Batman / BtVS continues

[ffutures]

Here's the next - and probably penultimate - part of the BtVS / Batman crossover Drabble series.



100-word BtVS / Angel / DC crossover Drabble. Minor spoilers. Characters are the property of their respective creators and are used without any intention of infringing copyright. This story may not be distributed on a profit-making basis. Sequel to First Contact, Second Thoughts, Third Party, Fourth Possibility, Fifth Ring, Sixth Sense, Seventh Seal, Eighth Avenue, Ninth Symphony, Tenth Hour, Eleventh Commandment, Twelfth Pair and Triskadekaphobia.

Fourteenth Amendment

By Marcus L. Rowland

"You're wanted..."

"Was," says Faith. "I'm officially dead."

"Until the police find your fingerprints. Planning to spend your life running?"

"A couple more weeks."

"What happens then?"

"The California Supreme Court reviews my trial. Something about Due Process."

"Then what?"

"My lawyers say I should turn myself in, probably get a suspended sentence for breaking out."

"And if they're wrong?"

"I do the time."

Oz climbs back to the roof with the crossbow bolts, says "Are we done?"

"I think so," says Batman.

"Great," says Faith. "See you around."

"If you don't turn yourself in you can count on it."



Comments please - this is a lot better than my first draft of this segment, but I think it could stand comments from anyone who knows more about the US legal system than I do.

Comments

[trinfaneb.livejournal.com]

Did a search on Lexis-Nexis and found the below. About 16 months to six years seems to be the punishment for escape.


PENAL CODE
PART 3. Of Imprisonment and the Death Penalty
TITLE 5. Offenses Relating to Prisons and Prisoners
CHAPTER 2. Escapes and Rescues
ARTICLE 1. Escapes

GO TO CALIFORNIA CODES ARCHIVE DIRECTORY

Cal Pen Code § 4530 (2004)

§ 4530. Escape or attempted escape from state prison, camp, farm or custodial work site; Punishment; Failure to return from authorized absence

(a) Every prisoner confined in a state prison who, by force or violence, escapes or attempts to escape therefrom and every prisoner committed to a state prison who, by force or violence, escapes or attempts to escape while being conveyed to or from such prison or any other state prison, or any prison road camp, prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or any other place while under the custody of prison officials, officers or employees; or who, by force or violence, escapes or attempts to escape from any prison road camp, prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or other place while under the custody of prison officials, officers or employees; or who, by force or violence, escapes or attempts to escape while at work outside or away from prison under custody of prison officials, officers, or employees, is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for a term of two, four, or six years. The second term of imprisonment of a person convicted under this subdivision shall commence from the time he would otherwise have been discharged from prison. No additional probation report shall be required with respect to such offense.

(b) Every prisoner who commits an escape or attempts an escape as described in subdivision (a), without force or violence, is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, or two or three years to be served consecutively. No additional probation report shall be required with respect to such offense.

(c) The willful failure of a prisoner who is employed or continuing his education, or who is authorized to secure employment or education, or who is temporarily released pursuant to Section 2690, 2910, or 6254, or Section 3306 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, to return to the place of confinement not later than the expiration of a period during which he or she is authorized to be away from the place of confinement, is an escape from the place of confinement punishable as provided in this section. A conviction of a violation of this subdivision, not involving force or violence, shall not be charged as a prior felony conviction in any subsequent prosecution for a public offense.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Okay - I think I can get away with this if I change

"My lawyers say I should turn myself in, probably get a suspended sentence for breaking out."

to

"My lawyers say I've gotta turn myself in, they're negotiating a suspended sentence for breaking out."

This (I hope) makes it clear that it's unusual - also makes it explicit that turning herself in is part of the deal.

[trinfaneb.livejournal.com]

Sounds reasonable to me.