JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process: Darrin: the pre-sentence process is conducted by the
probation/parole department. it take approximately
30min to 1hr some times longer. there are many
questions that include criminal back ground,
family history, school history, work history,
health and mental health history, as well as many
other questions. The pre-sentence investigator
that interviewed me was very Ill-mannered many of
them are so over worked they only write down half
of what the inmate says. Jessica: They go over all evidence. Such as police
reports,statements, and photos if any. They ask
you about your up bringing. How your parents
where. Your brothers sisters. If you have a drug
or alcohol issue. If you have ever been abused.
Sexual assault or physical. They ask you if you
have even had any mental issues. If you have ever
seen a therapist. A lot of what they ask in this
can and will be used against you. They basically
use all your problems against you. Once you have
broke the law they feel they need to make sure
your the court knows all of your garbage but in
the end they really have no good way to help
people. They only open the wounds and then never
help you.
JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested. Darrin: the police came to my house and arrested me on a
call from my wife at the time accusing me of
trying to kill her cat. when the police came to my
house the cat was unharmed hiding upstairs in the
kids bedroom after getting into a fight with
another cat in the house. with no physical
evidence Lakeview Police Department arrested me
claiming that i tried to kill the cat. Jessica: I was arrested for fighting with my brothers. I
had been beaten with my daughter in my arms and I
tried to leave the house. My parents and brothers
did not let me leave. Everyone had been drinking.
I told them that I would go out the second story
window if they would not let me and my daughter
leave. They beat me into the stairs and ripped my
daughter out of my arms. She was screaming for my
brother to stop hurting my mom. Then my brother
picked me up and took me to the front porch and
punched me in the face. then he threw me in the
front yard and the police showed up. I was upset
and mad at this point.
JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall. Darrin: The court room it self is very new and well
maintained. although the seating area is fairly
big but not much room for anyone in a wheelchair
or using any sort of waling aids. The court house
is only 1 story but does have a tunnel underground
that connects to the jail where inmates travel
through to and from the court. Jessica: Court was crappy they wanted to charge me with
assault and battery 2nd degree Domestic violence
and Child abuse 3rd degree. They said that all my
family blamed me I was also accused of dangling
my daughter out of the window. My brothers and
parents lied to the police. Which in Montcalm
they are well know cause of there record they all
have a violent history and the same court knows
how my family operates. It was all dropped
besides the child abuse 3rd degree. They said due
to the fact that I had my daughter in a situation
like that. I was given a 2yr felony.
JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of? Darrin: I was charged with animal cruelty; but I plead
guilty to attempted animal cruelty for time served
so i could contest my wife divorcing me because
Montcalm County Jail would not give me access to
legal materials about divorce. Jessica: The police report said non aggravated assault and
child neglect. The court papers said Domestic
violence, 2 counts assault battery, 2nd degree
Child abuse 3rd degree Child abuse. I was
convicted of 3rd degree Child abuse.