Broward County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with James

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
James: It was so long. In January of 2006 I requested a VOP hearing, and I was postponed for 5 months by the Judge. It took 6 months for my lawyer to get a depo from the victim.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
James: Yes.

JM: What was your court appearance like?
James: After you give up your right to a speedy trial, it is just continuation after continuation. Going to court is the BIGGEST torture of Broward County. Inmates are woken up between 3- 4am and start a LONG process of waiting. Inmates with private lawyers see the judge quick, but the have been times that I've waited until 5pm before I left the holding cell. I feel that the system tortures you so much, that when a plea is offered by the state, people just take it to stop the torture of going to court.