Chapter 17 - THE SENTENCING OF VICTORIA
Three months later, in late February, the final criminal proceeding took place at the Stamford Superior Courthouse.
Although Victoria had signed the civil surrender, the District Attorney’s office had proceeded with misdemeanor child endangerment and criminal coercion charges based on the video evidence.
Daniel and Emma did not attend the sentencing hearing. There was no need to give Victoria another moment of their lives. Instead, Marcus Vance sat in the prosecution's gallery to report back.
Standing before the judge in a simple black suit, stripped of her designer wardrobe and high-society contacts, Victoria listened as Judge Helen Carter read the sentence:
"Victoria Vance, your conduct toward a defenseless seven-year-old child under your care was cruel, calculated, and fundamentally unconscionable. While your lack of prior criminal record and signed civil restitution prevent a long state prison term, this court will not allow your actions to go unpunished."
Judge Carter slammed her gavel down firmly.
"You are sentenced to two years of felony probation, five hundred hours of mandatory community service at a state juvenile facility, and a permanent, lifetime restraining order prohibiting any contact with Emma Vance. Should you violate a single condition of this probation, you will immediately serve eighteen months in county jail."
May you like
Victoria bowed her head, her face pale and hollow, as court officers escorted her out to process her probation paperwork.
When Marcus called Daniel to deliver the news, Daniel simply said, "Thank you, Marcus. It's over."
