Good catch

There is a problem, however. It was what the charges were, not what the conviction was.

Innocent until proven guilty, right? (Public sentiment being irrelevant.)

So, Dante, I charge you (as the virtual Prosecuting non-Attorney)... I charge you with willful and blatant existence as a member of the Martian Old Ones.

There. Now you are guilty in the eyes of the public. Yes, in a real criminal court of law, such charges would be dismissed with prejudice as soon at it hit the docket. But the nasty ring of the charge still can be heard, eh?

Thus, you see my point?

Cheers.