My husband and I made a drastic decision today. I have been on probation for six months for a class A misdomenor that I pled guilty to a year and a half ago. I have six months to go. Its really ruined so much of our lives. We found out today that with what we have paid in court costs and fines and since I have completed all of my community service, anger management and substance abuse classes; It is no longer benefitting us for me to be on probation. My restitution is over 80% complete. We can't do this anymore.

We've taken a pay cut of one third to our income. It has been so time consuming and absolutely humbling. I've followed the cheese through the rat maze and I don't want it anymore. We called the judge and revoked my own probation: I am going to jail.

I'll be gone for a little while but when I get out I'll be completely done. My charge will be "Deferred", I will owe no more money, and I won't have to go anywhere ever again unless I want to. I am too ballsy to turn myself in. I am taking the numbers off my house tomorrow and my husband is going to change his cell phone number. I'm gonna just stay in my house. Whenever I get arrested, as is inevitable, I can only be held for up to seven days; it's worth it to me.

I don't know where to put this so I'll leave it here unless there's a better place for it that I'm unaware of. Any thoughts? Not asking for legal advice, just maybe a "What would you do?" etc. Thanks.

[redbandit]

Let us know what happens. This has to be a really hard time for you guys. Hang in there! Wish i knew of something more to say, but u will be in my thoughts & prayers

[possum220]

Do what you need to and stay strong. Thinking of you.

[Silenced]

Good luck & stay strong. You are in my prayers.

[kindachaotic]

Don't know much about the legal system, but are you sure you should just 'wait' for them to issue a warrant?
Is that not harmful to your case?
Isn't there somebody you can tell your circumstances to, lawyer, judge, case worker & get advice?
This all sounds really tough & drawn out. I am so sorry.
Any way you can keep the ka-hunas (sp?) tucked in a little bit longer.
If you go on in won't it be over quicker & you wouldn't have to agonize as to when they'd come get you?
If too many questions just disregard.
My prayers are with you & your family.

[Nicks_Nose]

Systems know how to drag people down forever. We have (or had) a coworker who had a misdemeanor from years past and is a very hard worker. Our manager respected his performance and valued his input when suddenly the HR of the regional office told the manager here to fire him due to a record. He has a wife with a baby on the way and every coworker in our location, every supervisor and manager fought to have him brought back but the regional office said NO due to a small offense of years gone by.

I am sorry it is so stressful for you also, Lightbulb. I hope a solution can be found that rewards people who have redeemed themselves.

[Sabrina]

Lightbulb, I am really sorry this is happening to you and can only hope that whatever the outcome is, that it is for the better. Stay strong.

Thanks yall. I really HATE jail, I was there for 4 days before and it could be said that I went a little stir crazy and I missed my family like there wasn't no tomorrow. They put me in a padded cell that time because they thought I was suicidal (I wasn't). I posted about that in December lol but its a long story that I'll spare you of. That was for violating my probation basically because I went to my mom's house for Christmas and I wasn't supposed to leave my county. We've decided that when I go, Miguel is going to tell the kids that I went on vacation to Mexico to visit family. I might tell them the truth one day but for now I don't believe it will be beneficial to their well-being. They are out of school on June 6th, and they go to camp for ten days on June 11th, so I think I am going to turn myself in after all and just rip it off like a band-aid. Then they won't know at all which appears to be the best case scenario; providing I don't get taken before that.

Kinda Chaotic, I have thought about that too. I took the numbers off my house this morning as a kind of last resort. I just thought that if my P.O. or the police come, they could have doubts about weather they are at the right house. I covered the window on my door with black construction paper from the inside and I'll just hide if they come before that. My charge isn't actually that serious when I think about it, so hopefully they will be too busy with other things to care. But I know that's a risk I'm taking.

