[sallyace]

I have a trial by judge on Thursday. It is a misdemeanor. I am accused of assault with contact-nonfamily. This may not mean much for most but this simple charge can end my 30+ year career.

I went to court to plead and request the trial. I went again for the trial but was so upset because the person (nurse) was present. I had also lost my lifelong best friend unexpectedly just days before. Needless to say, I was a blubbering idiot. The judge rescheduled because of my emotional state. No one knows of my mental illness.

I was in an ER waiting room for physical problems. I had had 5 surgeries at that point, received horrible hospital care and was scared to death. To keep this extremely short I put my arm out to prevent anyone from coming any closer to me or my purse which was on the floor. Apparently my sunglasses in my hand touched this pregnant nurse. I didn't feel a thing, had no idea until she shouted "you just assaulted me".

I have done research mostly on what the effect will be on my career should I be found guilty. I filed a complaint with the state health department because I was refused care. I have a copy of this.

Two friends will be accompanying me. This nurse said she doesn't want to ruin my career but I don't think she really know that I can have my license revoke or suspended.

I am scared to death. Have not worked in 18 months because of the physical problems. But mostly I am afraid I will not be able to control my emotions and making matters worse.

Emotions: fear, anger, helplessness, unworthy. The list goes on.
Looking for support. I will see my counselor the day before. We have been discussing this.

Originally Posted by sallyace

I have a trial by judge on Thursday. It is a misdemeanor. I am accused of assault with contact-nonfamily. This may not mean much for most but this simple charge can end my 30+ year career.

I went to court to plead and request the trial. I went again for the trial but was so upset because the person (nurse) was present. I had also lost my lifelong best friend unexpectedly just days before. Needless to say, I was a blubbering idiot. The judge rescheduled because of my emotional state. No one knows of my mental illness.

I was in an ER waiting room for physical problems. I had had 5 surgeries at that point, received horrible hospital care and was scared to death. To keep this extremely short I put my arm out to prevent anyone from coming any closer to me or my purse which was on the floor. Apparently my sunglasses in my hand touched this pregnant nurse. I didn't feel a thing, had no idea until she shouted "you just assaulted me".

I have done research mostly on what the effect will be on my career should I be found guilty. I filed a complaint with the state health department because I was refused care. I have a copy of this.

Two friends will be accompanying me. This nurse said she doesn't want to ruin my career but I don't think she really know that I can have my license revoke or suspended.
H
I am scared to death. Have not worked in 18 months because of the physical problems. But mostly I am afraid I will not be able to control my emotions and making matters worse.

Emotions: fear, anger, helplessness, unworthy. The list goes on.
Looking for support. I will see my counselor the day before. We have been discussing this.

What would happen if it came out that your actions that led up to the incident were caused because of mental health issues? Were you on any meds at the time that you could blame (even if they are not really at fault)? That's a really hard one and I'm sure you've already discussed those options but it's all that came to mind. Could your friends be character witnesses? I know it's much easier said than done, but it's vital you stay calm. You will be judged as much by what happens in the courtroom as by that nurse says. I wish you the absolute best of luck and the peace of mind needed to be able to go through your ordeal successfully.

Wow. This is horrible, and I'm sorry you're going through it. The thing is to stay calm, and it will be key to your explanation for what happened being taken seriously. Do you have a record of assaulting people? i'm guessing not, since you do still have your career and have not already had it ruined by anything like this. That is another key factor here, it sets up whether this could have been an accident or something that you have repeat offenses of in the past. your explanation, to me seems quite understandable and valid, I see no reason why the judge won't see that. Thing is, maybe the nurse overreacted, considering, she's hormonal and pregnant! That's quite a real possibility too. It could be that will come out too and the judge might see that! I mean come on, your sunglasses? It already sounds like her story is pretty far fetched, that is, if you are being as accurate as you can in your post. I can see a very good chance that this could turn out ok for you.

Try to see those things and analyze it objectively. The severity of the assault will matter also. Obviously if you broke her nose, her rib, endangered her baby or otherwise left a scratch, I'm guessing you would have mentioned it. If she's not been bruised or damaged, how will she prove you "assaulted" her rather than accidentally made contact with her in protecting yourself?

Just some thoughts, hope this helps.

[sallyace]

As with the effects of the charge on my license divulging my MI could also affect my career. OK I am a nurse. So bringing this up would not help me professionally. At least I am religious about taking my meds.

I saw my counselor today and we discussed DBT and how to use it. Stay in rational mind. I will wear a bracelet from a special friend. I wear this often for suck occasions.

I did not hurt her. Didn't even know I touched her. Reasonably, it should be dismissed but I have no trust in the legal system.

Thank you both for your posts as just hearing some other insight is very helpful. You have both made me think. I promise to post how things go.

Originally Posted by sallyace

As with the effects of the charge on my license divulging my MI could also affect my career. OK I am a nurse. So bringing this up would not help me professionally. At least I am religious about taking my meds.

I saw my counselor today and we discussed DBT and how to use it. Stay in rational mind. I will wear a bracelet from a special friend. I wear this often for suck occasions.

I did not hurt her. Didn't even know I touched her. Reasonably, it should be dismissed but I have no trust in the legal system.

Thank you both for your posts as just hearing some other insight is very helpful. You have both made me think. I promise to post how things go.

Good luck. It seems to me, with both the complainant and the defendant being of the same profession and neither of you with any witnesses and no harm done, it should be a matter of "he says, she says" and it should be dismissed based on lack of evidence. Good luck. Will be thinking of you tomorrow.

[ECHOES]

The accusation against you is so outrageous. I hope the court sees it for what it is - a ridiculous frivolous accusation. I just wanted to stop in and wish you luck in court.
Be calm and matter-of-fact in your self-assurance that any contact was unintended.

BPD is a personality disorder, and not a mental illness. We go to therapy to learn more about ourselves and to make our lives feel better. It's a highly motivated and intelligent person who does that. It can also be described as depression and/or anxiety, and it is often diagnosed and treated that way. So, that is another way to describe if.

We'll be thinking of you today!

[cboxpalace]

Originally Posted by ECHOES

BPD is a personality disorder, and not a mental illness.

Yes, it is a personality disorder, however personality disorders are a sub category of mental illness. Depression is a mood disorder, and also a mental illness. Mental Illness is more of an umbrella term that covers all mental problems.

[cboxpalace]

It seems this would be hard for her to prove, unless she has witnesses that can vouch for her and say that you actually did assault. With assault she would also have to prove there was an intent to harm, I believe. I'm not sure she can prevail on an assault charge unless she can also prove the intent to harm. Intent would be the keyword..

I suggest you post your situation in a legal forum for better advice. This is the one I've used before... http://forum.freeadvice.com/

wish you well!!

[sallyace]

It is over and I can move on. We not take it trial. To cut through the legalese; their will be nothing on my record; just need to get an expudgement? after completing 12 hours of counseling, something I am already doing.

I had two friends with me. Had made an arrangement with Sue that she would touch me and I would give her eye contact. I used my Bach Flower Remedy and calming techniques I have done with my counselor.

It was very emotional but we decided that the prosecutor saw it as a ridiculous charge. The cops made the charge, not the nurse. Had she not called out "Assault" we would not have been there in the first place. My friend suggested that she is probably feeling regretful about the situation.

Anyway, my license is safe and I now have confidence about presenting myself as a job applicant. Thank you all for your support and comments.

[ECHOES]

I'm so glad that it's over and your license is safe. I'm glad that the prosecutor saw it for what it is. Thank you for saying that the policeman overheard the word assault and was evidently obligated to make the report; this helped me to understand it more.

Congratulations on getting through this distressing time