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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Jessica, Sarah, Curt, Brad, Peter and Michael

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Jessica: I didn't really have a pre-sentencing. I was arrested for a dirty drug test when I went to go meet with my probation officer.
Sarah: I was arrested on a warrant for a VOP. The sheriff came to my house to get me while I was at work and when I came home they came back to get me. She was very nice and let me call my Mom to start the bond process before I went and she allowed me to take off my jewelry and leave it at home. The time I was in holding was only for about 3 hours.
Curt: i got arrested for vop with out bond
Brad: I got picked up, booked and they sent me right to Polk. I was in C-Pod or Charlie Pod for a night. Then I went to E-Pod or Echo Pod where I stayed until I was on work release. Then they had me over at H-Pod.
Peter: My pre-sentencing started at Seminole County Jail where I spent a few days before bonding out. I was out on bond for about 8 months. Every month or so I would have to go back to court for a pre trial hearing which my lawyer requested be postponed because I waived my right to a speedy trial. After 8 months of court dates that were always rescheduled I wound up violated the terms of my bond and went back to Seminole County Jail. I was placed in D block where they house violent felons because of the nature of my crime. The next court date I had from the jail and the state attorney offered me a plea deal of 54 months. Which I wound up signing to avoid going to trial and risking more time.
Michael: It was a pain, I have a driving record and its habituall the laws have changed and they keep trying to send me to prison and cannot any longer. I have had a child support hold on my license and it has caused problems for me for awhile, I have to work and in this instance I was actually trying to help a homeless man.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested.
Jessica: No, I was already in the probation office and the drug test answered any questions immediately.
Sarah: They came by to do felon registration check but that was all.
Curt: no
Brad: What happend was I couldn't find a ride to a court date for driving on suspended licencse and so I drove myself. At the courthouse parking lot they have an elaborate parking system and they look you up. And what they do is follow you with these cameras. I parked at 7-11 and walked to courthouse. But they tagged me going out and I was followed by an unmarked unit. Once I got back in my car was on the highway I was lit up.
Peter: I was 18 years old at the time and living by myself in a 1 bedroom apartment. I was throwing a small party and things wound up getting out of hand. The Seminole County Sheriffs were called out to my apartment because someone was injured in all the chaos. So my apartment cleared out quickly before the police arrived and I locked my doors. Knowing that I was on my way to jail I sat on my couch lit a cigarette, and waited for the police to gain entry into the apartment. They must have pounded on the door for 15 minutes before getting a key from management. They opened the front door with riot gear on, shields in hand, and pistols drawn. They slammed me on my face, put a knee on my neck, and handcuffed me.
Michael: No, I was assisting a homeless gentleman move from one homeless camp to another, was parked in a parking lot. The police officer asked to see my license and I did not have one, he arrested me even though he did not see me drive. It was crazy they even towed my truck after the property owner stated the truck could stay there.

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Jessica: It was very unnerving. I had heard that the Judge (Collins) was a tough one. Everything moved with good pace though. They provided an interpreter for the Spanish-speaking inmates. They went before the judge first, then the women and then the men. The rights were read and clearly explained.
Sarah: Professional dress
Curt: i spent 9 days in jail. i had to wear shackiles
Brad: I thought they were going to give me a fine or something. What they actually gave me on the first time was suspended 6 months probation. Then I was arrested right after that when they followed me out and I add was held without bond. Wasn't fond of my Public Defender. He was crap.
Peter: Court was usually unpleasant. Court from the jail usually started early in the morning. You would always want to look presentable in front of the judge, so right after breakfast (usually 530am or so) I would shave, shower, and wait for my name to be called. Once they called your name you get shackled and wait in a holding cell for them to put you on the bus. Once you arrive at the courthouse you would usually sit in a holding cell there for at least an hour. Then they would take all of you upstairs in to the courtroom. Once inside you would see your family sitting somewhere in the back along with the families of other inmates. I would sit there and listen to the other inmates cases and so on until it was my turn. On my final court date I had my pregnant fiance in the courtroom and my mother who was sick with cancer so it was a real hard day for me personally. I remember looking over at them every so often and telling them that I loved them until the bailiff threatened to kick them out. My lawyer approached me in the middle of all this with the plea agreement. It was 54 months in DOC with no probation. He told me that was the best he can do and if I didn't take it we would have to pick a jury that afternoon and go to trial. Eventhough it was the hardest thing ever, I signed the agreement. Soon afterwards the judge called my name so I stood up. He said "I understand the state attorney and the defense have come to an agreement." Both parties said yes, and the judge read off the details of the agreement and my charges. Then he read the deposition given by the victim. Finally the judge said "Mr. Budzash you have been hearby senetenced to 54 months in the Florida Department of Corrections... Goodluck to you." I was fingerprinted and brought back to the jail.
Michael: Open and shut case 6 months in jail. No probation anything else just time in jail. It was long, the state attorney was trying to move for me to get prison time and I had to inform my public defender that this offense is not something that they do that for any longer prisons were full of us and that is ridiculous.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Brad: Driving on a suspended license.
Peter: My original charge was Agg. Battery with permanent disfigurement or disability. And that us what I was convicted of.
Michael: Driving while license suspeneded or revoked Habitual

Read about sentencing in the Seminole County Jail