What Is The Most Likely Sentence I Will Get.
I am a recovering alcoholic who relapsed recently after 8 years of sobriety. During this time I got married and have had 2 lovely children. I must point out that I have until this relapse have been a very good mother. All social work reports and feedback from family and my husband have verified this.
During this relapse, I drank on several occasions and took illegally ordered Valium. It was over a period of 4 months.
I am very ashamed to say that I placed my children in danger whilst inebriated. I had taken 2-3 diazepam tablets and attempted to take my children to nursery. I cannot remember that I did this and am horrified that I did. My foot slipped from the break to the accelerator and I hit a fence at low speed. Thankfully none of us were injured, but I did not report it due to be inebriated and confused. I was referred for a diversion which I was undertaking. I had been diagnosed with postnatal depression and anxiety.
I maintained sobriety for 2 months after this, but then after a series of very stressful and worrying events (my child starting to have seizures - serious ones (not related to car accident), being diagnosed with epilepsy after spending over 2 weeks in hospital with him with un-controllable seizures. 2 days after being discharged by father was involved in a serious RTA - resulting in serious injuries and admission to ITU.
Stupidly I ordered more tablets, and after having taken some diazepam (a lot), I took my youngest son (5 months old) for a walk. I have very little memory of the walk, but I did buy and drink a few mouthfuls of alcohol, and most seriously (4 witnesses saw me) accidently dropped my son resulting in a skull fracture. I a, so grateful that there was no brain bleed, and all tests have shown that there is no damage, or I'll effect on his health. It has been accepted that it was accidental.
My previous convictions are 2 drink driving offences. One during this 4 month relapse (which I have pleaded guilty to), and one 9 years ago just prior to getting sober through AA. I am now back and fully engaging with all help, social work and am fully committed to my recovery in AA.
I believe my offence of driving the car with the children in the car which was deferred has been sent back to the procurator fiscal (I'm) in scotland . The charge was careless driving and wilful child neglect. ( I am unsure if this was section 12 or 1 offence has my social worker has once said section 12 and also section 1.
The charge of dropping my son I believe is a section 1 (but could be section 12).
I believe I was indicted (whatever that means). My bail conditions are only supervised access by a social worker and having to reside at a different address until my trial.
I am engaging with all services, and am doing well maintaining sobriety. Social work feedback has been positive and encouraging, and there have been an increase in visitation a few already, and some restrictions relaxed.
I was told that a case can take 1 year to come to trial, but they usually try to hear child protection cases quickly. Luckily my husband is fully supportive.
I am intending to plead guilty as I did place my children in danger, and I'm not willing to lie or deny in court.
My question being what will be my likely sentence. My fear is that it will be a prison sentence and that will be more time away from my children. Any ideas of best and worse case scenario????