I had a conversation with Bree last night. Not a fun thing to do..describing the different charges this man may face. How each one works. What the consequences are from each. With a lot of tears and no answer from her. I have made the decision to accept his plea for a lesser charge.
Disorderly Conduct.
There are three factors in which I have made my decision.
1. If this ever happens again - God forbid. I don't want her to be afraid to tell me. I want her to confide in me and I don't want to lose that trust. Don't get me wrong if something worse were to happen I'd prosecute to the fullest degree. But this is different to me.
2. I don't want her testify on the stand. This is way too traumatic for her. She is a quiet child. She is a gentle flower. I don't want to expose her to something that is unnecessary.
3. He will be punished - no matter what.
I have mixed feeling but, my decision is fully based on my daughter and her feelings. She is scared out of her mind of the thought going on the stand. She immediately started crying. Saying I just forgot about everything and now here it is again. She just wants it to be over as do I.
So with a heavy heart and confused mind, I called the detective and told him I’d accept his plea. I still don’t know what the other family is going to do. This just may go to court if we don’t agree. But, at least I know that I have done everything in my power to protect her.
He will still get a sentence, I was reassured. What? I don’t know.
I know he was fired. That’s good.
The detective said I can send in a letter or go to the courts myself and request punishment. I know he needs counseling that’s for sure.
Just one step at a time guess.
One thing I would ask the Detective -- if this man takes the plea-bargain, will he have to register as a sex offender?
If so, this might help your daughter (and you - I can't imagine how crazy I would be) because not only would he be fired but he would have an even LESSER chance of coming into contact with children.
I feel for you and Bree. I work with attorneys, but in the civil area; I don't know a whole lot about the criminal side.
Posted by: Emma at June 2, 2004 01:50 PMIt sounds like you've made the right decision for me. Your concern is where it should be - focused on Bree, not on that guy.
Posted by: Jim at June 2, 2004 01:55 PMNo Emma ~ will not be registered as a sex offender. That was part of the plea bargain.
Posted by: Tiffani at June 3, 2004 02:10 PM