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Pre-sentencing

Interview with Ralph and Alex

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Ralph: One time I was there I was allowed to bail out but it was too much. Most of the times I got arrestd, went into county and stayed there until my arraignment.
Alex: The Judges are mostly fair as far as a Judge can be. They look at all the facts of the case and listen to both sides equally. They are understanding of chemically dependent people and give them a chance to get the treatment needed. They are willing to give furloughs to treatment facilities but bail is not always fair and can sometimes be substantial for the charge one is facing.

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: Original arrest was felony for theft of motor vechile. They tracked me down and found me in the midst of drug use at the time and so they caught me with that stuff which added to the charges.
Alex: The police came to my house and raided me for felony theft. They tried to question me but I asked for a lawyer. I then bailed out and was arrested by another county and missed my court date so they issued a warrant for my arrest and revoked my bail. I had to plea with the Judge to get released and my bail reinstated which still has not happened.

JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall.
Ralph: I plead out. I had a Public Defender. In the courtroom I was normaly scared and nervous. When I got the agreement I got excited because I knew was I getting released that day but before that I was really scared.
Alex: Court was scary at first. Especially for another felony charge. The County Attorney is very hard on people and always goes for the most time and highest bail. He also goes by peoples passed know matter how long ago it was and really holds that against them while he makes his decisions. The Judges tend to be fair depending on which one it is but with a good lawyer to argue your side they will listen and be fair.

JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of?
Ralph: Felony theft of motor vehicle.
Alex: My original charge was felony theft over 5,000. I am still in the court process of this.

Read about sentencing in the Washington County Jail