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Guilty Until Proven Innocent - D. Corbett Everidge
Guilty Until Proven Innocent
D. Corbett Everidge
ISBN: 9780595434480
iUniverse
Reviewed By Kendra Carroll
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
In the stump speeches that he delivers during his presidential campaign stops, John Edwards often expounds on how there are, in truth, two Americas: one for the rich, and a separate one for the poor. In light of such cases as OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson, the same can also be said for the criminal justice system. In Guilty Until Proven Innocent, though, D. Corbett Everidge proves that the real truth is that the two different criminal justice systems are broken down as: one that works in theory, and another that works in actual practice.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent tracks the real-life legal drama that effectively ruined Everidge's career in public service before it was even given a chance to take-off. Becoming a criminal magistrate in the year 2000, Everidge served Patterson County, North Carolina with honor and pride. Having risen through the ranks as first a security officer and then a probation officer, Everidge was more than familiar with the political goings-on behind the scenes of courtroom trials and everyday legal wrangling, but he was determined to discharge his duties fairly and with respect to the law. All that changed forever one night - and over nothing more than a simple difference of opinion.
Following a brief clash with a couple incorrigible Sheriff's deputies, Everidge's world quickly began to spin out of control. Dead-set on revenge for Everidge's unwillingness to kowtow to them, the deputies soon launched an all-out smear campaign against him, leveling baseless allegations, filing false legal documents, and fraudulently reporting instances of unprofessional conduct that reached all the way to Everidge's superior: the County Clerk Of Court himself. Doomed by a worsening legal and political catastrophe, Everidge soon discovered just how "fair and impartial" the criminal justice system really is, ultimately paying too high a price for simply standing his ground to defend those who had done no wrong - most especially himself.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent is a disturbing read, but also an eye-opening and absolutely essential one. As you witness the downward spiral of Everidge's career (through no fault of his own), you shudder to realize that the sinister forces such as those that claimed it - and almost his life - are allowed to wreak havoc unchecked. Moreover, the fact that they usurped someone in such an important position as criminal magistrate leaves you with little comfort regarding your own rights as an ordinary citizen.
The most telling aspect of Everidge's tale, though, is the details: he willingly provides invaluable insight into the real workings of the criminal justice system itself, lending you a peak into regular events you would never imagine happening everyday. From some judges falling asleep on the bench in the middle of trials to other judges convicting defendants without even reviewing their cases, the real world of "justice" leaves alot to be desired - and explained.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent gives a stunning account of the intermarriage of politics & law that you can't afford to ignore. You never know: just like Everidge, your own life and liberty may be decided by it one day.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: D. Corbett Everidge (Guilty Until Proven Innocent)
Apex Reviews: Corbett, thanks for joining us for this interview. We appreciate having this opportunity to learn more about Guilty Until Proven Innocent.
First of all, how have you recovered in the time that's passed since all the events in the book - and your life - transpired?
D. Corbett Everidge: I would first like to thank you for having me today. I'm doing great. I have learned many important lessons in the past couple of years. In response to your question, I would have to say that my recovery has involved a rediscovery of both myself and my family. I will be very forthright about this: when I worked in the legal field, I did not like the person I had become. I have rediscovered who I was prior to my career, and it is refreshing. I also have become closer to my family, and for that I am most grateful. I haven't felt this good in ten years.
AR: After all that happened, would you ever consider going back into the field of criminal justice?
DCE: Actually, I will be, but in a different capacity. I am presently working on my PhD in Criminal Justice. I should finish in the summer of 2009, at which time I plan on a return to college level teaching. I am researching wrongful convictions, interpersonal violence, police and judicial corruption, and theoretical criminology. I have decided that studying this problem will become my life's work. So yes, I'm back, but in a far better set of circumstances.
AR: The behind-the-scenes details you provide in the book are stunning: everything from sleeping trial judges to deputies planting "evidence"on innocent people - are these occurrences really more common than we realize?
