Chapter 11 - My Punch Did Not Disappear Because I Was Protecting Eli
I punched my father.
One time.
After he shoved:
me.
Was it understandable?
Yes.
Was it automatically legally justified because Richard was awful?
No.
That mattered.
The deputy documented:
both contacts.
Richard grabbed and shoved me.
I responded after regaining balance by stepping forward and punching him.
The immediate threat to me had arguably:
paused.
The prosecutor reviewed:
the circumstances,
Dana’s observation,
Richard’s conduct,
my response.
My old misdemeanor assault from fifteen years earlier became:
background.
Not destiny.
I received a citation initially?
Let's phrase safer:
I was investigated for the punch.
Eventually the matter was resolved without a new serious conviction after prosecutors considered:
self-defense context,
provocation,
the brief nature of the contact,
and the total circumstances.
But my attorney told me something I did not enjoy hearing.
“You cannot build the case around Richard using force irresponsibly while pretending your own unnecessary punch was admirable.”
Correct.
I apologized to:
Eli.
Not Richard at first.
“Why?”
Eli asked.
“Because you were already scared and I made the scene more violent.”
“He deserved it.”
Twelve-year-old justice.
“Maybe emotionally.”
“But I still should’ve stopped differently.”
He thought.
Then:
“Grandpa shoved you.”
“Yes.”
“Are you sorry you hit him?”
I considered.
“I’m sorry you had to watch it.”
Most honest answer available.
Later, through counsel, I acknowledged striking Richard.
No excuses.
Accountability does not require:
May you like
liking the person you harmed.
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