Chapter 20 - LEANDRA’S ORDER
The civil court entered a one-year protective order against Leandra.
Why not longer?
Evidence:
She blocked the gate.
Knew food was being withheld.
Encouraged pressure.
Watched confinement.
Threatened financial ruin.
No direct physical assault by her.
No prior violence toward me.
She had complied with temporary order.
One year with potential extension if needed.
No contact.
No using third parties.
No hospital access without my consent.
No direct communication about the baby.
Then criminal review.
Prosecutor declined felony charges against Leandra.
Could not prove she planned the pit in advance.
Did not physically add dirt.
Could potentially support misdemeanor unlawful restraint/accomplice theory, but evidence around gate blocking and intent was contested.
They offered a misdemeanor disposition related to assisting the restraint and harassment.
Leandra accepted a plea to a lower-level offense with probation and counseling rather than risk trial.
No jail.
She paid no grand restitution beyond shared medical costs ordered where appropriate.
No caricature.
Then she sent an apology through counsel.
I did not read it immediately.
Weeks later:
I told myself I was protecting my son from losing everything.
That was not my decision to make.
Good.
Then:
I treated your pregnancy as leverage instead of a condition that made my behavior more dangerous.
Better.
Then:
I am sorry.
No request to see the baby.
Good.
I filed it away.
May you like
Not forgiven.
Not destroyed.