Recently I won a songwriting contest and I'm scheduled to perform it before an audience at the Houston Songwriter's Association, which is a huge opportunity that I worked really hard to get to. June 9th is the day I go do that, and the kids go to camp on the 11th, so hopefully I won't be noticed before that. I'm not taking any chances, not even going to the store. I really hope this works out like we've planned. If not, well I'm not in control of the world so I'll just take what I can from the experience. Thanks everybody. Yours truly, Lightbulb7Seven

Damn GG I hate to hear that. On the one hand it makes sense in a weird pragmatic way. On the other hand... it's frikkin jail :O One day is too much. I'd sacrifice 1/3 of my income to stay out of jail. I don't think I could handle 2 days.
Okay lets get practical. Are you sure this is how it will play out? No extra time for violating terms or whatever? You said you talked to the judge. Did you discuss this plan with him/her?

[avlady]

I'm soo sorry for you Lightbulb!!! I know like George said i would pay anything to stay out of jail, I hope everything works out like you planned, I'll pray for your situation, i wish you all well and to have the emotional strength to get the things done that you need to.

I discussed it first with my P.O. yesterday after she told me I failed a drug test on March 15th (I had THC in my "specimen" lol) which ironically did not violate my probation, but did raise some more red flags. She decided to order a complete Psychological Evaluation for me and said pending that, I could have to go into inpatient drug treatment for up to a year. That was the last straw. I would be the laughing stock of the whole place for being there for that (have you ever seen intervention...marijuana is never on there lol cuz supposedly its not addictive lol) That's not why I don't want to go, its because its a flippin' year lol. That was NOT in the terms of my probation. This way, I can be done with everything and work on my substance abuse problems in my own time.

When I called the judge he said, "You have completed 80% of what is required. I will revoke your probation and a warrant for your arrest will be issued. You may be arrested anywhere at any time, even at your home." I asked many questions just to make sure additional charges will not be filed; according to him they won't. I made a huge mistake almost two years ago and had the misfortune of getting called on it immediately. I don't disagree with the decision, however I do feel the pressures and obligations that have been placed on me have been heavier than my crime. I am truly remorseful and I haven't repeated myself ONCE. I now am hyper-aware of the law and I have taken steps to never transgress it again. Previously, I had no idea that the law was so serious. I am wiser now lol.

You better come visit me George Or at least let me show off my harmonica playing skills and sailboat folding expertise when I get out lol. I'm gonna try to put this out of my mind though for now so I can enjoy my life without the dread. I know you'd have to be completely insane to pull that off but I'm not a far cry from that or so I've been told by police lol. I'm cheered up right now, but the fear will probably set in as the days go by and the realization of what's about to happen sets in. Hopefully I'll be put into the general population this time so at least I won't be lonely and I'm sure I'll be exposed to a bunch of cool interesting stories that I can morph into my own writings. Thanks George.

[almostthere]

I can relate to what your going through. About a year and a half ago, while high on alcohol, and taking my antidepressant medication at the same time, I threatend my ex-wife with physical harm. I sent her a text message which frightened her to the point that she had to call the police and have me arrested. To this day, I can't believe I did what I did. So out of character for me.

Anyway, she had told the police not to take me to jail, instead I went to a mental health department at the local hospital. I was there for about two weeks. Needless to say my relationship was destroyed. Last year my wife lost her mom who she was very close to and she called on me for support.
Without any hesitation I was there for her. However, as time went on I felt that she didn't appreciate my support. To make a long story short I had to be arrested again. She had an order of protection issued against me, and when she wouldn't return my phone calls, I broke into the house. Not only that I also went so far as to let the air out of all four tires of her car.
Yes... you guessed it.... I was drinking again!!! What a fool!!!.

She called the police and they came to arrest me and I spent thirty days in jail for that behavior. It was a horrible experience because I was never incarcerated before in my entire life.

So if it's any consolation to you, seven days in jail is better that thirty days.....

Good luck to u and I wish u all the best.

Regards

"almostthere"









I

Originally Posted by Lightbulb7Seven

My husband and I made a drastic decision today. I have been on probation for six months for a class A misdomenor that I pled guilty to a year and a half ago. I have six months to go. Its really ruined so much of our lives. We found out today that with what we have paid in court costs and fines and since I have completed all of my community service, anger management and substance abuse classes; It is no longer benefitting us for me to be on probation. My restitution is over 80% complete. We can't do this anymore.

We've taken a pay cut of one third to our income. It has been so time consuming and absolutely humbling. I've followed the cheese through the rat maze and I don't want it anymore. We called the judge and revoked my own probation: I am going to jail.

