Chapter 20 - The criminal trial begins
Veronica rejected a felony plea requiring admission she intentionally exploited Elaine.
She would accept misdemeanor theft and restitution already paid.
Prosecutor would not.
Trial began.
The state did not introduce every ugly family message.
Only relevant evidence.
Power of attorney.
Bank records.
Explicit objections.
Receipts.
Wallet video.
Elaine.
Monica Reyes for tracing.
Then defense.
Family gifting history.
Caregiving.
Ambiguous authority.
Civil judgment could maybe be admissible limited? Criminal trial independent. Judge carefully limited.
Then baby shower.
The prosecutor showed:
Elaine authorized $1,000.
Veronica charged more.
Defense argued Elaine benefited from family event and never objected until later.
Prosecution produced pre-shower text:
Do not use my money for your point.
Strong.
Then $600.
Video.
Defense:
Tips.
Caterer:
Tip included.
Then Daniel testified.
Did he know shower used Elaine’s card?
“No.”
Did Veronica tell him she was paying?
“Yes.”
Did Claire and Daniel benefit?
“Yes.”
Had they repaid/offered?
Objection to subsequent remedial matters maybe limited.
Judge excluded much as not relevant to Veronica’s intent.
Good.
Then me.
I testified only to:
Recording circumstances.
No editing.
What Veronica said at shower.
The name fight.
Defense asked:
“You dislike Veronica?”
“Yes.”
“Were you angry?”
“Yes.”
“Did you throw anything at her?”
“No.
I threw the steak at Frank? Wrong story! Catch. Here baby shower no steak. We need not mention. Defense asks "Did your husband shove Veronica?" "Yes." Let's correct.
“Did your husband shove Veronica?”
“Yes.”
“Are you financially aligned with Elaine?”
“No.”
“Did you receive an $8,850 gift from Elaine after dispute?”
“Yes.”
That could suggest motive? But it was after. Still.
Then:
“Did Veronica ever steal from you?”
“No.”
Good.
May you like
No exaggeration.
Trial continued.
