by Hope
For those of you who have been around BAD for a while, you will remember the legal challenges both Gymnast and I faced earlier this year. Gymnast’s were the result of his car wreck in early December and mine were the result of my night in jail or rather the administrative error that ended up with me in jail for 12 hours. At the time, I was stressing over the cost of lawyer representation. They had quoted $1,500 for my defense and $2,500 for my son’s defense or vice versa, I have blocked it all out now.
The Court Dates
In the end, I decided not to hire a lawyer for either of us. It was a calculated risk, I know. But in the end, it paid off. I won’t bore you with the details. But in the end, we each had to attend two different court dates.
Gymnast’ Outcome
For Gymnast, I came prepared with an assortment of recommendations, school reports and doctor’s notes. The first court date resulted in no action, just a date to come back. At the second court date, the judge and prosecutor decided on something akin to deferred adjudication except he didn’t have to plead guilty. I am not sure what it was called. If he stays out of trouble for the next year, the charges all just get dropped. Cost $0
My Outcome
My first court date was just a time to plead. I plead, not guilty, of course. And they scheduled a time for a hearing. At the second court date, the trooper did not show up so I was given the option of rescheduling to another time when the trooper could come in. Or the judge said he would dismiss the charges if I paid the court costs. No brainer for me as I just wanted it over! Cost $336
So I saved a ton of money in not paying for lawyers. Yes, I know it was a risk. But it did work out and every so slightly restored a little bit of faith in our system. (I still have PTSD-type gut reaction every time I see a police officer.) And my friends and family continue to ask if I will pursue some sort of action against the jail due to the violations I dealt me during my twelve hours there…no glasses, no medication, no hearing aids, no toilet access and so on. That night was terrifying for me.
I’m just so glad that it is all over and behind me. And that it didn’t cost any more than it did in time and money.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
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