Chapter 11 - THE BRIDE IN COURT
Veronica pleaded to misdemeanor battery.
No felony.
No attempted serious bodily injury.
The prosecution could prove she intentionally pulled the chair and intended humiliation.
It could prove Alessia fell and suffered acute aggravation of a preexisting nerve vulnerability.
Proving Veronica intended neurological injury was different.
The plea reflected actual conduct.
Probation.
Community service.
No direct contact with Alessia for a defined period except through counsel or approved family events after consent.
Behavioral counseling.
Restitution for certain medical costs not otherwise covered.
Then me.
Same courthouse system.
Different file.
I accepted diversion for striking Veronica.
My attorney could have argued I was defending Alessia from being pulled upright unsafely.
The video showed I knocked Veronica’s reaching hand away first.
That protective act ended the immediate problem.
Then I slapped her.
Punishment.
I said so.
Anger management.
Community service.
No new violence.
Dismissal after completion.
An old family associate told me:
“Bosses don’t take classes.”
I answered:
May you like
“That’s why old bosses die surrounded by idiots.”
He stopped talking.
