So, I shoved my girlfriend. I have a lot of shame over that action, and shame for allowing someone to control my emotions that way. If you want to say I was totally wrong for that shove, I agree. I had a lot of provocation, but that doesn't excuse my actions. We fell down, she got hurt (a bruised arm,) and I was arrested.

I plead no contest, because I was told by my lawyer that if I told the truth, I would be found guilty, and I wasn't willing to lie on the stand.

I looked over the plea deal, and I thought all the fines, court costs, and payments to the rape fund (there was no rape, or any kind of forced sex, but that is the law in Florida) were clearly laid out. I was wrong.

So I go to the Batterers Intervention Program (court ordered) and have an evaluation. After honestly answering all the questions put to me by the therapist, I was ordered (by the therapist, who also gets paid for this treatment) into drug and alcohol counseling, another four hundred dollars.

I had no clue this could happen, so my warning is that if you are arrested for abuse, don't mention any drug or alcohol use to the anger management therapist. Don't fall into the trap of believing you can be completely honest with them, as if they were your psychiatrist, because they are just another gear in the meat grinder.

I didn't think this was worthy of an IAMA, but I will answer any questions to further clarify, if anyone is interested. I'm a little buzzed, and I am drinking a ten dollar beer right now, because apparently I am not allowed to drink anymore, even though it is legal and I was sober during the incident that got me arrested.