dealing with jail

[Sepher]

Not got the evidence as yet probably because you're still going through the formalities re: appropriate court and venue, but soon as you get handed off to Crown your solicitor / barrister will request full disclosure of CPS' evidence. They have to give you all the evidence they're gonna present that they think supports their case, but perhaps more importantly all the evidence that undermines it, or puts a different spin on things. First thing you do is look at what they've chosen to present out of the whole. They'll be very selective in their choice of that evidence which supports their case, so look first at what they've chosen not to bring up, and if they're choosing not to use something that seems relevant see if that's because it casts things in a different light, or could be interpreted in a way that backs you up as far as not knowing the phone calls and money transfers were concerned with the supply of illegal substances.

The cultivation charge is imprisonable in its own right these days, you know that, don't you? Even for two plants, personal use, no suggestion of supply to anyone else. Used to be typically dealt with in Magistrates Court and punished with fines and / or community sentences when it was Cat C, but a 2011 ruling by the Court of Appeal on the case of R v Auton and others effectively amounts to sentencing guidelines that mandate a prison sentence of between 9 and 18 months for even the very lowest level of cultivation for personal use. Be very careful how you go with this one. If CPS feel like they can't get you for supply or being concerned in the supply they might well settle for the winnable cultivation charge and push for a sentence at the upper end of the range. Wonder if you could get this dealt with seperately, preferably at Magistrates so they don't have to pass it up to Crown as part of a package of offences. Don't know that sentencing guidelines are any different, but at least they'd be dealing with a single offence for which you can offer mitigation, acceptable mitigation being evidence drug used to help with a medical condition, evidence offender’s vulnerability was exploited, evidence of pressure, intimidation or coercion falling short of duress

 

[humblegro]

I have spent years in jails here in the US. I hate that we must go to jail sometimes. I am a dude that slipped up some when I was younger. If you go mind you own business and don't stand out. I would think violence in your prisons system would be less than ours. It will be over and hey you may just walk it out and do more probie. 12 months is a short sentence over here. I hope you don't experience it soon. If you go, when you get out tighten your game up if you decide to keep up your current lifestyle. I have finally got to a point where I am respected myself. I was alot like you only American.

 

[kkattastic]

Not got the evidence as yet probably because you're still going through the formalities re: appropriate court and venue, but soon as you get handed off to Crown your solicitor / barrister will request full disclosure of CPS' evidence. They have to give you all the evidence they're gonna present that they think supports their case, but perhaps more importantly all the evidence that undermines it, or puts a different spin on things. First thing you do is look at what they've chosen to present out of the whole. They'll be very selective in their choice of that evidence which supports their case, so look first at what they've chosen not to bring up, and if they're choosing not to use something that seems relevant see if that's because it casts things in a different light, or could be interpreted in a way that backs you up as far as not knowing the phone calls and money transfers were concerned with the supply of illegal substances.

The cultivation charge is imprisonable in its own right these days, you know that, don't you? Even for two plants, personal use, no suggestion of supply to anyone else. Used to be typically dealt with in Magistrates Court and punished with fines and / or community sentences when it was Cat C, but a 2011 ruling by the Court of Appeal on the case of R v Auton and others effectively amounts to sentencing guidelines that mandate a prison sentence of between 9 and 18 months for even the very lowest level of cultivation for personal use. Be very careful how you go with this one. If CPS feel like they can't get you for supply or being concerned in the supply they might well settle for the winnable cultivation charge and push for a sentence at the upper end of the range. Wonder if you could get this dealt with seperately, preferably at Magistrates so they don't have to pass it up to Crown as part of a package of offences. Don't know that sentencing guidelines are any different, but at least they'd be dealing with a single offence for which you can offer mitigation, acceptable mitigation being evidence drug used to help with a medical condition, evidence offender’s vulnerability was exploited, evidence of pressure, intimidation or coercion falling short of duress

A friend recently got 12 months for allowing his property to be used for cultivation
We were shocked and the judge said that he could have given a suspended sentence but that he wouldn't
I am aware that that charge could be custodial-it's all down to the judge on the day
I can get medical evidence to say that I was using it for medicinal reasons,for what it is worth

 

[kkattastic]

I have spent years in jails here in the US. I hate that we must go to jail sometimes. I am a dude that slipped up some when I was younger. If you go mind you own business and don't stand out. I would think violence in your prisons system would be less than ours. It will be over and hey you may just walk it out and do more probie. 12 months is a short sentence over here. I hope you don't experience it soon. If you go, when you get out tighten your game up if you decide to keep up your current lifestyle. I have finally got to a point where I am respected myself. I was alot like you only American.

