Chapter 21 - Valerie’s sentence
Valerie’s sentencing came first.
Factors:
Serious use of metal pan.
Pregnant victim.
Second attempted swing.
Children present.
No prior criminal history.
Accepted guilty plea before trial.
No lasting facial disfigurement.
No fetal injury.
Remorse.
Judge imposed:
Six months county custody with four months suspended.
Two months actual custody.
Two years supervised probation.
Anger-management/violence intervention.
No contact with me.
No contact with Sophie, Owen, or Mia.
Restitution for documented medical costs not covered by insurance.
No prohibition on ever working in design again.
No public shaming.
Then she addressed me.
“I am sorry.”
I did not respond.
She continued:
“Lucas manipulated the situation, but he did not make me pick up the pan.”
That was the correct sentence.
I appreciated it without forgiving her.
Then civil claim.
My injury attorney negotiated with Valerie’s renter/home? The assault occurred at my home, her personal liability coverage perhaps umbrella. Coverage disputes over intentional act.
Eventually:
Valerie personally agreed to contribute $18,000 toward a civil settlement.
Her insurer funded part under negligence/reservation compromise? Could be complex. We settled global for $64,000 gross, with most from insurer under disputed coverage plus her contribution.
After fees/medical costs:
Much less.
May you like
No jackpot.
I cared more that there was no NDA blocking safety disclosures.
