Children's court in California is no joke. Not even Britney who makes what is it 70,000 per month could win in this court. Here's my deal. My son and I were leaving the beach, he was all showered, packed up and ready to roll. My boyfriend had met us there in his brand new 07 ford truck, which he had asked me to park for him while he hurried to go meet up w/some friends. He found it scratched upon leaving the beach and was quite angry and thought I did it when I parked it. I remained completely calm and simply told my son "let's go." Being a 9 year old my kid thinks everything is funny. He didn't obey my order to lets go, wanted to stick around to see my boyfriend lose it over his truck. Go figure.
I pulled him by the arm to get in the car, was already too late by that time because my boyfriend had already keyed and damaged the paint on my car. I was of course very upset and pulled away. The next thing is that my kid didn't have his seat belt on so I pulled over into the red zone. I shouted at him put his seat belt on and smacked him a couple of times on the thigh and upper arm. I have received a couple of no seat belt tickets in the recent past because he removes seat belts or doesn't put them on when asked. Anyway, some "good citizens" came running up and asked if this was my kid. I said of course yes. They called 911. The police came. They saw my kid crying and it turns out when I had pulled him into the car earlier it left a couple of significant scratches on his wrist. That's all the police needed to see. Got arrested they dropped it to misdemeanor assault and child endangerment.
Also had to go to Children's Court. For the next 6 months I do not have custody of my son. I must undergo a parenting class program which is fine. I love my son and want him back. The only thing is what kind of parent will I be if I can't support my son. I am also a teacher and this charge, even if a misdemeanor, even if having to do w/my own child, not one of my students may totally end my career. Look at the result, so far the system has broken up a family, and quite possibly created another welfare mom/public assistance situation in the case I can no longer teach. What consequences will that have for my son?
Right now if anyone knows whether or not a misdemeanor child endangerment re their own child can and will end a teaching career let me know. The charges still pending. Back to court in mid December.

