Dowling was eventually cleared of all charges. She sued Maricopa County for bringing false charges against her and was awarded a cash settlement in 2013. In 2009, she received a written apology published on the editorial page of the state's largest newspaper, The Arizona Republic for their coverage of the events The "witch hunt" against Dowling has been extensively documented and reported on by many leading publications in the state. She now enjoys being involved in political activities again, her role as an educational leader and business owner in the community.