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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Lena, Janis, Anna and Malcolm

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Lena: I was arrested, brougth to West Valley got arrianged the next day and ended up doing my sentence right then and there
Janis: It was chaotic being incarcerated. I was in a mod or unit that was meant for parole violators and fights and loud raunchy talking was the norm. We had rec time one day a week the rec area was contained but you could the sun through the fencing. I was transported to court dates in shackles on my hands and legs and got up before the sun rose to go sit in a cold holding tank for hours before transportation even arrived.
Anna: Well the first thing that happened I was arrested. I was taken to west valley detention center. I had to go through the booking process. I took a mug shot. The process took awhile. I was in a holding cell with other women for like two hours before I was taken in to get my uniform.
Malcolm: i was taken to court at 5 am hand cuffed on a bus to the central county court and meet with a white male public defender who had a plead offer of 180 day and 24 monthes probation.. i signed the paper and was taken back to the jail to serve my time.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Lena: I was pulled over for a broken windshield and didn't have insurance, didn't have registerion, didn't have a license. So they arrested me right away.
Janis: The police were called by someone who observed an altercation between myself and my ex husband and I was arrested as a result. The police arrested me after I resisted arrest because I felt that I was not in the wrong. I was tased and brought down to the ground and my nose was bleeding and I was cleaned up before being brought in to booking.
Anna: I had a warrant out for my arrest. I was sight seeing with a friend. Apparently the area where I was was a private area. A cop came. I was approached by the cop. He asked for my name license and registration. Eventually ran my name and saw that there was a warrant for my arrest.
Malcolm: no, i was in a park downtown san bernardino using and selling crack cocaine.. I was walking and was saw by the police smoking out of a glass pipe. i saw them started to run and fell down 2 officers jumped on my back and arrest me for possesion of a controlled substance..

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Lena: I didn't actually go to court. They have video court where the put you in a room with TV and a monitor and the judge is on the Tv. I had the option to plead not guilty but that would have meant going back to jail and waiting for a trial so I took the ten days.
Janis: The behind the scenes part of court was the most aggravating. I was only in the courtroom for maybe 5 minutes, but when it is not time for your appearance you stay in a very cold holding cell, still cuffed. Also with a waist chainlink that connects to your wrist cuffs. I made a brief arraignment appearance informing me of my charges, and all subsequent court dates for prepreliminary hearings, which basically served as negotiating time and I was offered different plea deals by the district attorney, on the charges that would actually stick for conviction.
Anna: My experience was long. I had to ride in a bus to the court house. I was with other women inmates. The men and women were separated. Women in the front. Men in the back. Once we got to the court house I was put in a holding cell. I was taken out when it was my turn to get sentenced by the judge. A lot of waiting.
Malcolm: court was a very uncomfortable experince. i felt like an animal.. they kept all inmates cuffed the whole time from when we left the jail till the time we got back.. everyone was almost forced to take the a deal from the d.a or face a longer sentence in the county or state jail.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Lena: No insurance, no license, no registration.
Janis: Resisting arrest with the use of force Assault
Anna: Taking vehicle without owner's consent. I was convicted for grand theft auto
Malcolm: poss. of a controlled substance... and it remain the same

Read about sentencing in the West Valley Detention Center