Face to face with the burglar

Many of you know that the sentencing for our burglar was held today. What a clown show. I do think a novel is in store.

Basically I arrived early—as usual—and our burglar arrived shortly after. I was able to identify him as he was one of the few young, white men in the courtroom. He arrived with his mother or grandmother. Not sure which. They sat right in front of me. The bailiff came out and asked all people sitting on the front row to move back as the front row was reserved for the attorneys. I was sitting on the end of the second row with room beside me so guess who gets to sit by me!!

I sat there for two hours and watched jailed criminals in orange jumpsuits come out of the holding room one by one. Most of for probation, most denied thanks to Judge Truman Hobbs. One gentleman had about ten family members speak on his behalf. It was hard watching what poor choices did to this family who wanted so much more for their son. Once the parole cases were heard, they moved onto new cases and of course, mine was about second to last.

The attorney had asked me if I would like to speak and it won’t surprise you that I said, “of course.” The case of Jonathan Michael Spann was announced and we all walked to the front. I basically told Judge Hobbs that my husband and I arrived home from work on March 14th, 2008 and found our house had been burglarized. I explained to him how you lie awake at night wondering if the person is going to come back, you see people on the street and wonder if that’s “the person” and how it overall rocks you. I told Judge Hobbs that I was a firm believer in forgiveness but I did feel the person should pay for the crime. He was very appreciative of me being there. The sentence was 10 years suspended (more than normal) with three years probation. Basically he won’t serve time as I suspected but will have to check in for the next three years and if he does anything else will get the automatic ten years.

Although I wish he served some time, I was so impressed with Judge Hobbs. Especially with the probation hearings. He did not fool around and we need more people in the courts like him.

After our hearing was complete, we were able to leave the courtroom. I held back because I did not want to get on an elevator with Mr. Spann and his relative and the bailiff saw what was happening. He came over to me quickly and told me I didn’t have to leave and could stay put as long as I wanted to. I thanked him and told him I just wanted to give him a few seconds to not have to encounter an awkward situation. He was very kind to see what was going on. I exited the building and saw Mr. Spann and his relative leave and hoped to God that he would take his sentence seriously.

He does have a job in Dothan. I didn’t get to ask why our house, where my stuff is, etc. I guess I could have afterwards but didn’t feel comfortable doing that.

So, I guess it’s over—I hope. Thanks to all who have listened to the drama unfold and offered support.