Wallin & Klarich Defends Falsely Accused Teacher Emphasizing She is Presumed Innocent Under the Law

On Monday, August 20, 2012 our law firm entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Ms. Kelly McKenzy Watson to the two felony charges of unlawful intercourse with a minor (California Penal Code Section 261.5) that are pending against her. A plea of not guilty was entered in this case because Ms. Kelly Watson is in fact not guilty of any crimes.

Kelly Watson in fact is the only “victim” in this case. The young man who is involved in this case has made clear to anyone who will speak to him that he did not have sexual relations with our client. The young man’s mother has advised our office that she wants all charges dropped against our client.

Ms. Watson has been a highly respected special education teacher for the past seven years. She has provided the highest level of assistance to students who have “special needs.”  She has never been accused of any type of inappropriate conduct with any student.

The mere fact that our client’s name has been blasted across television and the various news articles online has caused her irreparable injury. In 2012, when someone is accused of sexual misconduct with a minor, the accusation itself can destroy the reputation of the accused for life. This is because when a school teacher is arrested for a sex offense, the media immediately covers the story to obtain “higher ratings.”  Unfortunately, when our school teachers are falsely accused and the charges are dropped, the media – for some reason – doesn’t provide the school teachers with the same media attention to announce that their charges have been dismissed.

It is our sincere hope on behalf of our client Ms. Kelly McKenzy Watson that when the charges are dismissed in this case, the media will be around to cover her exoneration.

For over 240 years, our great nation has operated under a criminal justice system that “presumes” that those arrested are innocent.  We have gone to war many times to preserve this sacred right. We only ask that the public provides to Ms. Watson the same presumption of innocence they would want for themselves or a loved one if they were falsely accused of a crime.

We ask that you respect the privacy of our client and her family and make no attempts to contact her during this difficult time. If you have any information about the facts of this case or your knowledge of Ms. Watson that would assist her defense, please call us at 888-749-0034.

The criminal defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich have over 40 years of experience defending clients falsely accused of sex crimes throughout Southern California. If you or a loved one is facing sex crimes charges in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties, please call our offices at 888-749-0034. We will be there when you call.