Victor shared a little tid bit of Maria(My MIL) history that seemed to make the picture a little clearer.
Grab some popcorn, boys and girls, it is time for a story...
When Victor's Pa and Ma immigrated from Portugal in the 1960's they made their final destination San Jose, California. At that time, the practice of the city was to have new arrivals go to the police department and be fingerprinted so they could be given identification cards.
The couple proudly went at their designated time and proceeded to be interviewed for their ID cards. Maria was taken into a room alone for her interview and was asked a myriad of questions. She seemed to do well, until the Cop asked her if she had ever been in jail. She wasn't familiar with the word jail.. as her english was very limited. He threw out a bunch of words related to jail, in hopes he would be able to get across the question to her.. "Jail.. police.. crime..arrested?? " When she heard police, she happily piped up yes.. yes.. police.. jail. She was saying that yes she had in fact been to the local police station in Portugal before.. and not that she had been arrested.. but the cop happily checked the box yes indicating that she had in fact committed a crime. This is how the most delightful, Ms Alves.. Maria.. my MIL.. has a police record!!!!
Now if it was me, I would straighten the whole situation out.. but no, my MIL believes they will put a tracking device on her and search her cob-webby crevices for drugs..
Personally, if I knew that my inability to speak English had caused such a horrible misunderstanding (that has not been cleared up to this day) to take place.. I would take the time to learn the language...
Mental note: Take advantage of her inability to speak English ... Make annoymous tip to crime hotline about possible drug ring led by Mama Alves.
disclaimer: photo is NOT the real Ms Alves but an actor playing the part of fugitive Alves.
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