Chapter 15 - Chloe’s criminal case
Chloe eventually stopped denying the slap.
Too much video.
Too many witnesses.
Her attorney argued:
The child unexpectedly collided with her.
Liquid hit an expensive dress.
Chloe reacted reflexively.
She did not intend dental injury.
That last part was probably true.
No one believed she aimed at the tooth.
The prosecutor charged assault involving a minor.
Exact charging language shifted during negotiations.
No attempted murder.
No aggravated nonsense.
Lily’s injury was painful but limited.
Chloe had no prior record.
She eventually pleaded to a misdemeanor assault offense with an associated child-safety condition.
She admitted intentionally striking Lily once.
Sentence:
Thirty days in county jail, most suspended.
She served a short custodial portion.
Probation.
Anger-management counseling.
No direct contact with Lily.
Restitution for dental and counseling costs not covered by insurance.
No public-service fantasy.
No decade in prison.
People online called it too lenient.
Others called it too harsh.
Lily lost interest long before sentencing.
She wanted to know whether the tooth fairy paid more for:
“crime teeth.”
I said no.
May you like
She said:
“Bad business.”