DCE: Absolutely. I wish this were not the case, but based on my experience, it is very common. I do not want the audience to think that all police officers and court officials are bad people. We have some very dedicated people out there working to protect all of us. It is the deviant minority element in the criminal justice profession that causes the most damage. I could recount numerous things I have witnessed firsthand. I think what must be understood is that corruption not only involves what law enforcement and court personnel do to citizens unjustly. It also involves the thousands of instances in which the system failed to protect a person simply due to a lack of sympathy or professional ineptness. Either way, this is a very serious problem, and it is happening somewhere in America right now. I guarantee that.
AR: Is there anything that can be done to stop them in order to protect people's rights?
DCE: I hate to say this, but I don't think so. Sadly, the only way an instance in which a violation of a person's rights is discovered occurs after the fact when the damage is done. I think most citizens look at the people that make up the justice system as a different breed of man or woman. As a society, we must come to terms with the fact that as long as the human element is involved, there will be unethical behavior in the criminal justice system. I think the best we can hope to do is contain the problem as best we can, but we will never totally eliminate the possibility of a person's rights being violated in a malicious manner.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, Guilty Until Proven Innocent does an excellent job of commenting on the intermarriage of politics & law. In fact, you repeatedly emphasize that the most influential positions in the criminal justice system (judge, sheriff, etc.) are elected positions. How, if ever, can we rectify this conflict of interest in order to instill fairness and impartiality in legal proceedings?
DCE: If we expect to accomplish this, we first must eliminate the political process that grants entry into the profession. I think we should move away from electing criminal justice professionals. Instead, I think the public interest would be better served if a person were appointed to a position based on a merit system. Let's take into consideration a candidate's professional credentials, character, and desire to serve the public. The election process only signifies popularity, not professional competence. I think this would be a step in the right direction.
AR: What advice would you give to someone who finds him/herself in the same legal entrapment that you fell victim to?
DCE: *laughs* My BEST advice would be to try not to find yourself in this situation! If you do find yourself in a bad situation legally speaking, I recommend three things. First, surround yourself with people you know, trust, and love. Lean on them, because you will not make it through this situation alone. Second, retain adequate legal counsel-notice I said adequate-and do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Finally, and most important, pray. I have learned that prayer really does change things.
AR: In detailing the full "theoretical" workings of the criminal justice system, you obviously did considerable research. How long did it take you to put the book together?
DCE: Actually the research aspect of the book was not at all a major task. Most of the research emanated from materials I have compiled over the years. I did spend a considerable amount of time analyzing the evidence amassed by the state in this case. I would say that the actual task of writing the book was most challenging. It was an emotional roller coaster. There would periods of several days that I simply had to walk away from the book because it was mentally and emotionally taxing. I began writing the book in July 2006, and I finished the final edited draft in February 2007.
AR: Your life didn't end when your legal troubles did, and, in fact, you've moved onto becoming very successful in other fields. Please share with our readers some of your most recent accomplishments.
DCE: First and foremost, I never dreamed "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" would be received in such a positive light. It was designated as a Publisher's Choice title by iUniverse, and it will be placed in Barnes and Noble in a few weeks. Aside from my writing, I am spending the majority of my time teaching martial arts. Presently, we are spending quite a bit of time working with women, empowering them, and helping them realize they do not have to live their lives in fear. It brings me a great deal of joy watching women overcome their fears. As I said, I am working on my PhD. Most important, I am spending quality time with my Dad who is battling lung and pancreatic cancer.
AR: What do you have planned for an encore?
DCE: *laughs* I have a few ideas. I have toyed with the idea of writing a novel, but I have discovered my true writing passion is in true crime. I love the research aspects of true crime. Currently, I am working on some ideas involving questionable convictions of death row inmates in Texas and Ohio. These cases have made me realize that in the grand scheme of things, my case was not that big of a deal. I am also actively outlining a book that challenges the concepts and philosophies of the modern criminal justice system. I plan on expanding many of the ideas I presented in "Guilty Until Proven Innocent." The beautiful thing about true crime writing is that ideas for a book blossom everyday. I plan on writing for many more years.
