Chapter 19 - Victoria’s case
Victoria did not go to prison for twenty years.
The evidence did not support fantasy.
One completed strike.
One attempted second strike interrupted before contact.
A wooden hockey stick.
Grace injured but not permanently disabled.
Lily placed in immediate danger because Grace was shielding her.
No criminal history.
Strong video.
Weak self-defense claim.
After ten months, Victoria accepted a plea agreement.
One felony-level assault count involving use of an object capable of causing significant injury.
A separate child-endangerment count was dismissed as part of the agreement but considered at sentencing.
Sentence:
Seventy-five days county custody.
Remainder of a longer term suspended.
Two years probation.
No direct contact with Grace or Lily during supervision.
Anger-management and behavioral treatment.
Restitution for Grace’s uncovered medical expenses and lost wages.
No weapons offense because the hockey stick was not independently prohibited.
No attempted murder.
At sentencing Victoria said:
“I believed Grace was going to destroy my life.”
The judge asked:
“Was the four-year-old destroying your life?”
“No.”
“Then why was the child under the person you struck?”
Victoria cried.
“I wasn’t thinking.”
The judge answered:
“That is one reason the law cares about reckless violence.”
Appropriate.
Victoria’s family did not disown her.
Her wealth remained.
She lost me.
Lost access to my home.
Lost some social standing.
Then continued existing.
May you like
Consequences do not require annihilation.
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