Marissa

From what I understand, he continues to associate with the same individuals connected to those behaviors.

Given the length and depth of his struggles, I think that it is unrealistic that these patterns could be overcome and resolved within just two years.

Honoring the four-year probation that was agreed upon provides the additional time necessary to hold him accountable and support his sustained recovery.

I want the court to know that I genuinely fear what might happen if he is allowed into the community without completing the full measure of his probation.

I respectfully ask the court to uphold the original terms of probation as they were mutually agreed upon.

I do not believe he has demonstrated the accountability, progress, or change that would warrant an early release.

To shorten his probation would not only undermine the intent of the original agreement, but would also compromise the safety, stability, and peace of mind that my family and I are entitled to, as well as the safety of the community SL and I both reside in.

The full four-year term provides an important period of oversight and accountability, and it ensures that he is given the structure and responsibility necessary to address his long-standing issues.

For these reasons, I strongly urge that the original probation terms remain in effect.

And did the judge respond to you after you read that?

I actually thought it was really interesting.

I had memorized my statement, and so I had my paper with me, but I continuously was looking up at the judge, just trying to make eye contact.

And he actually kept eye contact with me the whole entire time.

I really did feel like he was listening to what I had to say, which, like I've said, is just really rare.

After I had given my statement, SL's lawyer had gotten back up to explain a little bit more.

And she had said that he was not the one trying to get off of probation, that it had been recommended by the probation board that he has done all the things that he needed to do to get off of probation early.

I had been prepared by my team that usually the judge will side with the probation office's recommendation because they're the ones that are meeting with him.

The judge basically said something to the extent of that he respects the recommendation, but that the motion for early termination of probation was denied.

I was like really taken aback for a second.

I feel like I didn't hear exactly what he said because I was prepared for it not to go my way.