AR: Thanks again, Corbett, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
D. Corbett Everidge
ISBN: 9780595434480
iUniverse
Reviewed By Kendra Carroll
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
In the stump speeches that he delivers during his presidential campaign stops, John Edwards often expounds on how there are, in truth, two Americas: one for the rich, and a separate one for the poor. In light of such cases as OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson, the same can also be said for the criminal justice system. In Guilty Until Proven Innocent, though, D. Corbett Everidge proves that the real truth is that the two different criminal justice systems are broken down as: one that works in theory, and another that works in actual practice.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent tracks the real-life legal drama that effectively ruined Everidge's career in public service before it was even given a chance to take-off. Becoming a criminal magistrate in the year 2000, Everidge served Patterson County, North Carolina with honor and pride. Having risen through the ranks as first a security officer and then a probation officer, Everidge was more than familiar with the political goings-on behind the scenes of courtroom trials and everyday legal wrangling, but he was determined to discharge his duties fairly and with respect to the law. All that changed forever one night - and over nothing more than a simple difference of opinion.
Following a brief clash with a couple incorrigible Sheriff's deputies, Everidge's world quickly began to spin out of control. Dead-set on revenge for Everidge's unwillingness to kowtow to them, the deputies soon launched an all-out smear campaign against him, leveling baseless allegations, filing false legal documents, and fraudulently reporting instances of unprofessional conduct that reached all the way to Everidge's superior: the County Clerk Of Court himself. Doomed by a worsening legal and political catastrophe, Everidge soon discovered just how "fair and impartial" the criminal justice system really is, ultimately paying too high a price for simply standing his ground to defend those who had done no wrong - most especially himself.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent is a disturbing read, but also an eye-opening and absolutely essential one. As you witness the downward spiral of Everidge's career (through no fault of his own), you shudder to realize that the sinister forces such as those that claimed it - and almost his life - are allowed to wreak havoc unchecked. Moreover, the fact that they usurped someone in such an important position as criminal magistrate leaves you with little comfort regarding your own rights as an ordinary citizen.
The most telling aspect of Everidge's tale, though, is the details: he willingly provides invaluable insight into the real workings of the criminal justice system itself, lending you a peak into regular events you would never imagine happening everyday. From some judges falling asleep on the bench in the middle of trials to other judges convicting defendants without even reviewing their cases, the real world of "justice" leaves alot to be desired - and explained.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent gives a stunning account of the intermarriage of politics & law that you can't afford to ignore. You never know: just like Everidge, your own life and liberty may be decided by it one day.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: D. Corbett Everidge (Guilty Until Proven Innocent)
Apex Reviews: Corbett, thanks for joining us for this interview. We appreciate having this opportunity to learn more about Guilty Until Proven Innocent.
First of all, how have you recovered in the time that's passed since all the events in the book - and your life - transpired?
D. Corbett Everidge: I would first like to thank you for having me today. I'm doing great. I have learned many important lessons in the past couple of years. In response to your question, I would have to say that my recovery has involved a rediscovery of both myself and my family. I will be very forthright about this: when I worked in the legal field, I did not like the person I had become. I have rediscovered who I was prior to my career, and it is refreshing. I also have become closer to my family, and for that I am most grateful. I haven't felt this good in ten years.
AR: After all that happened, would you ever consider going back into the field of criminal justice?
DCE: Actually, I will be, but in a different capacity. I am presently working on my PhD in Criminal Justice. I should finish in the summer of 2009, at which time I plan on a return to college level teaching. I am researching wrongful convictions, interpersonal violence, police and judicial corruption, and theoretical criminology. I have decided that studying this problem will become my life's work. So yes, I'm back, but in a far better set of circumstances.
AR: The behind-the-scenes details you provide in the book are stunning: everything from sleeping trial judges to deputies planting "evidence"on innocent people - are these occurrences really more common than we realize?
