late graduation gift.

Today was the day. It was the only thing on my calender bringing me back to california from my road trip.

It all started on a beautiful california day in June. the story is here. And now here is the ending of this saga in my life.

I woke up this morning at 6:30 am. earlier than I've been awake in weeks. by far. As I begin my morning rituals to get ready, I practice in the mirror what I'm going to say to the judge.

I practiced the demanding/articulate/probation-officer-suzy technique:
"Your Honor, I was working 20-30 hours a week, proving I am making a positive contribution in the community. I was also in school full time, had finals, graduation, moving home and a week long vacation. I had no plausible time in which to renew my license. I should not be held responsible for something that I easily fixed. And on top of that, I am a Probation Officer in training and as I apply and get background-checked i CANNOT have my record tainted by this trivial matter. Is there something you can do to help me? your honor?"

Then I practiced the sweet/charming/repentant technique:
"Your Honor, it was all my fault. I was totally irresponsible in not getting my license renewed. I would be so grateful for any break you can give me. I have never had a record and I did go the next day and get it fixed. Is there anything you could do for me? I would so appreciate it!"


Then there's always the break-down-in-tears technique. didn't really practice that one.


Turns out...didn't use any of them. hah.

So I arrive at the courthouse (after frantically looking for parking and finding it in a CASH-ONLY lot. ugh. so not convenient). I arrive at the proper courtroom and find my name on the docket list.

#49.

Seriously? I have to wait for 49 people to be heard BEFORE ME? bleh.

As I sat in the courtroom and the clerk took roll, my tummy started to knot up. My heart-rate picked up a little. I know, I know...you're thinking to yourself, "Suzy...you're IN law enforcement. you are in courtrooms all the time! how do you expect to do your job?"
Well let me tell you that when it is for someone else, I'm fine in a courtroom and around officers of the court. But for some reason, if it has to do with me....everything related to law and law enforcement sort of scares me.

I'm working on it.

anyway, the Prosecutor begins talking to various people that were there. I was one of those lucky ducks. He actually pulled me aside to a little room and sat down and told me that because I was charged with a misdemeanor and that was a criminal charge, I had the right to legal counsel. He also told me that normally he would just reduce it from a misdemeanor to an infraction with a nice fine instead of a criminal record. how compassionate.

I explained that i DID have a license but it was just expired. He asked to see my renewed license and discovered that i did tell the truth and had gotten it renewed the day after I got pulled over. He was impressed (i think). Well he must have been. because he mumbled some things, looked over the file before he said, "well it looks like you were just busy in school when all this happened. and you got it taken care of immediately. And honestly i have bigger fish to fry today. So I'm going to dismiss this charge completely. and you are free to go. You have my word as an officer of the court that I'll tell the judge that we don't want to press charges. You have no record."

I was SO relieved. i thanked him profusely. and then on my way out he says, "So are you back in school?"

to which I replied (with a little extra joy in my heart), "Nope, I graduated in may!"

He gives me a jovial grin as he opens the door and ushers me out, "Well then...consider this a late graduation gift!"

How awesome is that!?

Pretty sure that God was watching out for me on that one. =)

Now the saga is finished. Whew. On with real life.

thoughts: I have dedicated my entire education to studying crime/criminals and Jesus. People say they don't mix. But I'm pretty sure they do. Because this morning I was a criminal. I prayed and the good Lord delivered me. (warning: do try this--prayer, not misdemeanors-- at home. results may vary, but satisfaction guaranteed or your...soul back? um. i'll have to work on that)

peace and happy crime-free days to everyone.