St. Lucie County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Henry and Bob


JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Henry: Upon my arrests, I had violation of probation charges. I was denied bond. I couldnt afford a private defense attorney, and had to wait over 90 days for a public-defender. I recieved very little information regarding my cases while incarcerated.
Bob: I did not have a pre-sentencing as I was incarcerated for a misdemeanor DUI charge. I had a private attorney plead me guilty at my arraignment having already made arrangements with the prosecutor for the sentence (which the judge accepted and imposed).

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Henry: No. I was arrested at the scene of my crime both times.
Bob: No - the police never came to my home.

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Henry: I had 4 court appearances over a 15 month span. I was shackled and belly-chained. I was transported in a van with very very little room to move, let alone breathe clean air.
Bob: I had a bond hearing the day after my arrest. The bond hearing was conducted through a video link between the jail and courthouse. My arraignment was conducted in the same manner (via video link). It took approximately 18 days from the date of my arrest to my arraignment date and considering I had my bond revoked at the bond hearing, it was the longest 18 days of my life.