We had the trial today. When I arrived I spoke to the bailiffs to advise them of the situation. I had a photo of the suspect to show them, so I didnt have to point him out and make a potential scene. They thanked me for the info and I noticed their were two of them in the court room insted of the usual one. The case was scheduled for 1pm and the actual court room doors were locked until that time, so I found a place to keep an eye on him until the doors opened. He didnt have anyone with him, and he waited outside the room, so I entered first and checked in with the States Attorney, then I found a place to sit where I could watch the door.
The States Attorney said he would ask for jail time but didnt expect it was likely, remember the only chargeable offense was spitting on me, the threats were just words no matter how clear the intent. Finally he entered with his Attorney and I was surprised that the Defense Attorney didnt ask to speak to me. Then the States Attorney told me that they had aggreed to a "Statement of Facts". Technically its a not guilty plea, but the police report is the only evidence read for the record, which amounts to a guilty finding.
I was happy to see that this Judge wasnt taking any non-sense from any of the other defendants asking for another postponement to get an attorney, after they had already been told to come prepared for trial. When my case was read the Judge asked me if I wanted to speak. I told her about how I had to keep my kids inside out of fear, and that when I went to the park, or shopping, church, I had to worry about my family. Being able to carry a gun didnt remove the fear, it only made me be more responsible to act if he was spotted.
He was well medicated and showed that he had been "clean" of street drugs for 131 days. They showed a report from his psych doctor saying that he was responding to the care, and then two pages of his current meds. Defense argued that to put him in jail would only interrupt his treatment. To my GREAT surprise the Judge wasnt buying it. She did remark that the jail would take him off of his expensive drugs and simply sedate him, so that when he was out we would be back to the same concerns. After some pondering from the Judge's part, when I expected an apology with a stern warning for him not to do it again, She gave him 10 years (the maximum), suspending 9 years, during which time he was to report for medical review. In retrospect I think it was the threats against my daughters that clinched it.