Owi

[CindyAnn57]

What is the name of your state? Michigan
On 11/19/05 I was pulled over by officers after traveling a distance of about approximately 100 yards. I was very cooperative, took the breathalizer and the other tests and was placed under arrest for a OWI/misdermeanor. Please understand that I am guilty, ashamed, and accept full responsibility. I am a 48 yr. old woman without any prior tickets or history. The small city I was arrested in does not have a jail so other officers from the bordering city came to transport me to their facility. During this time I was with my husband, whom had drank heavily and unbeknownst to me had fallen in the parking lot of the bowling establishment we were leaving prior to getting in the vehicle as I was warming up my auto. Just prior to being pulled over I looked over and noticed my husband had blood on his hands. The officers now involved tried to get a response from my husband without results, and then proceeded to accuse me of beating my husband continuously. I have been married for 30 years and was humiliated and horrified. They called an ambulance for him and at this point I was extremely worried & frustrated. I also was pre-occupied with my adult daughter whom was ill at the time and a post-cancer patient. I have been her care-giver along with my grandson since 05/2002. At the station while being booked I told the female officer about my daughter being ill & my concern for my husband. Needless to say once in the jail cell I freaked out and was sent to the local hospital for observation. At my first court appearance, since we have suffered financially I have asked for a public defender. I am planning on pleading guilty and am curious what to expect. My concern is that I may have to do community service & it will be difficult to find the time since I work part time along with caring for my daughter & grandson. She has several doctor appointments each week which I try to schedule around my part time job as a secretary, she also has very bad days where she is unable to care for herself or my grandson her reside with my husband and myself. I have scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist of my choosing to help evaluate me and help me deal with stress. I would appreciate any competent advice on how to proceed. My court date is set for 12/28/2006.

[CindyAnn57]

Thank you for your comments & although I do not appreciate your view I believe you are entitled to your opinion. As I stated in my first post I do take full responsibility for my actions so that is not an issue. As far as my adult daughter is concerned she has been fighting cancer since 2002 and if you have not ever been a caregiver or parent with a sick child I do not expect you to understand the emotional or financial situations it creates. I am human and make mistakes. On the night in question I was planning on staying home but my daughter persuaded me to go. She usually accompanies us when she feels well enough as well as my grandson. We had a good neighbor visit with her while we were gone. I am not trying to garner sympathy, just stating facts. And by the way I cannot afford to hire an attorney, therefore I have a public defender. Their is no choice where that is concerned.

[CindyAnn57]

I am planning on pleading guilty for my offense. I understand what you are trying to say. Judges see these cases everyday and probably hear every excuse imaginable. My only concern is finding the time to do community service at this time which is something I would probably enjoy. I work approximately 30 hours per week as a secretary, more hours if possible. I try to schedule as many doctors visits on Thursdays as possible, which is my day off. Currently my daughters condition is worsening. Last week she had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and a full body cat-scan along with two ER visits. She is now being scheduled for a muga scan, PET scan, PFT, etc. I try to keep life as normal as possible for my 6 year old grandson such as play dates with friends, one hour of reading and homework each evening. My neighbor is also not well and has a daughter with prader willies whom I care for several times per week. And then I do the normal everyday chores a homemaker would do. I live by each day now and truly cannot plan anything in advance with my current situation and if I do community service I would like to give 100 percent because otherwise I would not be helping anyone.

[divgradcurl]

Originally Posted by CindyAnn57

I am planning on pleading guilty for my offense. I understand what you are trying to say. Judges see these cases everyday and probably hear every excuse imaginable. My only concern is finding the time to do community service at this time which is something I would probably enjoy. I work approximately 30 hours per week as a secretary, more hours if possible. I try to schedule as many doctors visits on Thursdays as possible, which is my day off. Currently my daughters condition is worsening. Last week she had a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and a full body cat-scan along with two ER visits. She is now being scheduled for a muga scan, PET scan, PFT, etc. I try to keep life as normal as possible for my 6 year old grandson such as play dates with friends, one hour of reading and homework each evening. My neighbor is also not well and has a daughter with prader willies whom I care for several times per week. And then I do the normal everyday chores a homemaker would do. I live by each day now and truly cannot plan anything in advance with my current situation and if I do community service I would like to give 100 percent because otherwise I would not be helping anyone.

I wouldn't worry about not being able to give "100%" to your community service -- chances are you'll be picking up garbage off of the highway or something, not doling out food to the homeless...

[Zephyr]

some community service can even be arranged to be performed from home

[CindyAnn57]

I really would like to know why you felt the need to reply with such a sarcastic remark? If I have to pick up garbage, so be it. I don't know the law in CA., but in MI. you usually can pick your own venue for community service. After reading much of the advice and/or comments in these threads, I have come to the conclusion that many of you are very angry or bitter individuals, perhaps because of situations or experiences in your life. Thank-you anyway for your insightful perspective!