The Judge banged the gavel, making me shiver. My Dad and my lawyer wanted me to plead guilty and take a plea deal. I guess they were right, hell I was caught red handed, plus it was all captured on a surveillance camera!
"The State of Missouri vs Miss Nikki Belmont case #7632-15-19-2019," the Judge stated. "I understand there has been a plea agreement, is that correct Mr. District Attorney?"
"Yes Sir, Your Honor," replied the DA.
"Is that true Miss Belmont? And stand when I'm talking to you young lady," growled the Judge.
Standing on shaky legs I stammered, "Yes.. Sir."
The Judge had a frown on his face, then asked the DA and my attorney Mr. Sanders to approach the bench. I couldn't hear what was being said, but I could see the Judge's face and he looked like he was not happy. Finally my attorney and the DA resumed their seats.
I was trying to find out what was going on from my attorney when he sat down, but he just shushed me.
"QUIET," as the Judge banged the gavel. "I am not satisfied at all with this plea agreement. The record shows the defendant just turned 18 a month ago, and barely has enough credits to qualify as a 10th grader. You have been caught performing sex acts during school hours, and this is the 3rd time you have been arrested for stealing. It would not be fair to the State of Missouri or you, that I let you off with a three year suspended sentence and one year probation. You appear to have no regard for rules or the law. We will adjourn for 30 minutes, and your attorney can explain your options Miss Belmont," as he banged his gavel.
Now I was scared shitless! Before I always got probation, and what the hell, so I gave a few blow jobs in the gym or bathroom. My parents were in the room with me, as Mr. Sanders apologized for not being able to get Judge Nichols to accept the plea deal.
"The Judge is going to make us go to trial, which means if found guilty Nikki you would be sentenced to 10 years in the Women's Correctional Center in Vandalia, Missouri, or....." said Mr. Sanders
I didn't hear him after that because my mom was wailing and crying, and I was about to shit myself! My Dad was trying to calm mother down and I just sat there dumbfounded.
"Please... listen and let me explain the option he offered," said Mr. Sanders.
"If you were to get sentenced to 10 years, you would be eligible for parole after 6 years with good behavior. The other option is, if you plea guilty, he is going to sentence you to a private correctional facility in Springfield, Missouri called Harrison Correctional Facility for Young Women. There you would attend classes and earn credits to get a high school diploma, plus a regular work schedule. If you complete the requirements for your diploma you will be released as time served. Which means you could be out a couple years if you apply yourself."
Mr. Sanders," my mom cried, "are there no other options?"
"I am afraid not Mrs. Belmont."
"Would we be able to visit her," Dad asked?
"That's the other thing," frowned Mr. Sanders, "the only communication allowed is by mail. Nikki would be able to write, or I should say will be required to write you once a week. Also, Nikki you need to understand if you accept this offer and then cause more problems while your serving your sentence, the Judge will be notified, and he can have you transferred to Vandalia to serve the full 10 years. You have to be on your best behavior."
Retuning to the court room, I knew we really didn't have an option, my ass was headed to Springfield, Missouri.
"Has the defendant made a decision Mr. Sanders," smirked Judge Nichols.
"Yes your Honor, she pleads guilty and kindly accepts your offer."
"Please stand Miss Belmont for sentencing," he growled as I stood.
"Miss Belmont, I hope I am not making a mistake giving you this option, but fair warning, I will transfer you to Vandalia so fast it'll make your head spin, if you disappoint me. I am going to give you 48 hours to spend with your family, then you are to report here at 8 a.m. Friday morning. Bring nothing with you, all you need are the clothes on your back, everything else you need will be provided."
I didn't even hear him read the sentence or bang his gavel saying court dismissed.
Mom was hugging me and still crying as Dad led us outside to the car. I just stared out the window at people going about their business happy and carefree, on the drive home. "You really fucked up this time," I told myself, thinking why in the hell did I steal that damn bracelet! Oh yeah, on a stupid dare from Susie!
I raced upstairs to my room as soon as we got home, and shut and locked my door.
I always made good grades until I entered Jr. High, then got in with the wrong crowd and started skipping classes. All the cool kids were smoking pot, pulling pranks on teachers and stealing shit just for the fun of it. I caught Susie giving her boyfriend a blow job behind the school during a school dance. She just laughed and said I should try it, so when my boyfriend was trying to get in my pants I gave it a try. Hell, at least I couldn't get pregnant.
Laying in bed I thought about all the crap I had done, and decided I would somehow get through this and turn my life around. If I applied myself I could get enough credits in 2 years and get released, and maybe go on to college. I was just getting out of my dress clothes that I wore to court when Dad knocked on my door.
"Honey, are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah Dad, I'm changing clothes and I be down in a minute," I shouted.