Chapter 19 - The plea
Diane pleaded guilty fourteen months after the backyard incident.
One felony-level child-endangerment offense reflecting the dangerous restraint and repeated confinement.
One misdemeanor assault-related count merged or resolved under the agreement depending sentencing structure.
She admitted:
She confined Lily repeatedly.
She used the kennel as punishment.
She used the chain during the final incident.
She knew I had not authorized that method.
She did not intend serious injury.
No one asked me to call that last sentence comforting.
It was simply factual.
Sentence:
Four months in county custody.
The remainder of a longer sentence suspended.
Three years supervised probation.
No unsupervised contact with minors during supervision unless specifically approved.
No direct contact with Lily absent my written consent and therapeutic recommendation.
Required intervention focused on child development, coercive discipline, and anger.
Restitution for Lily’s documented medical and counseling costs not covered by insurance.
No ten-year prison fantasy.
Still serious.
Diane cried at sentencing.
She looked at me.
I did not look away.
She said:
“I thought I was helping.”
The judge answered before I could think.
May you like
“You do not get credit for a good intention when you repeatedly choose dangerous means after you know the parent would object.”
That sentence stayed.
