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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Ralph, Rachel, Fred, Craig and Joe

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Ralph: well there were multiple court dates that i had to attend then it came down to sentencing getting the work release deal
Rachel: I accepted a plea bargaining and turned myself in although when I did at the courthouse no ome quite knew what to do with meow where to take meat first. It was a bit confusing.
Fred: well it all starts with going to court for the first time to see if they have enough evidence to charge you with anything then you have a preliminary hearing then motions then you either plead guilty or take the whole case to trial or just plead guilty then you wait for sentencingno
Craig: The pre-sentencing process is very flawed. The main objective of the CO criminal justice system seems more about getting people into the system through "plea bargains" then it does about actual "justice". People are arrested, and those whith money or who know people with money can bond out, which is looked upon more favorably. I've been incarcerated a couple few times, bonding out only once, and the judge made it clear to me that the system looks upon being bonded as a way to say SOMEONE cares about you, you must not be tottally worthless (my phrasing)
Joe: You will have to report to the Denver County Probation Department for a pre-sentencing investigation evaluation. From this evaluation the District Attorney will base his offer on their recommendations. They will do a background check and ask about any substance abuse issues and if you will have any problems with completing your probation.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Ralph: no
Rachel: I was indicted and accepted a plea bargain. I did a walkthrough then turned myself in.
Fred: no, i was just pulled over because they said i was swerving or what not, then pull me over ask me if i had been drinking or what not because they said it smelled of alcohol, so i had to do all the road side tests and also denied the breath test.
Craig: No. I was on parole and was arrested awaitng a revocation hearing. I had found a job, however my schedule interfeared with the scheduling of the homeless shelter I was paroled to. How is one really supposed to work full time if they have to report to a homeless shelter by 2pm, just to sit around until 5 or 6 to get in for the night?
Joe: No I did not have police stop by my house. I was essentially not arrested. I had an accident and was transported to a hospital for treatment. After being treated and staying in the hospital for a few days, I was free to go home. I posted no bond and was not booked.

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Ralph: stressful, not knowing what the outcome would be
Rachel: The worst experience of my life.I have always been a contributing member of society, given back to thecomunity, many hours of volunteer service, put myself thru college and graduated with honors. When I was I indicted, I becamed dirt in the eyes of the court. The DA hated me never tok not account any of my history. This was the first and only time I had ever been I trouble.
Fred: Going to court is always a hassle, there are so many people waiting to see the judge or da or even there public defender or attorney. Its definitely a stressful situation and can be a whole day ordeal. Best thing is to not get in trouble at all. not worth the trouble.
Craig: Court - or, in my case the hearing, was nothing more than a documented formality about decisions made BEFORE I even entered the room. The hearing officer even admitted as much. He TOLD me that he had already decided to revoke me. The hearing was just to see for how long and to where.
Joe: Court is your typical cattle drive. The public defender is overworked and will push for a deal, they do not want to go to trial. The DA's are not able to be swayed for a lesser sentence under even the most extenuating of circumstances. They play hardball. Colorado is very petty with misdemeanors and you will be sentenced to jail on even the most minor offenses.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Ralph: DUI with priors, plead guilty to DUI
Rachel: There were 10 of us indicted under the Colorado organized crime act. After a couple of years of court I took a plea, I was drained, mentally exhaustedandjust wanted my life back to some sort of normalcy. I pled to a class 3 felony, securities fraud. DA gave me the option of a class 4 and serve more time I jail, but I had a baby to take are and opted for less time.
Fred: dwai, driving under revocation, reckless driving
Craig: My original charges were forgery and larceny.
Joe: My original charges were 2nd in a lifetime DUI and no insurance. I was convicted of the DUI

Read about sentencing in the Denver County Jail