Martin County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Jenna and Diane


JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Jenna: on the day we were to go to court - someone from the county would offer us deals concerning what punishments were to be given out - with up to 30 people waiting there was not much discussion, you either accepted or were informed that the judge is in a bad mood & you are just adding more time & fines for yourself if you do not accept the deal that is offered right then & there - no consulting lawyers, family or even other inmates that are standing right next to you
Diane: I was put into population where I awaited my sentencing.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Jenna: no i never had a police officer stop by my home, i did hear of police arriving at a home i lived in 2 or 3 residencies ago, how the heck that happened i have no idea since i was on probation so they were aware of my current address - not to forget to mention that my current florida i.d. had my correct address
Diane: No I did not

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Jenna: we were shackled & had to sit quietly - balif was an idiot & told me to not speak, unfortunately the judge had ask me a question, which was why i was speaking - i honestly believe balif was too old for the job & could not keep up with the proceedings - several times the judge had to stop & inform her of what he was doing - for example - someone in the court had the paperwork the judge needed & the balif tried to escort the man out of the court room when he stood up & tried to hand the paperwork to her - again the judge had to inform her that he just asked for the paperwork - of course people began to get restless at the total incompetence of this balif, hahaha if i only had a camera - i could have been a top contestant to americas funniest videos - the more mistakes she made the angrier she became towards the prisoners - when we were finally removed from court - she made a special appearance to inform us that had she the time we all would have been facing additional charges for not behaving properly in the court room ???? oh well c'est live
Diane: Well it was very strange, I had an attorney so I didn't have to say anything. I stayed in my shackles and let my attorney do all the talking.