DCE: Absolutely. I wish this were not the case, but based on my experience, it is very common. I do not want the audience to think that all police officers and court officials are bad people. We have some very dedicated people out there working to protect all of us. It is the deviant minority element in the criminal justice profession that causes the most damage. I could recount numerous things I have witnessed firsthand. I think what must be understood is that corruption not only involves what law enforcement and court personnel do to citizens unjustly. It also involves the thousands of instances in which the system failed to protect a person simply due to a lack of sympathy or professional ineptness. Either way, this is a very serious problem, and it is happening somewhere in America right now. I guarantee that.
AR: Is there anything that can be done to stop them in order to protect people's rights?
DCE: I hate to say this, but I don't think so. Sadly, the only way an instance in which a violation of a person's rights is discovered occurs after the fact when the damage is done. I think most citizens look at the people that make up the justice system as a different breed of man or woman. As a society, we must come to terms with the fact that as long as the human element is involved, there will be unethical behavior in the criminal justice system. I think the best we can hope to do is contain the problem as best we can, but we will never totally eliminate the possibility of a person's rights being violated in a malicious manner.
AR: As our reviewer mentioned, Guilty Until Proven Innocent does an excellent job of commenting on the intermarriage of politics & law. In fact, you repeatedly emphasize that the most influential positions in the criminal justice system (judge, sheriff, etc.) are elected positions. How, if ever, can we rectify this conflict of interest in order to instill fairness and impartiality in legal proceedings?
DCE: If we expect to accomplish this, we first must eliminate the political process that grants entry into the profession. I think we should move away from electing criminal justice professionals. Instead, I think the public interest would be better served if a person were appointed to a position based on a merit system. Let's take into consideration a candidate's professional credentials, character, and desire to serve the public. The election process only signifies popularity, not professional competence. I think this would be a step in the right direction.
AR: What advice would you give to someone who finds him/herself in the same legal entrapment that you fell victim to?
DCE: *laughs* My BEST advice would be to try not to find yourself in this situation! If you do find yourself in a bad situation legally speaking, I recommend three things. First, surround yourself with people you know, trust, and love. Lean on them, because you will not make it through this situation alone. Second, retain adequate legal counsel-notice I said adequate-and do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Finally, and most important, pray. I have learned that prayer really does change things.
AR: In detailing the full "theoretical" workings of the criminal justice system, you obviously did considerable research. How long did it take you to put the book together?
DCE: Actually the research aspect of the book was not at all a major task. Most of the research emanated from materials I have compiled over the years. I did spend a considerable amount of time analyzing the evidence amassed by the state in this case. I would say that the actual task of writing the book was most challenging. It was an emotional roller coaster. There would periods of several days that I simply had to walk away from the book because it was mentally and emotionally taxing. I began writing the book in July 2006, and I finished the final edited draft in February 2007.
AR: Your life didn't end when your legal troubles did, and, in fact, you've moved onto becoming very successful in other fields. Please share with our readers some of your most recent accomplishments.
DCE: First and foremost, I never dreamed "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" would be received in such a positive light. It was designated as a Publisher's Choice title by iUniverse, and it will be placed in Barnes and Noble in a few weeks. Aside from my writing, I am spending the majority of my time teaching martial arts. Presently, we are spending quite a bit of time working with women, empowering them, and helping them realize they do not have to live their lives in fear. It brings me a great deal of joy watching women overcome their fears. As I said, I am working on my PhD. Most important, I am spending quality time with my Dad who is battling lung and pancreatic cancer.
AR: What do you have planned for an encore?
DCE: *laughs* I have a few ideas. I have toyed with the idea of writing a novel, but I have discovered my true writing passion is in true crime. I love the research aspects of true crime. Currently, I am working on some ideas involving questionable convictions of death row inmates in Texas and Ohio. These cases have made me realize that in the grand scheme of things, my case was not that big of a deal. I am also actively outlining a book that challenges the concepts and philosophies of the modern criminal justice system. I plan on expanding many of the ideas I presented in "Guilty Until Proven Innocent." The beautiful thing about true crime writing is that ideas for a book blossom everyday. I plan on writing for many more years.
AR: Thanks again, Corbett, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!