained and a little despondent, but justice is always going to have a rough edge.

As ever, my sympathies to the family of the victim. Also, my gratitude to the Travis County Sheriffs Office who kept us all safe and sound throughout a very emotional trial.

And now excuse me while I sleep for twelve hours.

7 comments:

  1. I was a juror on your case this week. Like you I am also exhausted. However, I feel like I learned a lot from the process and am glad I served. Due to the circumstances of this case I don't think I would like to serve again, but of course would if chosen. This was an eye-opening experience and life changing event. I don't live in that world but know it exists. I do feel good about our decision and know we made the right one.

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  2. First of all, thank you for your service.

    Second of all, I promise that not all trials are that emotionally taxing! Unfortunately for you, we had the most serious of cases possible (excepting a capital case) combined with the outward stress imposed by some of those involved.

    Having spoken to you after the case, I was pleased to see that you had all spent time looking at the evidence, discussing it, and clearly taking your obligation seriously.

    So, thanks again (for your service and posting here) and enjoy as relaxing a weekend as you can!

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  3. Dear Mr. Pryor, a million blessings on you & your staff. It is through your countless hours of preparation & effort truth prevails evil. Two lives are tragically lost here. What makes these two particularly disheartening is that both could have been easily prevented. Perhaps,this case & verdict will serve as a 'wake up call' for those who have chosen drugs & violence.
    To the jury, witnesses, and investigators who courageously stood steadfast in their convictions to do the right thing, we thank you for your service in the name of justice.
    To the Honorable, Judge Mike Lynch, we would like to genuinely thank you for your integrity, dignity, & grace with which this trial was conducted. Repeated attempts were made to distract the court from the true purpose of this trial failed because of your attentiveness, knowledge, & willingness to uphold the rules of your court. By doing so, you have emphasized the rights, responsibilities and protections of each citizen attending the trial.
    Sincerely, Monique and Javier

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  4. Monique & Javier,
    Thanks so much, that means a lot. I know this past week was infinitely harder for you than me but, as you say, justice prevailed.

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  5. DAC, I would say congratulations, but it doesn't seem like the appropriate word for this situation.

    I would like to hear more about the witness incident when you get some time -- were there any indications that the witness would behave that way? what will happen to the "interloper"? could you prosecute that case, or would you have to recuse because you were more or less a witness.

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  6. Thanks RG.

    I plan to post a little more about it, I just want to wait until the trial is completely over. We have sentencing set for next Tuesday, and I do believe there are pending cases, so I want to be a little circumspect. :)

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  7. I was also a juror on this case and I can concur with how exhausting it was. I felt like I slept half of this past weekend. I was so exhausted I couldn't think straight.

    That said it was well worth it. Despite some of the comments I've seen on the Statesman about the "all white jury" (it wasn't all white but no matter), I know at the end of the day we all wrestled through the evidence presented and gave a verdict based on well reasoned facts and that alone.

    This was my first hands-on experience with our justice system (not counting the occasional speeding ticket). It was eye-opening for me. I've always wanted to make the world a better place and until last week, I never realized how good our justice system really is at doing just that. In the past I've kicked around the idea of law school and running for judge some day. Until last week I never really gave it much more thought than that. So now I'm taking that seriously and I've bought my LSAT book and am planning to study hard and apply to law school. I was inspired to do what I'd always thought about doing and trying to make a real difference in this world.

    Lastly, my heart was heavy on Friday and still is. Regardless of the verdict, I knew people would be hurt and that makes me sad. The guilty verdict gives justice to one family but causes another to feel an injustice. So to any friends or family of both Pancho and Daniel, know that I sincerely hope and pray that you will both eventually feel peace and healing.

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Comments posted to this blog are NOT the opinion of the Travis County D.A.'s office, under any circumstances. They are only the personal, non-representative opinion of D.A. Confidential if posted under his name.
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