Is it a travesty of justice that Jussie Smollett’s 16 felony counts were dropped and all of the records sealed?

Commentary from Aydin Torun, former Ass’t Law Office Sevices Manager.

Maybe. And maybe not. It is difficult to say. Though I cannot recall another case where this was done maybe they do things differently in Chicago. Would you be willing to concede the defendant Smollett was overcharged? First offender, non-violent offense. Everyone already knew he wasn’t going to face jail or prison time. Not on something like this. So here we had an essentially stupid crime that tied up a lot of resources but nevertheless was solved quickly. What are the options? The defense was called in and asked whether he would be willing to forfeit his bond as a kind of restitution. They said Yes. To me that is an admission of guilt. I understand some form of community service was proposed and promptly completed. I mean you’ve got to ask yourself how far do you want to go with this. The only thing that really bothers me is the defendant’s absolute refusal to accept responsibility. Does he feel that the State’s flexing its muscle somehow entitled him to thumb his nose at everyone. It is possible this case may be re-opened and reinstated. He has not been prosecuted so no double jeopardy.

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