A guilty verdict on all 14 counts of voyerism today in the case of Steven Powell and his child-victims is an against-the-odds validation that few survivors of child sexual abuse receive. It is, however, not an assurance that justice will ultimately be served in terms of consequences for Steven Powell, as so many on this forum who care about Susan Cox Powell and her family are well aware.
Several steps along the process involving sentencing and rights-to-appeal in criminal convictions have the potential to significantly reduce the hoped-for maximum sentence of 50-70 years (if all counts were served consecutively) and even eliminate the need for sex-offender registration (if the conviction is invalidated). The pre-sentence investigation will play a heavy role in determining if Steven Powell scores high as an offender, which would require a longer sentence, or if his lack of previous criminal convictions and charges results in him being treated as a "first-time offender," receiving a minimum sentence of incarceration (with terms served concurrently), with credit for time served awaiting trial. Is it possible he will be offered a Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative?
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.94A.670
At the sentencing hearing, Powell's victims, their family members, and Powell himself will have an opportunity to make verbal or written statements to the judge as the final sentence is considered. Each court date and motion has the potential to be continued for weeks or months.
If Powell appeals, which seems likely, part of or his entire conviction could be overturned based on court rules and interpretations of laws that do not negate his guilt, but which could be seen to have compromised his right to a fair trial or a reasonable sentence. The entire trial can be retried or dismissed and wiped from his record as if nothing ever happened (e.g., because an appeal court finds that without fingerprint evidence it was unreasonable to assume that the digital discs were Powell's).
I wish today's guilty verdict was the end of the trail for Steven Powell, and that his obsession and victimization of Susan Cox Powell received the same validation as his voyerism against the two neighbor girls. But it very likely won't be. It seems the closest we can get to solace is knowing that he will be planning his next connivances behind bars while he awaits sentencing and appeal results.
If you love legalese- here are the details on the criminal appeal process in Washington State
http://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/div1/caseproc/
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