Apart from scoring for my own use,I a no longer doing anything illegal and I don't plan to
I am not a very good criminal and I always seem to get caught for everything that I do
Our prisons are nothing compared to those in the US
and womens prisons are even easier
I am not really at all concerned about my time inside
The only things that bother me are telling my parents and the detox,although I have heard that is easier inside as there's really nothing you can do about it
So,if it does happen,I should use that time for positive reasons-get clean and maybe do another year of my degree

 

[humblegro]

Yeah see what you are saying tastic. You should do well as seems you have your head on straight. When you go to prison over here all other worries are kinda on the backburner. I mean you gotta live in the belly of the beast and deal with that first. Then you can deal with life issues. I wish you well.

 

[kkattastic]

The police have finally sent through the evidence
there is plenty of it so I expect my solicitor is giving it a good read through
I have an appointment on 13th feb to talk about it
I will have to plead guilty on the cultivation charge but 2 plants aint much and I'm not charged with selling it
I am hoping to say that when the guy texted me,I would call the dealer or shout to his runner,who was usually in the street
Even though the texts came from my phone,it doesn't mean that I sent them
I am going to say that it was either the dealer or his runner sending them
I will say that the following day he would come by and take my phone and bank card(never signed for any money-all PIN numbers)
Then a few hours later he would return the phone and card and give me an 8ball for my trouble
It means my solicitor and the judge/jury would have to read through every text and decide if there is any chance that it wasn't me that sent them-same goes for the money and being nearly 2 years ago,there should be no camera evidence
I don't have to prove my innocence-just plant 'reasonable doubt'.
There was no physical evidence to connect me to him,found at his place or at mine.
I have my crown court date on 2 march.Unfortunately,that is the date of my dads birthday and the day he retires but it is only the initial date.
I told my mum about it.I really wanted to tell them face to face,but every time I arranged to go over,my mum came out with some excuse why I couldn't go.In the end,I told her I HAD TO go see them.she made a few guesses about why it was so important and eventually asked 'are you going to jail?'.I said there was a slight chance I could.I explained everything to her,but I still nee3d to go over and see the disappointment in their faces.
I said that I would have to give up my house and go and stay with them for a month or 2-I couldn't just go off to jail and leave the with my house full of stuff for them to deal with.So,I am going to put my things in storage while I stay there.In a way,I think they will appreciate it cos they can see I am not up to anything.I was planning on moving to a smaller place anyway so whether it is after the trial or after jail,I will be looking for a new place.
I don't want to get my hopes up but I do think the case is a little weak and don't know if the CPS would have taken the case without the weed charge.But it's all down to the judge on the day.
I do feel better now my parents know.I knew they wouldn't abandon me but they have taken it really well.That was the worst part for me.Now I just have the pressure of sorting all this house out and the probability of me having a 21 day detox fro methadone in jail.I have a metabolism that is about 3 times slower than an average guys,so it could be really tough.
My life is just on hold at the moment.My daughters 18th birthday in june and my 40th in july but can't plan anything.
Have cut back massively on my using,so saving some cash.if I get off free,maybe I will take my daughter on a small holiday.also saving for a new computer.wanna get a mac.

 

[paranoid android]

For the love of god don't drop your dealers name to the cops. If you get labeled a rat you may have much bigger problems then prison. And if you do end up serving time labeled as a rat well ya know what happens then yourself

 

[maxalfie]

Hopefully you won't go down Kkat but if you do then I wouldn't consider taking any drugs in with you. I think you aren't gonna do that anyway but if you did you would be asking for trouble.
As soon as the other inmates got wind of it you would be constantly hassled to sort people out and you can bet the screws would notice it going on.
I got sent down for 3.5 years when I was 18 but only done 13months of that.
I was shitting myself before going down but once inside things were not too bad.
Just pick carefully who you make friends with. Play the game right try to not break any rules and it will help you out no end.

 

[kkattastic]

For the love of god don't drop your dealers name to the cops. If you get labeled a rat you may have much bigger problems then prison. And if you do end up serving time labeled as a rat well ya know what happens then yourself

In saying my dealer did it-there is no way I would offer up a name
just 'my dealer' is enough
last time when I was done for possession ,they tried to get me to give the names
I just said "I have to live here after you've done what you do"
think they have to understand that

 

[kkattastic]

just got back fro my solicitor
he says even with my story,i am still looking at 3years
I a just so gutted
dunno what to do with yself

 

[herbavore]

I am so sorry to hear that, kk. I can only imagine how you feel. ((((((()))))))

 

[Fascination]

