Can I dispel some rumors... Legal system

[james_bond_007]

So, I just finished my first week at the courthouse in Adams County as one of three new Court Security Deputies. Way better schedule and I'm actually busy throughout the day so it goes by quick (plus 8hr shifts 5x a week rather than 12hrs 3/4 days a week). I've worked in various divisions this week from District Court to County Court, to Juvenile Court. There seems to be a running theme throughout all of the different cases I've seen come before the judge (not any trials, mostly arraignments, sentencing, settings and preliminary hearings): People aren't being handed out huge sentences in DOC or even County. Contrary to popular belief, and I've heard it so many times "Jailing is a business, the more inmates the more money, blah blah blah." Thus far, this couldn't be further from the truth. It would appear, and granted I'm only going with experience from one county, but the DA's and judges, for the most part, give out a lot of chances. I saw two cases yesterday alone where individuals had violated probation, and were still given another chance before being given a lengthy sentence. I also saw three plea deals this week with the DA offering a reduced misdemeanor charge to avoid a felony charge that carried a DOC sentence. Could it be that people who claim the system is just throwing people in jail for small charges don't actually know anything about our legal system?

Oh and some good news, that dispelled a rumor I was under the impression was true... Deportation. On Wednesday, we had an illegal immigrant who was charged with DUR and NPOI get sentenced to time served as he was being deported. Working in the jail I only saw one ICE transfer for deportation. I'm glad we're deporting criminals, but I'm more than sure they're just going to be back in the states within a month or less... :/

And on the drug charges thing- I have yet to oversee a drug court proceeding, but from what I gather, contrary to what many think, they do not give out prison sentences for non-violent, first time drug offenders. Simple possession charges, for first timers, usually end up in the hands of the probation department.

For those of us NOT in 'the business" :
(Sorry, I'm just not familiar with the lingo and had to look these up. No disrespect meant to the OP.)

DOC - Department of Corrections
DUR - Diving Under Restraint

In Colorado, a person who drives with knowledge that his or her license or privilege to drive is under restraint for any reason other than conviction of an alcohol-related driving offense is guilty of a misdemeanor.

NPOI - No Proof of Insurance
ICE - Immigration and Customs Enforcement

[MarkCO]

In my experience, your observations are consistent with mine. I have spent days sitting in courtrooms for all types and I must say that in general, we have a pretty good system. I do think that the jury pool is difficult though. When I testify in Denver, the juries are very different than when I testify in Vail, Grand Junction or Golden.

[KevDen2005]

Can you please change your avatar from Ron Swanson to Jean-Ralphio?

I second that

[Ah Pook]

Can you please change your avatar from Ron Swanson to Jean-Ralphio?

Or Rusty Burrell.