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