<P> Dispirited, Brigance tells Carl Lee that there is little hope for an acquittal . Carl Lee replies that he had chosen him as an attorney because even a racist jury would listen to a white man; as "one of the bad guys", he has an influence that a black man will never have . </P> <P> During closing arguments, a deeply shaken Brigance tells the jury to close their eyes and listen to a story . He describes, in slow and painful detail, the rape of a 10 - year - old girl, recalling the story of Tonya's rape . He then asks the jury, in his final comment, to "now imagine she's white ." </P> <P> After deliberation, a black child runs out of the courthouse and screams, "He's innocent!" Jubilation ensues amongst the supporters outside . The Klan, enraged, begins yelling in anger . Meanwhile, Sheriff Walls arrests Freddie Lee for his crimes, as well as a corrupted deputy that was by Freddie's side . </P> <P> Brigance brings his wife and daughter to a family cookout at Carl Lee's house to celebrate his freedom . </P>

What was the verdict in a time to kill