On Sept. 21,2013 my husband tried to kill me. I posted that info in my introduction months ago. I have had and still have many physical issues and continue to suffer from PTSD.
Last week, during my husband's 5th hearing, I was subpoenaed to testify. The district attorney prosecuting this case asked me what I felt was an acceptable sentence, empowering me in the decision making process. At first, the plea deal on the table was 25 years, to serve 85%, which is the law where I am from, based on the violent nature of his crime. His attorney approached the DA with a shorter sentence, and asked that we take off the part of the crime that stated "with intent to kill." I refused and stood my ground. He tried to kill me, and was almost successful. To be convicted of anything less was unacceptable to me.
Throughout the day the attorneys met. I finally told the DA that I would be satisfied with 15 years, to serve 85%, and he MUST plead guilty to all charges. By late in the afternoon the DA came to me and told me he accepted the deal.
I was taken from the witness center (with my court advocate in tow) to the courtroom. My attacker stood facing the judge while I quietly entered the back of the room. I was able to hear him plead guilty to all of the charges and was able to hear the judge sentence him.
I quietly left the courtroom without him ever seeing me.
This was justice at its finest. I never gave up the fight, I never backed down. It was so very difficult to continue the fight over the last 9 months. I have overcome some significant PTSD issues I have along my journey, but still suffer. I do see a counselor weekly through my local YWCA and it is working wonders on my ability to cope.
I am also getting help with my divorce through legal aid in my county. It's been horrific this past year. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but I'm making it one day at a time.
Last week, during my husband's 5th hearing, I was subpoenaed to testify. The district attorney prosecuting this case asked me what I felt was an acceptable sentence, empowering me in the decision making process. At first, the plea deal on the table was 25 years, to serve 85%, which is the law where I am from, based on the violent nature of his crime. His attorney approached the DA with a shorter sentence, and asked that we take off the part of the crime that stated "with intent to kill." I refused and stood my ground. He tried to kill me, and was almost successful. To be convicted of anything less was unacceptable to me.
Throughout the day the attorneys met. I finally told the DA that I would be satisfied with 15 years, to serve 85%, and he MUST plead guilty to all charges. By late in the afternoon the DA came to me and told me he accepted the deal.
I was taken from the witness center (with my court advocate in tow) to the courtroom. My attacker stood facing the judge while I quietly entered the back of the room. I was able to hear him plead guilty to all of the charges and was able to hear the judge sentence him.
I quietly left the courtroom without him ever seeing me.
This was justice at its finest. I never gave up the fight, I never backed down. It was so very difficult to continue the fight over the last 9 months. I have overcome some significant PTSD issues I have along my journey, but still suffer. I do see a counselor weekly through my local YWCA and it is working wonders on my ability to cope.
I am also getting help with my divorce through legal aid in my county. It's been horrific this past year. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but I'm making it one day at a time.
