cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

everyone stood, then sat.

He addressed Vanessa directly.

“Mrs. Carter, this court has reviewed the letters submitted on your behalf. It has considered your lack of prior criminal history, your role as a parent, and the consequences incarceration will have on your daughter. Those factors matter.”

My stomach dropped.

My mother leaned forward slightly.

The continue reading …