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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Gordy, Jeff and Philip

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Gordy: I actually do not remember much of the process since I woke up in jail. After which I was processed with a series of medical questions. Was finger printed and jailed into the county outfits provided by the jail.
Jeff: I sat in jail for approximately 5 months and as far as pre sentencing my lawyer did some work on it was a very complicated Family Court case. I had no court dates they came to me with a final offer after 5 months when I was released with 2 yrs probation
Philip: I was booked on my orignal charge After bonding out of jail an arraignment was set a few weeks later. A public defender was appointed and advised a no contest plea. Sentencing was held 3 weeks later where the judge ordered a jail sentence of ninety days in county jail

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Gordy: I was arrested after an accident while driving while intoxicated and do not remember even being arrested when I woke up I was in jail all bloody.
Jeff: I was arrested by US Marshal Service in Long Beach California and transported to Sarasota County.I move with my 3 year old son from Sarasota County to California unknowing that I wasn't violating custody laws of Florida. So a warrant for my arrest was issued for interference with custody of a minor
Philip: I was involved in a car accident leaving a restaurant. During the routine investigation of at fault and liability information a standard field sobriety test was administered. The local police department determined I was legally impaired and was subsequently charged with a DUI with property damage.I was then beaten and taken to jail

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Gordy: The court system was actually a pretty smooth process. My lawyer really handled everything so it made the experience as pleasantly as being in a court house could be.
Jeff: I only appeared one time in the courtroom and that was to accept my final offer of two years probation and community service in Sarasota County.other than that I had no other court appearances they worked on my case outside of the courtroom until the final day when I was released
Philip: Court was frightening and I felt as alone as I have ever felt. My state appointed counsel did not know my name had never met me and simply went along with whatever the opposing counsel seemed to recommend. I was never given an opportunity to speak on my behalf ask questions or present a defense.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Gordy: DUI Reckless driving I was convicted of both offenses
Jeff: Felony kidnapping reduced to felony interference of custody of a minor
Philip: DUI with property damage. End result DUI with property damage

Read about sentencing in the Sarasota County Jail