Without physical evidence, it would have near zero chance of a conviction. It’s hearsay and a credibility issue of “he said, she said”. Watson has a history of community service and prior these allegations a near sterling citizen reputation. Versus a citizen who has chosen a career in home massage.
I doubt it gets to trial, there will be a settlement.
You would be surprised how often prosecutors are able to get a conviction for some form of sexual assault without "physical evidence."
Regarding hearsay, there are exceptions that could apply depending on what evidence Buzbee actually has. For example, an alleged statement where Watson told one of the Plaintiff's that he was sorry about making them feel uncomfortable and that wasn't his intention could potentially come in as a statement against interest under Texas Rule of Evidence 803(24) depending on what the actual context of that supposed statement was.
Again, a lawsuit like this is in its earliest stages. Watson hasn't filed a responsive pleading of any kind at the moment (Answer, request to change venue, for examples). People should keep in mind that the Petitions filed by Buzbee allege enough about his claims and requested enough damages to allow the case to proceed in a Civil District Court, but are not evidence. Petitions aren't sworn to and you rarely attach any evidence to them. In addition, up to a certain point, Buzbee can amend the petitions to add new claims/or requests for damages. Amending a petition isn't unusual and is common place in civil litigation.
People need to keep an open mind, one way or the other. It looks bad, really, really bad for Watson right now, and likely he's pretty much done for with the public. I have tried enough cases (and handled enough appeals) that most people do believe where there is smoke, there is a fire. Or another way of putting it in a criminal case, "we wouldn't be here unless the defendant did something."
At the same time, all the public has to go on are the petitions that have been filed and some tidbits of certain items Buzbee says supports their claims. None of that has been tested in a court of law and we do not know whether those certain items would be admissible as evidence, or actually support their claims. Buzbee, and the other attorneys in his firm, are good lawyers who know what they are doing. Those conspiracy theory nonsense about why these lawsuits were filed by him are just that, nonsense. Watson is lucky that he can hire Rusty Hardin and his firm, they are also great attorneys. For now, all we can do is wait and see (and speculate, etc.). I do agree with you Riverman, I do not see this going to trial and think it will end up as a settlement (most civil cases ultimately do).
For those interested, the Harris County District Clerk posts all public (i.e. not protected or private) documents on their website. If you create an account, you can follow the case and view certain filings that are made (depending on what they are).
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