Hey sweetie. I was arrested for having painkillers. This was in Florida and they weigh the Tylenol along with the narcotic. Even though it was just 25 vicodins for personal use, I was charged with drug trafficking because of the weight. I was told the mandatory minimum was 25 years. I would get more time then most murderers or rapists for 25 vicodins! I thought of different ways to kill myself. I had it all planned out but then a friend got me a private lawyer. He told me that a jury would never hand down that sentence to a 1st time offender who was 19 years old (I was very innocent looking too). He said the narcotics detectives (scum of the earth) were trying to get me to turn other people in. The narcos also tried to get me to do sexual stuff for the promise of a lighter sentence. I refused.
Anyway, the lawyer ended up being right and we got a great deal. My arrest would be adjudicated and I was given probation for a year. So don't give up! I almost did. You never know what might happen in your favor.
Oh, and about the jail thing...the other female inmates were mostly in there for drug crimes and they took care of me while I was sick. They were very nice to me. Can't say the same for the guards though. They seemed somewhat sadistic but you usually didn't seem them much.
Keep your head up hon!

 

[villian]

Hey sweetie. I was arrested for having painkillers. This was in Florida and they weigh the Tylenol along with the narcotic. Even though it was just 25 vicodins for personal use, I was charged with drug trafficking because of the weight. I was told the mandatory minimum was 25 years. I would get more time then most murderers or rapists for 25 vicodins! I thought of different ways to kill myself. I had it all planned out but then a friend got me a private lawyer. He told me that a jury would never had down that sentence to a 1st time offender who was 19 years old (I was very innocent looking too). He said the narcotics detectives (scum of the earth) were trying to get me to turn other people in. The narcos also tried to get me to do sexual stuff for the promise of a lighter sentence. I refused.
Anyway, the lawyer ended up being right and we got a great deal. My arrest would be adjudicated and I was given probation for a year. So don't give up! I almost did. You never know what might happen in your favor.
Oh, and about the jail thing...the other female inmates were mostly in there for drug crimes and they took care of me while I was sick. They were very nice to me. Can't say the same for the guards though. They seemed somewhat sadistic but you usually didn't seem them much.
Keep your heap up hon!

I'm also in a state in the south with extremely strict drug laws. I wrecked my car in a GHB induced DUI a couple years ago and the cops got a big ass bottle of g, some morphine and some weed. I ended up with a DUI, 2 drug felonies, and a couple misdemeanors. My lawyer was saying 5 years minimum. I ended up skating with 12 months probation. Don't get to down on yourself yet. This still might not be as bad as it seems, try to stay optimistic OP.

 

[n@nn@]

Oh Kkat I'm praying for you darling girl. Hopefully it won't be that severe. I know when my son got into some trouble the solicitor said there could be a gaol term, I think they just state the facts sometimes, you know, the worst case scenario there was no gaol term and he has become such a better person for his experience, and I loved him no less. I'll hope for the best for you.

 

[Sepher]

Hi Kkat. I've never met a solicitor yet who didn't give the worst case scenario. Makes them look better when they get you a lesser sentence. Having said that you're well to prepare for it. Remember that you only do half, and depending what you're convicted of you might be eligible for Home Detention Curfew 135 days before the halfway point, so a 3 year sentence means 14 months actual if you get HDC. You wouldn't be eligible for HDC automatically if convicted of a serious drug offence but even so you should be able to apply for discretionary release on the tag. 14 months sounds a long time but honestly, though the days are long the weeks and months flash past. Fingers crossed you'll do less that that anyway with a sympathetic judge. Hope things go well for you.

 

[kkattastic]

I've heard this a few times but how can it be true?
Does time really go by fast inside?

 

[Sepher]

It honestly does Kat. I'm not gonna pretend I did a long sentence - most I did actually served was 8 weeks, but it flashes past. The days are long and the daily routine is a drag, no point pretending otherwise, but it's that same routine day in, day out that makes it pass quickly. It's hard keeping track of the days when they're all the same so they turn into weeks and months before you know it.

You'll probably also find that your fear of prison is out of all proportion to the realities once you're in there. I'm in no way hard or even particularly street-wise and I went into Armley Jail, which at that time had one of the worst reputations going with what was a relatively high rate of suicides. I was terrified to the point of tears while I was in Bridewell waiting for the prison van when the Judge sent me down I shit you not but actually, once I was in there and had learnt the ropes it was ok. Had the odd muppet here or there for a padmate but noone I was ever afraid of, and saw one fight all the time I was in there over two sentences. Mostly it was just the unremitting boredom of 23 hour bang-up in a short-stay local prison with not even a TV in the pad first time I was in but you're unlikely to have a similar regime in a womens nick. You'll have a lot more time unlocked I'm sure. You'll be ok Kat.

