Chapter 20 - MY PLEA
I accepted a plea.
Misdemeanor assault with aggravating circumstances? Depending jurisdiction classification, my attorney negotiated reduced charge based on immediate provocation, no prior history, limited injury, full cooperation.
Probation.
Anger-management counseling.
Community service.
No incarceration.
I stood before the judge.
“Do you understand striking Mr. Dawson after the immediate threat ended was unlawful?”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe he deserved it?”
I paused.
Emotion said yes.
Law and fatherhood required better.
“I believe I wanted him to hurt because my son hurt. That did not give me the right.”
May you like
The judge nodded.
That answer mattered to Ethan later.
