It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time…
In order for Joe Neal, Jr. to reach the sorry state of affairs that led to his recent prosecution and last week’s lurid and sensational trial, he had to make a number of decisions. He had to decide to
acquire marijuana. Obviously possession of this substance is against the law. Was that a good idea, particularly for a lawyer?
He had to decide to provide a person, not related to him and under the age of 21, with an alcoholic beverage. Again, a poor choice, no doubt. The fact that he, along with his former wife, Caroline Caldwell Neal, even had the teenage babysitter in the house at all without the presence of their minor children is poor judgment.
Finally, he had to resolve to treat said babysitter as a sexual object. Very. Bad. Idea. Abandonment of any one of these decisions would have most likely led to a different result on that evening at the Neal residence.
Again and again, Neal made the wrong choice. This Insider asks, did Neal ponder the legalities and ethics of his consequences for at least the amount of time, 30 seconds, that it took for him to consummate his perverse intent?
At what point did any one of those acts seem like a good idea? An observer has to wonder what goes on in the mind of a person who could make such decisions without regard for the legal 
consequences, the effect the decision would have upon the victim and the effect that the indictment, prosecution and resulting trial would have upon the other victims of the case, the defendant’s family. Let us not forget their suffering, which has no doubt been considerable.
The prosecution had a tough case. All the prosecution team, the grand jury and the presiding judge are all to be applauded for the tough decisions they made. This case should not have been swept under a rug, and it wasn’t. The sentence handed down, while not severe given the sordid story and appalling actions, is entirely consistent with the plea agreement and the most that the judge could give. The defendant did not receive a pass. This Insider appreciates the poetic justice of assigning time at the wastewater treatment plant for public service.
While Joe Neal, Jr. was not convicted of the crime he was charged with, he and his very capable attorney admitted possession of marijuana and provision of alcohol. The public has heard much of the case and can infer what it may. If you are Joe Neal’s friend, and he does have friends, this Insider asks you: Does that still seem like a good idea?You Might Also Like:
consequences, the effect the decision would have upon the victim and the effect that the indictment, prosecution and resulting trial would have upon the other victims of the case, the defendant’s family. Let us not forget their suffering, which has no doubt been considerable.
The prosecution had a tough case. All the prosecution team, the grand jury and the presiding judge are all to be applauded for the tough decisions they made. This case should not have been swept under a rug, and it wasn’t. The sentence handed down, while not severe given the sordid story and appalling actions, is entirely consistent with the plea agreement and the most that the judge could give. The defendant did not receive a pass. This Insider appreciates the poetic justice of assigning time at the wastewater treatment plant for public service.
While Joe Neal, Jr. was not convicted of the crime he was charged with, he and his very capable attorney admitted possession of marijuana and provision of alcohol. The public has heard much of the case and can infer what it may. If you are Joe Neal’s friend, and he does have friends, this Insider asks you: Does that still seem like a good idea?You Might Also Like:
