JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process: Mario: Once arrested, the offender is taken to the Payne
County jail, and dropped off in the parking area
behind a large garage style door. You are taken
inside and sat on benches while you wait to be
fingerprinted. There is a phone for use for
your "one phone call" (I was the only one there,
so they let me try again when the person didn't
answer).
JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested. Mario: I was arrested after I was in an automobile
accident. They ran my name and I had a warrant
to "failure to pay". I was arrested, then
transferred to Tulsa County for holding for a few
days, then a deputy sheriff picked me up and took
me to Payne County Jail.
JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall. Mario: They have multiple courtrooms, from very small to
very large "jury trial" style courtrooms. The
Payne County Jail features arraignment over
video, so you didn't even have to be transported
to the courtroom from the jail. The courtroom is
basically next door, but I think this is easier
and less stressful for inmates and jailers.
JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of? Mario: My original charges were multiple counts of Grand
Larceny and a few other minor counts. The minor
counts are usually dropped upon conviction of the
other more serious counts, so I was just
convicted of Grad Larceny.