Chapter 7 - Cracks in the CourtroomThree days later, the preliminary bail hearing was held at the county courthouse downtown.
Brandon sat at the defense table in a orange jumpsuit, his hands handcuffed to a chain around his waist. Without his tailored suits and expensive haircut, he looked small, terrified, and utterly pathetic.
Beside him sat his high-priced criminal defense lawyer, Richard Sterling.
Judith sat in the front row of the gallery, wearing a plain trench coat, her hair unstyled, looking frantic and exhausted.
When the judge took the bench, Sterling immediately stood up to argue for bail.
âYour Honor,â Sterling began, putting on his best smooth courtroom persona. âMy client is a respected financial consultant with deep ties to this community. This unfortunate incident was an isolated domestic dispute between a young married couple. We request reasonable bail so Mr. Vale can return to his home and resume his business.â
Prosecutor Sarah Jenkins stood up, holding a heavy cardboard folder.
âYour Honor,â Prosecutor Jenkins countered, âthe state submits photos taken at the scene showing the victim locked inside an unheated shed with a fractured skull.â
The prosecutor laid the high-resolution photos on the judgeâs desk.
The judge stared at the photos of my daughterâs bruised face, her eyebrows furrowing into a deep, angry line.
âFurthermore,â Jenkins continued, âwe have submitted certified documents from Vance Property Group showing that the defendant does not own the residence in question. He was evicted three days ago for felony breach. He has no permanent address, no liquid assets, and is currently under federal investigation for bank fraud.â
Sterling blinked, looking back at Brandon in confusion. âWhat? No liquid assets?â
âThe defendantâs accounts have been frozen pursuant to 18 U.S. Code § 1344,â Jenkins stated flatly.
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The judge slammed his gavel down with an echoing thud.
âBail is DENIED,â the judge ruled coldly. âDefendant will remain in custody pending trial.â
