Chapter 17 - My own plea
My criminal case resolved before Aurelia’s.
I pleaded no contest to:
Misdemeanor assault for the slap.
The threat count was dismissed under an agreement after prosecutors considered context and lack of follow-through.
Sentence:
Twelve months probation.
Anger-management counseling.
Sixty hours community service.
No contact with Aurelia except through lawyers, court, or board procedures.
Fine.
No jail.
The judge asked:
“Mr. Vellari, do you understand that protecting your children does not authorize a retaliatory assault once the immediate danger has ended?”
“Yes.”
“And the language you used afterward?”
“Was wrong.”
That answer surprised my father when I told him.
He said:
“You apologized?”
“I admitted it.”
“Difference?”
“Large.”
He smiled.
I was still his son.
May you like
Still forty-five.
Families never stop finding ways to make you twelve.
