My Journey from False Imprisonment to Justice
Introduction
I am Jayson Keniston, and I spent 11? years of my life in prison for a crime I didn’t commit. My story has been shared widely; you can find a video of my testimony on the 4th or 5th search result when you google "Jayson Keniston false imprisonment". This experience has had a profound impact on my life, affecting my job prospects, housing searches, and even my social connections.
During my conviction, a jury did not understand what the specific charge was. The judge told the jury that the crime had three parts: first, that I was of a certain age; second, that I was not married or related to the victim. I was found guilty of two parts and acquitted of the more serious charges. This led to a highly bastardized and biased verdict.
Lessons from the Judge and Jury
The judge’s judgment was flawed. He informed the jury of the charges without providing the necessary context, leading to an outcome that was clearly not based on the evidence. The jury was left confused and unable to assess the case appropriately.
For me, the only way out was a suspended sentence of six months, but I made the mistake of getting into trouble elsewhere, leading to the extension of my sentence to 7? to 15 years. This conviction remains on my criminal record, hindering my ability to get a job, find a home, and even form lasting friendships.
The Aftermath
My conviction aside, the circumstances surrounding my arrest and trial were also deeply unpleasant. The day I was sentenced, the prison authorities provided me with four times the amount of psychiatric medication I was already on. Additionally, my appearance was made less than flattering by the raggedy clothes provided to me, and I was unable to advocate for myself due to my poor condition.
Upon my arrest, the situation was further complicated when I was accused of aggravated animal abuse. My wife and I had brought our Yorkie to the local vet, who one morning noticed a swollen rectum. The vet was unable to explain the cause, and when the police arrived, I was arrested and charged with this heinous crime.
From Coping to Advocacy
My lawyer successfully reduced my bond from $1 million to $10,000, and I posted my bail for $1,000. The preliminary hearing was set, with the prosecution’s witness being the vet. She claimed she knew I was a registered sex offender, but there was no evidence to support this claim. My lawyer was able to expose the charges, and after a trial, the charges were eventually dropped.
The experience was financially devastating, as I had to pay thousands of dollars in legal fees. I was forced to move out of the county and leave my home, moving in with my mother for several months. Despite this, I show no ill will towards the animal and still love my Yorkie as much as ever.
Redemption and Advocacy for Justice
Experiencing false imprisonment has not diminished my passion for justice. I use my platform to advocate for those who have been wronged in similar ways. My story serves as a reminder of the importance of having fair and informed legal processes.
As a registered sex offender, my journey to redemption continues. While the criminal record remains, my commitment to honesty, transparency, and justice remains unwavering. I believe that acknowledging and understanding our past mistakes fosters a better future.
In conclusion, my journey from false imprisonment to advocating for justice is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through my experiences, I hope to inspire others to seek justice and work towards a fairer legal system.