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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Hillary and Leslie

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Hillary: I was shoplifting in Wal-mart, and I had been doing it for awhile, and then I got caught when I was attempting to leave the store.
Leslie: This like most jails has the air conditioning set so you freeze. Don't ask for anything because you wont get it.You are the scum of the earth even though you may be innocent. You get a hearing within 24hrs and if you want to get out you better speak up even though they tell you not to say anything to the judge.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Hillary: The merchandise control person stopped me at the door, and they had already called the police. I tried to run but they apprehended me, handcuffed me and read me my rights. I was taken to Escambia County first and then transferred to Santa Rosa. I was transferred there because my attorney (pd requested it) so I could be closer to my kids.
Leslie: The police stopped by mt house with a warrant for my arrest. Of course it was late at night while I was asleep. I had a dirty pee test at probation office and it took about a month for them to pick me up.I went to intake cell at the jail.

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Hillary: At the first court proceeding I kind of had my arraignment. I had been on probation for a prior issue, so that is why they decided to keep me in jail at that hearing. They just took me back into custody from that hearing.
Leslie: Court is very nerve wracking. But if you know what to expect it is not so bad. One thing I can say with great meaning is if you did not do it do not plead down, which I have done just to get things over with. DONT do it.Stick to your guns it will probably be a year before they are done.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Hillary: Because I had been stealing from Wal-Mart regularly, I was charged with theft and convicted of theft. They were going to charge me with grand theft but because they didn't have enough evidence they just charged me with petty theft. Misdemeanor.
Leslie: Original Poss. of Cocaine. Then 2 vops

Read about sentencing in the Santa Rosa County Jail