Reading news stories can lead people to draw specific conclusions about situations when the realities may in fact be quite different. Nebraska residents who have ever been arrested and accused of criminal activity know this all too well. Reports often include only a very few details and those that may be included often paint a very negative picture of the defendant. This can only add to the challenges that people in these situations face.
One Nebraska resident with a relatively public position is experiencing this currently. The man who has been the superintended of the public school system in Shelton was recently arrested. He is facing multiple criminal charges including domestic assault, strangulation, terrorist threats and first degree assault.
Reports gave some information about a vehicle trip in which he allegedly threatened to kill himself and his passenger. No details were given about the passenger other than the fact that she was female. Similarly, no details about what happened prior to the two people being in the vehicle were provided at all. It is also unknown how the man came to be arrested. He was put in jail and his bond was set at $50,000.
Being at the mercy of the media is only one of the difficulties that defendants must endure in addition to dealing with the legal and justice systems. Working with an experienced attorney during these times may be one way that people can get the support they need after a criminal arrest.
Source: NBC Nebraska, “Shelton Public Schools Superintendent arrested on assault charges,” April 11, 2016