JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process: Virginia: It takes a long time to go to court and the stay was
terrible. Court was backed up for weeks. But I was
able to get bonded out and stayed only a few weeks.
That was the first stay, I have been there several
times. Its a very dirty place. Shaun: Pre sentencing was frustrating for me as i was
unable to post bond. Was placed in a section
designated for violent or repeat offenders. Staff
reviewed my case and moved me to a less violent open
dorm. Ive never seen so many fights in a 7 month
period as there.
JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning? If not please give us details on how you came to be arrested. Virginia: No questioning at my home I was left with a note on
my door pertaining to something else they pretty
much lured me to the detention center for
questioning. Then once there they tried questioning
me which I wasnt down for so I left the center
without giving them their statement. Shaun: Cops never stoped by to speak with me, i was
apparently under investigation for 1 year. However,
on May 15 2012 the cops came to my house with arrest
warrents in hand. Officer Hendrix of Belton PD was
nice enough to allow me to take my then 5year old to
day care.
JM: What was court like? Please give as many details as you recall. Virginia: I was very scared because I hadnt told any of my
family and I was only 17.. I only met with my public
defender once before the trail and he never asked
many questions about the case. I feel I wasnt
handled properly and they took advantage of my
immaturity Shaun: Court was a dream like experience in that things
seemed to be moving in slow motion. I,d been
following the sentencing patterns of the judges and
was hoping to get a more lenient judge. The court
room was well guarded and seemed to be running
smoothly. Inmates were not to touch family.
JM: What were your original charges? What did you end up being convicted of? Virginia: lewd act on a minor or attempted lewd act Shaun: indecent exposure/ indecent exposure (misdemeanor)