I need help....... I got into a fight in my neighborhood with a female who was harassing me for about 2yrs. I never reported it to authorities because she was a minor and i just blew it off.One day while I was standing in front of my door with my 2yr old son she started harassing me again. I blew her off thinking that she we go away she did and came back. At this time I was about to leave the area when she walked up and attacked me I fought back and my mother came out of the house to break it up. My mother is very sickly and when she gets upset she gets out of breath. I tried helping my mother get back into the house when the female came charging at me with a knife, I was very afraid I grabbed the first thing insight which was a small bat and swung it at her to stop her from harming me or my mother. The female left and went home where she lives down the street went home changed clothes and flagged down an officer and said I hit her with a bat. I was arrested and charged and nothing happened to her.I admitted to hitting her because she had knife. She did not seek medical attention nor did she have any major bruises. We went to trial and I got found guilty of all four charges and all I was trying to do is protect me and my mother. I am a very hard working citizen and this was my first arrest. I have completed 3 yrs of College and my major is Criminal Justice but from the looks of this felony I have my career is over before it has begun. I believe that I deserve another chance because I was minding my own business and she started with me. I would like know if a pardon would be a good idea for me because I can guarantee this will be my first and only arrest.I am not a violent aggressive person. I just want to do right for me and my family.