I'll be gone for a little while but when I get out I'll be completely done. My charge will be "Deferred", I will owe no more money, and I won't have to go anywhere ever again unless I want to. I am too ballsy to turn myself in. I am taking the numbers off my house tomorrow and my husband is going to change his cell phone number. I'm gonna just stay in my house. Whenever I get arrested, as is inevitable, I can only be held for up to seven days; it's worth it to me.

I don't know where to put this so I'll leave it here unless there's a better place for it that I'm unaware of. Any thoughts? Not asking for legal advice, just maybe a "What would you do?" etc. Thanks.

[beauflow]

((LightBulb)) I hope things work out.

Jail, I can't imagine.. My brother always told me jail was better than prison but still.. He read a lot and drew to pass the time... maybe you can work on your songs? I don't know.

Wishing you well and your family well.

The system is sort of harsh some times. But after this-- guess what "you are free"

's

[TippPatt]

If it were me, I think I'd contact the judge, determine the day I'd surrender with him - taking into account the day you want to perform and the days the kids will be gone - and work it so that I was the one who took the power, showed up, did my time, and screw the system's need for putting me into a position to be 'taken'.

So, my advice is to call the judge, determine the day, and put the numbers back on your house. You made a mistake and you're willing to pay the price - both in cash and in time.

Do the do - just be the on in charge instead of being subservient.

Best of luck to you and yours, Tipp.

That is consoling almostthere, it reminds me that it could definitely be much worse. In my case, I ordered some Xanax online from a Chinese pharmacy and I was taking them like candy. It was December 9th, 2011, I'll never forget it. My daughter came home from the school bus stop with her face all red, her pigtails pulled out drooping, her folders all ripped up. She was crying and she told me that two boys beat her up while the mother just stood there without so much as trying to stop her boys. Immediately my adrenaline skyrocketed. I thought "WHAT!!!! NOT MY BABY!!! HOW DARE YOU!!!" That is where the anger management could have really benefitted me. I snapped.

I got in my car and drove to their house which was in my neighborhood. The lady was standing there in her front yard laughing with other people I didn't know. I jumped out and became aggressive. She mocked me. I lost it and punched her and we fought for about three minutes, which seemed like forever and seemed like no time at all. I shouted "Don't you ever dare come NEAR my house or my children EVER again or else *****!!!!" Then I went home, changed my clothes, and called the cops.

They arrested me because I went to her house and I did throw the first punch. I called the cops on my own self! I thought that they would take into consideration the provocation and the violence against my daughter. They didn't. I was charged with felony Assault/Bodily harm; which was reduced to a misdomenor after a year of court every month. I accepted a plea deal with 1 year probation, 40 hours of community service, and fines. It rocked our worlds. I was so ashamed, but now I don't judge ANYONE. Not at all. If that was the purpose of this happening, I say good riddance to bad rubbish because I was wrong to judge before. I couldn't have learned that lesson without something like this happening. Thanks for sharing with me almostthere, its good to know someone out there can relate and doesn't judge. Yall have been really supportive and I am grateful. Yall rock my socks

[TippPatt]

Well, you were strong enough to kick the woman's butt and turn yourself in, you're surely strong enough to determine the date and time you'll pay the price.

I'm actually PROUD of you for doing both. LOL

Originally Posted by TippPatt

If it were me, I think I'd contact the judge, determine the day I'd surrender with him - taking into account the day you want to perform and the days the kids will be gone - and work it so that I was the one who took the power, showed up, did my time, and screw the system's need for putting me into a position to be 'taken'.

So, my advice is to call the judge, determine the day, and put the numbers back on your house. You made a mistake and you're willing to pay the price - both in cash and in time.

Do the do - just be the on in charge instead of being subservient.

Best of luck to you and yours, Tipp.

You're absolutely right, I am going to do that.

Originally Posted by Lightbulb7Seven

My husband and I made a drastic decision today. I have been on probation for six months for a class A misdomenor that I pled guilty to a year and a half ago. I have six months to go. Its really ruined so much of our lives. We found out today that with what we have paid in court costs and fines and since I have completed all of my community service, anger management and substance abuse classes; It is no longer benefitting us for me to be on probation. My restitution is over 80% complete. We can't do this anymore.

