Location: Atlanta, Ga
I was a teacher in an underprivileged school, and in 2022, 2 students said I had inappropriate contact with them. I went to jail, forced to resign and have waited four years to see what would happen. I of course did no such thing, I was just a very out gay teacher and I think any kind of proximity was read as uncomfortable, which was my own ignorance of homophobia still being alive and well. During this time, a third student said I spoke to him inappropriately and they included that in a total of 9 counts against me. 3 each of inappropriate contact by a school official, child molestation, and enticing a child. At no point where my devices checked or seized which has led me to believe even more weakness in this case. I worked 3 jobs over 3 years to pay the $30,000 lawyer fee and won’t be able to pay for other advice.
Today I was given an offer of 3 years probation and 3 years sex offender registry. I was ready to accept the offer rather than risk trial. That all changed when the third student, literally today, and out of nowhere, after four years of no information, said I performed oral sex on him, and that he has experienced trauma and wants me in prison forever, where the other two simply said they just want to move on with their lives but would testify if needed. This added now sodomy against a minor. This changed the plea deal to 10 years in prison, 5 years served, 10 years sex offender registry. I refuse to go to prison over something I didn’t do. The lawyer I hired said he would fight tooth and nail for me in court but wanted me to be very aware that if we lose a single charge I am looking at at least 20 years in prison if not my whole life with no chance of parole. He said he generally wins, but 3 students is much harder than the typical 1 victim during a squabble amongst separated parents.
I am maintaining my innocence as I have over the past few years, but I just need to know do I have a fighting chance? I’m saying I’m going to court, I can’t just let this slide, but even with only testimony as evidence the very real possibility of dying in prison is haunting me. My lawyer says on one hand 5 years is manageable but admitting to touching a child sickens me. On the other, going to trial in all its exposure and potential to spend my life in prison because, simply, people do not make decisions solely on facts presented paralyzes me. My lawyer said it would be a battle of credibility. I have until Friday to decide.
I believe I’m going to fight it in court. Any advice on how to handle such a heavy burden?
previous post removed see below
https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvice/s/LEAsL63eiE