I got quite an education today. Most of it sitting in a courtroom with my family member in crisis.
The outcome was much better than we expected. 7 days in weekend jail and 2 years "Monitored Misdemeanor Probation".
I enjoyed the experience, even though my stomach was tied up in knots, awaiting the outcome.
The judge was a large, older man with a big booming voice. A larger than life personality. It was quite entertaining really. He was filling in for the usual judge in diversion court. So there was a lot of questions directed at the attorneys. He was a strict judge, but he had a heart. He would listen to people's stories. And his judgments seemed fair and well thought out.
I also learned a new term today: "TSI".
I immediately thought of TMI - too much information. My family member's attorney gave him a checklist of places he needed to go to. First was probation registration. Second was TSI at the jail.
I asked her what "TSI" stood for.
"Turn Self In", she said with a grin.
So after sentencing, we walking down to the probation registration office. The people in that office were quite fun. I think I expected a bunch of harsh, judgmental people in our adventure at the courthouse today.
Not so! The grimmest faces we encountered was going through security. One of those faces was mine after we had to go through several times.
But the probation office staff - delightful! They treated my family member kindly. Gave him all his info and more paperwork and answered all of his questions. While he was getting registered, I talked with another staff member about the possibility of an earthquake. She was convinced "the big one" was on it's way. And since the courthouse was old with much marble, she planned on sprinting out the door the minute the floor began to shake.
After probation, we headed over to the TSI office, adjacent to the jail. I was sad, thinking about my family member spend 7 days in jail. But after our visit with the TSI lady, we all came out feeling quite relieved and light in step.
It turns out his jail time will be Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Not in the Multnomah County Jail, but in the courthouse. Not in a cell, but in a large conference room with other men in his predicament. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to bring books. I was hoping he could spend time exercising his brain. Nope. No personal belongings. No cell phones, books, food, nor any belts or shoelaces.
Just like jail. But not in a cell.
The most difficult thing about this whole process will be him following through.
But it will be a good life experience.
I, however, have had enough life experience for one day. After this post, I am heading for a bowl of comfort in the form of Pho and the home to bed with a movie.
I may be able to finish my online classical music course that I'm taking free through Coursera. It is phenomenal! It is taught at Yale University. We have made it from the Renaissance, through Baroque, and Classical Music. I especially enjoyed the segment on the evolution of the piano.
It is filling the gaps in my brain from my lifelong musical education. And I am already passing on some of that knowledge to my students. When this course is completed, I shall find another. A good way to spend time on the bus!
We are finishing up a segment on the operas of Verdi.
I am finally developing a taste for opera! I have several DVDs on hold at the library....
Anyway, I am beginning to ramble.
So I wish you a good night. I for one, hope to get a peaceful sleep. I hope my family member in crisis does too. Maybe he will be a family member crisis survivor soon!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
P.S. Here is today's hooping video. Day 292!
The outcome was much better than we expected. 7 days in weekend jail and 2 years "Monitored Misdemeanor Probation".
I enjoyed the experience, even though my stomach was tied up in knots, awaiting the outcome.
The judge was a large, older man with a big booming voice. A larger than life personality. It was quite entertaining really. He was filling in for the usual judge in diversion court. So there was a lot of questions directed at the attorneys. He was a strict judge, but he had a heart. He would listen to people's stories. And his judgments seemed fair and well thought out.
I also learned a new term today: "TSI".
I immediately thought of TMI - too much information. My family member's attorney gave him a checklist of places he needed to go to. First was probation registration. Second was TSI at the jail.
I asked her what "TSI" stood for.
"Turn Self In", she said with a grin.
So after sentencing, we walking down to the probation registration office. The people in that office were quite fun. I think I expected a bunch of harsh, judgmental people in our adventure at the courthouse today.
Not so! The grimmest faces we encountered was going through security. One of those faces was mine after we had to go through several times.
But the probation office staff - delightful! They treated my family member kindly. Gave him all his info and more paperwork and answered all of his questions. While he was getting registered, I talked with another staff member about the possibility of an earthquake. She was convinced "the big one" was on it's way. And since the courthouse was old with much marble, she planned on sprinting out the door the minute the floor began to shake.
After probation, we headed over to the TSI office, adjacent to the jail. I was sad, thinking about my family member spend 7 days in jail. But after our visit with the TSI lady, we all came out feeling quite relieved and light in step.
It turns out his jail time will be Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Not in the Multnomah County Jail, but in the courthouse. Not in a cell, but in a large conference room with other men in his predicament. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to bring books. I was hoping he could spend time exercising his brain. Nope. No personal belongings. No cell phones, books, food, nor any belts or shoelaces.
Just like jail. But not in a cell.
The most difficult thing about this whole process will be him following through.
But it will be a good life experience.
I, however, have had enough life experience for one day. After this post, I am heading for a bowl of comfort in the form of Pho and the home to bed with a movie.
I may be able to finish my online classical music course that I'm taking free through Coursera. It is phenomenal! It is taught at Yale University. We have made it from the Renaissance, through Baroque, and Classical Music. I especially enjoyed the segment on the evolution of the piano.
It is filling the gaps in my brain from my lifelong musical education. And I am already passing on some of that knowledge to my students. When this course is completed, I shall find another. A good way to spend time on the bus!
We are finishing up a segment on the operas of Verdi.
I am finally developing a taste for opera! I have several DVDs on hold at the library....
Anyway, I am beginning to ramble.
So I wish you a good night. I for one, hope to get a peaceful sleep. I hope my family member in crisis does too. Maybe he will be a family member crisis survivor soon!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Love,
Zita
P.S. Here is today's hooping video. Day 292!
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