 

[kkattastic]

I think I am most concerned about having a tv
being a paranoid schizophrenic,I don't talk to other people,barely at all
I am happier on my own
I have already said I want no visits
jail doesn't worry me that much
at least it will be warm-my house is freezing
and i will get 3 meals a day-rare if i get more than 1
will they make me shower?
what happens about getting your own clothes?
I am scared of the detox but it's something I will just have to do
I've given up any hope of getting out of this
wondering if maybe they will send me to a secure ward instead

 

[effie]

Hey kkat, I don't have any personal experience to share but just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.

A secure ward is a possibility if your paranoid schizophrenia is prominent at the moment - perhaps discuss this with your lawyer?

Good luck with everything love, I've been following this thread even if I've not been posting much

 

[Sepher]

I think I am most concerned about having a tv

You will definitely have one. It's been a basic requirement since around 2000 / 2001 which is when they came into Armley for prisoners on Standard regime. It's basic kit, along with the kettle. You have to pay for it mind, 50p a week out of prison wages IIRC when I was in, and it's a privelege that can be taken away. You'll lose it if you go from Standard regime to Basic for non-compliance with the rules.

I have already said I want no visits

I suspect this will change. I always said I'd never drag me mam into jail, she always said she'd never come see me in one. I was desperate to see her. In retrospect I'm glad she never got to see me at my lowest, but you know what? I'm pretty sure the images she had in her head were worse. Whatever, you'll only get two obligatory VOs a month on Basic or Standard regime, plus one special VO a month making it three on Standard, might get two special VOs a month making four visits a month if you make it onto Enhanced regime if you behave. These will be your lifeline to the outside world. Don't turn 'em down Kat. They're perhaps even more important than food for morale and clock-ticking, and trust me, everything revolves around food inside. You'll understand what I mean once you're in.

and i will get 3 meals a day-rare if i get more than 1

Not quite. Not anymore. Probably get a breakfast pack with your tea every night with a small box of LIDLish cereal, UHT milk, and some stale rolls. You'll have to save these for morning, even if you're staving. Lunch is sandwich packs or something hot but snackish. Tea is main meal, two courses, second course mostly being duff and custard. Eat as much duff as you can. It's fat on a plate! I put on 2 stone in 4 weeks, came out looking almost healthy. Pretty easy though to go from 7 stone to 9 once you start eating?

Little tip: get to know cleaners straight away. They have access to extra bread and stuff so be nice to them so you can hit them up when you're unlocked and out on association. A few extra slices of bread means you can either make toast in your pad ( You don't have toasters in your pad, obviously. Ask how to do it. ) or they can be traded. Even bread has a value in jail.

will they make me shower?

They won't make you, no. Showers tend to be available when you're out of your cell on association. If you have a problem showering with other people, or showering in general, talk to a screw. If they don't help ask for someone else. Noones gonna force you unless you become a health hazard. Even then they're hardly likely to hose you down! They'd mainly just lock you up and leave you to get sick of your own smell. First time I was in Armley we only got out once every three days for a shower by which time I was desperate for one, especially when I was rattling. Second time round the regime had changed and we got unlocked for an hour max once a day. First thing everyone did was shower. Prison has a smell you see. You'll not like it lingering on you.

what happens about getting your own clothes?

Not known a women's prison yet where inmates didn't wear their own clothes, unlike male prisons where it's jail shit for convicted prisoners. Check first though, I could be wrong? When you go to court for sentencing, should it come to that, take as much as you can carry in a bag. You'll be allowed to take it with you as property. The prison staff will work out what you're allowed, and what you aren't. Tracksuity stuff and pyjamaish type stuff and underwear / socks are musts. First thing me sis ever asked for anyways. Stuff you'll feel comfy in rattling, yeah? Laundry will take care of keeping it clean. Friends and family will be able to take stuff in on visits too. Can't remember if you need to put in an app for it or if staff just deal with it. They'll tell you anyways.

Check your receipt for the stuff you take in with you. I had to beg a jumper with HMP all over it to get home when I was released cos some cunt had stolen the £200 coat I was wearing when I got locked up, and never thought to check as I signed off my property.

I am scared of the detox but it's something I will just have to do. I've given up any hope of getting out of this. Wwondering if maybe they will send me to a secure ward instead

You still on Methadone? For your own sake Kat get to the addiction unit and change to Subs or something. Something quicker to come off. You do not want to be coming off a long term methadone habit in prison. They won't most likely give you meth long enough inside to do a proper taper. Something nearer to subs / heroin / DHC / whatever will OTOH be a piece of piss. It's not like doing a rip on the out. The psychological component is taken care of, cos you know you can't do anything but crack on with it. No anxiety about scoring / not scoring to ramp up the symptoms. I can't tell you how much easier that makes your rattle. If you have to stay on meth taper hard before you go in.