Chapter 9 - My kick becomes its own problem
Natalie filed a complaint against me.
Fair.
I had kicked her.
Police interviewed witnesses.
I did not claim:
self-defense
as though saying it made law disappear.
The timing mattered.
I had found Grace injured.
Natalie stood near the doorway.
I pulled Grace behind me.
Natalie stepped toward us.
I kicked her thigh/hip.
Did I believe she was about to touch Grace again?
Yes.
Was that belief reasonable?
Maybe.
Witnesses differed.
One guest said Natalie was moving forward while arguing.
Another said she only stood up from leaning against the doorframe.
Natalie fell.
Bruised hip.
No fracture.
No significant injury.
The prosecutor ultimately offered me a low-level diversion resolution rather than litigating the defense issue.
I accepted.
Eight hours of conflict-management education.
No unlawful contact with Natalie.
No new offense.
Dismissal after completion.
My attorney said:
“You could fight.”
I asked:
“What does fighting buy me?”
“Possibly dismissal without diversion.”
“How long?”
“Months.”
“Does the class hurt me?”
“No.”
“Then fine.”
May you like
I did not need a courtroom declaration that maternal fury made every movement perfect.
I wanted Grace safe.
