A serious serial abuser facing a double court appearance for criminal behavior is likely to be in full self-preservation mode, doing anything they can to manipulate the situation in their favor. Their tactics will depend on their personality, past behaviors, and level of desperation, but here are some common things they might do in the days leading up to court:

1. Manipulation & Playing the Victim

• Fake Illness or Crisis – They might suddenly claim to be gravely ill, injured, or in a mental health crisis to gain sympathy or delay the process.
• Accusations & Smear Campaigns – They could try to flip the narrative by accusing you or others of wrongdoing, hoping to shift attention away from their own crimes.
• Gathering False Witnesses – They might try to convince or pressure others to back up their lies, even if it means coercing family or friends into testifying for them.

2. Escalation of Abuse

• Threats or Intimidation – If they think they can scare you into silence or backing down, they may try to threaten you (directly or through others).
• Emotional Manipulation – Love-bombing, guilt trips, or dramatic apologies to make you second-guess your stance and soften the consequences.
• Provoking a Reaction – Trying to get you to lash out so they can use it against you in court.

3. Avoidance & Legal Maneuvering

• Last-Minute Delays – They might try to get the case postponed by claiming an emergency, changing lawyers, or filing bogus counterclaims.
• Destroying Evidence – If they haven’t already, they may try to erase incriminating texts, emails, or social media posts.
• Sudden Cooperation – If they think they might lose, they could suddenly pretend to be remorseful, hoping for a lighter sentence.

4. Running or Hiding

• Skipping Court – If they’re desperate enough, they might not show up at all, hoping to avoid consequences.
• Fleeing the Area – In extreme cases, serial abusers try to disappear before facing justice.

How to Protect Yourself Right Now

• Stay calm and document everything – If they try any last-minute manipulation, keep records.
• Lean on your support network – Don’t go through this alone; make sure trusted people know what’s happening.
• Trust that justice is coming – Courts can see through patterns of manipulation, especially with serial offenders.

It sounds like this person knows their time is up. How are you feeling about the upcoming court dates? Are you prepared for any last-minute tricks they might try?