A Motion for Innocence deals with the stigma that being falsely accused of a sex crime brings. There is a fear in our society and it is perpetuated by lawmakers, prosecutors and judges alike. This is the story of a man who must face this awful situation. With the help of his wife, family, and friends, he is somehow able to accomplish that which some would find impossible. A Motion for Innocence is gripping, scary and real.
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It could happen to you! The judicial system has been on a downward spiral due to overzealous prosecutors, entitled judges, and privatization within the incarceration "Industry." It is no longer "innocent until proven guilty," as much as it is a contest between two lawyers to see who reigns supreme. The defendants have become pawns in a giant game. Finances, not facts, often determine the outcome of cases. In my story, Sean West finds himself in the midst of such impropriety. Accused of sexual misconduct that he insists never happened trigger a series of events that forever changes his life. When a 15 year-old girl steps forward with allegations of abuse, Mr. West has confidence that the judicial system will discover the truth and make the correct decision regarding his future. A judge who berates lawyers, a defense attorney obviously frightened by the judge and a prosecutor with a penchant for trying people with weak evidence turns Sean's trial into a circus. Sean finds that his faith in the judicial system was sorely mistaken as the trial plays out before him. Rather than a search for the truth, it becomes a mission to re-arrange the facts to fit the prosecutors agenda. A Motion for Innocence...And Justice for All? is a revealing story about the reality of justice in America today. Written in first person, this book takes the reader on a journey through the court system and beyond. It is emotional, traumatic and real. If you think it cannot happen to you, think again.
Excerpt
My name is Sean West and I would like to share a story with you. It is about my experience with the criminal justice system. I’m telling this story to help give people some knowledge about how the “system” worked for me. Or how it did not work for me, which applies here. I feel it is my duty to share everything that happened from August 2005 thru July 2006 and beyond. I will include logs, diarys, court documents and interviews from the beginning accusation through to my trial, and the aftermath, to help you understand my plight. I will talk about the people who mean the most to me and the people who hurt my family so severely. You may be shocked by the details. Mainly though, I will share with you exactly how awful I believe our court system functions. From my lawyers, to state prosecutors, to the judges, you will see and read for yourself how damaged things are in the Halls of Justice. Most of all, try to remember, this could just as easily happen to you. If you don’t think so, please read on.
A number of people are tried and convicted of crimes they did not commit. Many citizens do not realize how far reaching the effects can be. Our prison population has more than doubled within the last twenty-five years. One out of every thirty-one people in the United States has a felony on their record; some deserved and some not. Court has turned into an ugly game between prosecutor and defender with the defendants playing the role of pawn. Money also plays a huge role in court cases. Whoever loses pays big cash so the “corporation” stays afloat. The powers that be will tell you that our legal system is the best in the world and they rarely get it wrong. Trust me, they get it wrong. Best in the world is very questionable, too. It is not only the individual who does the time, but also their families and friends. It effects everybody in some way. I’m hoping this book serves as an educational tool and maybe, just maybe, an aid to help deter false accusations and convictions. Something needs to be done, and soon. If we continue at the rate in which we are going, every US citizen will have been, or have a family member who has been jailed. It’s no joke. The prison system is a big business. You may notice that I will pray a lot during this story. Please understand that I do not think God comes down with a bolt of lightening and makes everything okay. I pray because I have faith and I believe God can help you emotionally when times are tough. Man is the perpetrator of many bad things that happen to people in this world. God is there to help. We should use him more often.
Oh, and one more thing before we begin. I am in no way attempting to skew your personal view of the court system. This is simply an experience that I encountered that has left me with a very nasty taste in my mouth. If, after reading this, your opinion changes, great. If not, that’s fine too. Just give it a chance. Don’t just take my word for it. Look for yourself. Do some research and see if what I say isn’t true. Most of all, though, just sit back and enjoy the story. I hope it gives you the same satisfaction it gave me.
Professional Reviews
By McB (Raleigh, NC)
5.0 out of 5 stars Great first novel, June 16, 2010
This well-told story is a harrowing description of one man's journey through our justice system after a vengeful false accusation destroys his previously calm, happy life. It's a nightmare scenario that will make you think twice the next time you read a news story about an arrest or conviction. The trial scenes made me want to scream at the incompetent lawyer and the judge, and make me wonder how many people are currently behind bars because the jury didn't see the whole story. Some of the jail scenes are just as shocking. If even half of the things in this book actually occur in real life, we should all be out protesting our court and prison system right now. Despite all the negatives, the unwavering support of family and friends gets Sean (the lead character) through his ordeal, and provides some lightness to the book.
I like how the author varied his narrative - mostly first person, but also court transcripts, newspaper articles, police reports, etc. Good read, page turner, I recommend this book.
By bcinok
This book provides a disturbing and revealing look at our criminal justice system. You learn the quest for the "almighty dollar" is alive and well in law enforcement and the so called "justice system." The author also lets you enter into his world to see how this was emotional wrenching for him and everyone who knows him. It will definitely give you another perspective on the sex offender list.
By Vicki
This is a book about an ordinary man named Sean whose life is unalterably changed when a school girl accuses him of sexual misconduct. The book is a very personal and raw account of the events that unfold after young Blair reports Sean to the authorities.
Sean's passion to prove his innocence translates superbly into text. We are right there with him, feeling and living this horrifying and surreal experience. Sean draws us in with his experiential understanding of the injustices of our legal and penal system. We are appalled and enraged. A Motion for Innocence exposes the unbelievable insanity and brutality of a system out of balance. A system that needs and must be changed. Men everywhere should be "up in arms".
What might have been a crippling experience for others, Shaun Webb transforms into a work of art. He pours his heart and soul into this amazing account, which in turn raises awareness and potentiates change. He gives a voice to all those who have been unjustly accused, shunned, and judged. Perhaps he gives a voice to those who are guilty as well. Our justice system is shockingly corrupt and inhumane.
An eye-opening look into the world of human trafficking. Pilar thought she was destined to die until she met Becky. A fairy tale ending to this story with the help of Tess is called Justice. It was time for someone to hit back because the courts in S