We've taken a pay cut of one third to our income. It has been so time consuming and absolutely humbling. I've followed the cheese through the rat maze and I don't want it anymore. We called the judge and revoked my own probation: I am going to jail.

I'll be gone for a little while but when I get out I'll be completely done. My charge will be "Deferred", I will owe no more money, and I won't have to go anywhere ever again unless I want to. I am too ballsy to turn myself in. I am taking the numbers off my house tomorrow and my husband is going to change his cell phone number. I'm gonna just stay in my house. Whenever I get arrested, as is inevitable, I can only be held for up to seven days; it's worth it to me.

I don't know where to put this so I'll leave it here unless there's a better place for it that I'm unaware of. Any thoughts? Not asking for legal advice, just maybe a "What would you do?" etc. Thanks.

Warm thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I can appreciate what you must be going through. thank you for sharing
take care, best wishes

[Perna]

I would talk to a lawyer, make sure I understood all the ramifications of any actions I wanted to take. Seems to me that "hiding out" to get arrested and not going along with the first program could cause additional, unrelated problems I'd then have to work through. If you don't play with the system, it can still play with you. Don't cover your eyes and think it can't see you.

[spondiferous]

Good luck with everything. From the sounds of it you are making the right decision, or at least you are making the decision that I would make, would be a better way of putting it. I get having to make restitution and all that, but the system really takes full advantage. Keep us posted as to how it all turns out. You will be missed.

[Gus1234U]

to me, it seems harder to jail yourself at home for 8 weeks, and risk getting arrested at your concert, or in front of your kids, than to just walk in and take the 7 days behind bars... but i'm not you, not in your situation, and not knowing how things affect you... just sayin'.



(just jailhouse humor,,, no offence intended~!)

Originally Posted by Perna

I would talk to a lawyer, make sure I understood all the ramifications of any actions I wanted to take. Seems to me that "hiding out" to get arrested and not going along with the first program could cause additional, unrelated problems I'd then have to work through. If you don't play with the system, it can still play with you. Don't cover your eyes and think it can't see you.

Thanks Perna, I realize those ramifications are possible. I am just that overwhelmed and desperate. I'm gonna stick to my plan though atm to be honest. I don't really see any way out of this that is better.

Thanks Spondiferous, I hear unsalted grits are good for you

Originally Posted by Gus1234U

to me, it seems harder to jail yourself at home for 8 weeks, and risk getting arrested at your concert, or in front of your kids, than to just walk in and take the 7 days behind bars... but i'm not you, not in your situation, and not knowing how things affect you... just sayin'.



(just jailhouse humor,,, no offence intended~!)

None taken! I'm feeling pretty spondiferous today about the whole shamoley thanks to good friends and family. My sisters said they will take care of my littlest son while I'm gone and I'm cooking up a storm freezing meals so my husband doesn't become obese from fast food while I'm gone lol (not that I don't like a little cushion for the pushin' lmao) If you read my replies though Gus, I am going to turn myself in. I'm just trying to avoid being arrested at an inopportune time if that even makes sense lol (when is it ever an opportune time lol) I'll be singing the jailhouse blues, hey, maybe I'll even get to practice my higher octaves while I'm there which is what I'm currently working on in my vocals atm. I'm an alto so those high notes are difficult for me. I'll also read, think, talk, catch up on my sleep. I'm feeling optimistic atm. Stand by in case I'm seized with terror in the coming days though lol.

[gismo]

hugs to you old pal, miss you already, hurry back
gismo x

"This is the ghost of Lightbulb7Seven speaking from the cold, dark cells of Harris County Corrections Department, please leave a message after the beep. Beep-Beep! Cheetos will be accepted in honor of her absence in lieu of cash donations."

Just kidding Cash donations are fine. I'm still here Gismo! I'll prove it: What is something that only Lightbulb7Seven would say?

"Sorry I haven't been on PC in a while, I've been really absorbed with this Bounty Paper Towel."

If that doesn't prove it then...well you'll just have to visit me lol. Thanks for your kindness Gismo