Just because investigators think they have a case, does not mean the prosecutors have to file charges. McKenzie Scott often engages, negotiates, and disputes the facts of a case with prosecutors before charges are filed and before anything becomes public.
Those accused of crimes are presumed innocent, but people accused of crimes still face serious consequences in their lives – even when they win their cases through dismissal or through a favorable result at trial. Once charges are filed, the publicity, possible arrest, bond conditions, and court procedures all take a toll on the life of the accused. It is not unusual for people to experience the shame of suspicion, lose their livelihoods, lose trust with friends, family, and colleagues, and suffer a variety of personal and professional consequences whenever charges are filed.