Just being accused of a crime changes oneas life forever. The question of guilt or innocence can become lost in the process of defending criminal charges when one is accused by the state. Howard Ecklesa day began pleasantly enough for a farmer and small rancher in southeast Kansas. The most important thing on Howardas mind was finding a cow about to give birth. Before the day was over, Howard Ecklesa life would be changed forever. He would be under arrest, accused of serious crimes for which he could spend a long prison sentence. Howard Ecklesa life would never again be the same. When the criminal justice system works, the guilty are convicted and the innocent are set free. When the criminal justice system does not work, the effects on the accused can be devastating and the question of guilt or innocence is secondary. The accusation is often enough to scar a person for life. The long arm of the law can also sweep away everything and everyone in its path.