Pierce County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Ryan, Alex and George

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Ryan: THEY GAVE ME PAPERS WITH FURTHER COURT DATES TO GO TO.
Alex: You could be there for HOURS.
George: VERY SIMPLE( 1,2,3, GET IN THE CAGE YOU ARE DONE)

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Ryan: NO
Alex: Yes, back in 2004. In November 2006 I answered a summons to appear.
George: YES

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Ryan: I COULD HARDLY SAY ANYTHING THE COURT APOINTED ATTORNY SAID EVERYTHING
Alex: Very impersonal. Mostly seemed like a "hurry and get to the next one" thing. You're kept in a holding cell with about 40 other guys. You don't see your "attorney" until you actually walk before the judge. Chances are if it's a court appointed attorney, this will be the first time you've met him/her. There's whispering on both sides - the experience is actually numbing. You're attorney tells you what's happening and you sign some papers. Then it's back to the holding cell to wait until EVERY one has been to court.
George: ONE SIDED I COULDNOT TALK