Mychal Bell gets bail

The site of seeing Jena 6 defendant Mychal Bell walk out of a jail after spending nine months behind bars was a sight to see for those who have been fighting his legal battle in Jena, La.

But with District Attorney Reed Walters still trying to charge him in juvenile court, those following the case need to brace for the fact that there will be virtually no information regarding his trial.

First, the judge in the case  has issued a gag order, preventing the lawyers from discussing any aspect of the case. Second, juvenile cases are cordoned off from the public. Unlike the first trial, there will be no jury. The judge will render a final verdict. Third, juvenile hearings are closed to the public. So instead of supporters and critics being able to analyze who said what and the various witnesses, all of that will be closed off from the public.

The saving grace in all of this for Bell's family and supporters is that the mistakes committed by his public defender in adult court will be prevented. He will now have a competent attorney who can handle his defense, and yes, it's very likely that witnesses will be called this time around.

Mychal Bell is now free, but that doesn't mean that his legal battles are over. Supporters should brace themselves for the reality that he could still be found guilty, but unlike as an adult, he wouldn't be sent to jail for up to 22 years.

What should we take away from all of this? If you don't have competent attorneys and committed people behind you, there stands a good chance the legal system could run over you and send you to a prison, vritually destroying your life. This is happening to many people across the nation, especially African American.

What I hope will happen as a result of all this is that those who went to Jena will recognize that their voices must be heard on a daily basis in their city.

In the Bible, Nehemiah worked to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He told the people of Israel that he needed them to focus on rebuilding the wall right in front of their home. Don't worry about what's happening down the street or across the country, your priority should be what's happening in front of your house.

The legal system for our young people in Oakland, Chicago, Houston, Louisville and other cities has proven to be imbalanced. What is needed is for each person to not necessarily make Jena the sole focus of what's wrong. There is a need to look at your own city, your own house.

You clean that up, and your neighbor does what they are supposed to do, then we won't need any additional marches in Jena. Or anywhere else.

Comments

[bellringer,out]

I, don't understand, why is bail still set, if charges has been drop and he is a juvenile.