Sharon,
You, and your child, are in my prayers too, I know the pain you are feeling as I too have had issues with one of my offspring that required their incarceration. While my situation is not exactly like yours (my child was caught stealing) there are times when you must let them pay for their actions. Be comforted in the fact that you are doing the right thing. While a parent, for the most part, has unconditional love for their children, they shouldn’t be subjected to physical abuse from that child. Go to court, tell the truth, and let the chips fall where they may. It may make your relationship more strained for awhile, but in the long run it will make your child a better person once they realize that you won’t tolerate that type behavior from them. Tough love, you bet, but it is enduring love and your desire to help them get their life in order. I applaud your stand and I hope it works out for you.