JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process: Brandon: Well, this time I was in on a parole violation, so
I wasn't going to court for anything and I was
only in for a week. Previously when I was there
and did go to court, they would get us ready to
get on the bus right after breakfast which was at
4:30 a.m. It was a long process taking a jail bus
from Richmond to Martinez.
JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested. Brandon: I was arrested on a warrant for a parole
violation. I was driving in Walnut Creek and I
stopped to get gas and there was a cop there. He
ran my plate for who knows what reason, saw that I
had a warrant and arrested me. I spent a whole day
at Martinez Detention Facility before I was
brought to West County.
JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall. Brandon: Well, I said a little bit about the bus riding
process. To me that was the worst part about going
to court, the long process of getting everybody
hand cuffed and on the bus so early in the morning
was not any fun. Then when you get to the
jail/courthouse, they throw you in the "bullpen"
where you wait your turn. The bullpen is usually
packed full of guys, and you often find yourself
sitting on the floor. I always tried to sleep,
which wasn't easy considering the crowd. I always
brought a book too. Going into court was usually
really quick, and pretty much like you see on TV.
JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of? Brandon: When I spent 2 months there in 2004 my original
charge was receiving stolen property, and I was
convicted of it as a misdemeanor.