Chapter 15 - PRESTON’S BLOCKED DOOR
Preston argued he did not imprison me.
Legally, the precise facts mattered.
Kitchen had three exits.
Back door.
Hallway into dining room.
Side mudroom.
I moved toward the back door because it was closest.
He blocked it.
Could I have reached another?
Maybe.
I was on one knee after being struck.
Then crawling.
The side mudroom required crossing behind Dorinda.
The dining-room hall was behind Preston initially.
He said:
"I was trying to stop her from driving after being hit."
Did he offer an ambulance?
No.
Doctor?
No.
Did he say:
Sit down, I'll call 911?
No.
He said:
"You don't leave this house!"
Then grabbed for my phone.
The prosecutor considered unlawful restraint/coercion-related charges.
Whether the conduct met felony restraint standards was doubtful.
Brief duration.
No locked door.
No prolonged confinement.
No weapon in Preston’s hand.
But the conduct mattered in the domestic-violence and obstruction analysis.
His lawyer pushed for misdemeanor treatment.
Reasonable.
Then evidence from before the kitchen.
A text to Dorinda:
Keep Camille here until Orlando arrives. I can explain if everyone sits down.
Dorinda:
She is packing the folder.
Preston:
Do not let her leave with it.
There.
May you like
Intent to stop my departure.
Not concern about driving.
