Court

I did have a talk with my brother this morning when I arrived to pick him up.  I told him what he said to me Saturday and how he lied to me on Tuesday.  He said, but I just did a little bit.  Don't you just love the addicts mind?  I explained I was really disappointed in him to hear that he did coke, but more disappointed that he lied to me because we've never had that type of relationship.  I also told him that I told the cops that he had it in his system and that is why he was tested.  I said, I can't have another addiction come into our lives.  We cannot even begin to handle the one we have.  I told him now is the time, tell the judge, I have a problem and need help.

Here's the issue.  My brother is smart, in his own, but not book smart (and def legal smart) by any means.  He was going in front of the judge by himself today.  The judge asked him one question out of order for him, threw him off and now it's all screwed up.  If the judge would have asked, how do you plea?  He would have done no contest, said his words, got his sentencing.  Unfortunately we forgot to discuss with him that the judge would ask if he wanted to speak to a lawyer.  So, when the judge asked, he said yes.  The judge then continued his case until next week and took him straight to jail.

I just sat there dumbfounded.  I didn't know what to do.  I wanted to stand up and talk to the judge.  

I've never felt so helpless. I screwed up by not planning correctly and studying with him on how to speak.  Now I don't know what to do.  We can't afford a lawyer again (and don't need one, really), but we do need someone to speak on my brothers behalf as he does not comprehend questions well AT ALL.  Part of his learning disorder.  It's not I can sit and coach him over the phone on how it'll work.  Much less, during the limited visitation hours I can make.  Right now, I'm hoping he can get a public defender before next court, next Wednesday, just to have someone help him with the questions.  We did talk to him once already today and told him to ask the guards.  I really have no clue how these things work.

My poor mom is already going crazy at the thought of not having him home.  She called today asking to get my dog for the week.  She doesn't handle the silence and "thinking non stop" well - well, neither of us do.

However, I will sleep well this week, with no worries of middle of the night phone calls.


Peace, Love & Laughter