Can I dispel some rumors... Legal system

[Ronin13]

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.

[BushMasterBoy]

[kidicarus13]

Doesn't make sense to sentence most violators to prison when the prisons are near capacity.

[cstone]

Anyone who has an hour to kill and has never been in a courtroom, would get an interesting education, and possibly have a bit of entertainment by going to the nearest District or municipal court on any weekday. The vast majority of court proceedings are open to the public and if you can sit for an hour without fiddling with your smart phone or chit chatting with others around you, I find that just watching the comings and goings while the court is in session can be worthwhile.

No one actually gets to see the entire process of those in custody being moved around from cells to courtrooms, attorneys consulting with defendants, defense attorneys consulting with prosecutors, judges hearing issues in chambers, pre-trial and probation interviews and investigations for bond and sentencing recommendations, and jury selection and handling processes. There are many similarities from one court system to the next, however, each District and many individual court divisions within a District have their own little nuances. Watching the arraignment process is different than pre-trial conferences, and they are both different from watching trials, motions, or sentencing hearings.

People who regularly work in the court system get to know one another. It becomes like working in almost any other setting. Despite the fact that defense attorney's, police, prosecutors, court staff and judges all have different roles to perform and while working they may have adversarial roles with one another; they often become friendly with one another and I've been in courtrooms where everyone from the judge to the clerk to the bailiff, to the interpreters seem like they are just hanging out with close personal friends.

Most people who go to court as defendants, only go once or twice in a lifetime. Obviously some people make a habit of going back a bit too frequently. Many people have no idea of what goes on in American courtrooms and what they know is what others tell them and what they see on TV or the movies. It's been said many times, but most courtrooms are not like they are on TV or the movies. It isn't just a job if you do it everyday. For most people who work there, it becomes a significant part of their life.

If you have the time, I suggest you check it out. Besides, it is a much better experience if you go as an observer rather than a defendant.

Be safe.

[Irving]

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

[jerrymrc]

Have had the pleasure sitting on a Jury for a week long trial to see the back part of the El Paso courthouse and it was very interesting. I thought it efficent all the holding cells in the back hallway and how they come in. The staff have a good memory as well. After the first day they knew me by name. Also how candid the judge was AFTER the trial.

[Hound]

The 'rumors' and 'myths' are not based on a single court or district. They are based on the facts in the numbers of people in jail compared to other countries and what they are in for. In my limited dealings with that level of the judicial system I think you are spot on. That is a big reason I have so much overall faith in it as a fair arbiter for things like warrants when needed. Generally it is a good system. The problem is there are some PD's and courts that have abused this and are a big part of the real reason we have seen all of the riots. This has been born out in the independent reports from the DOJ, which oversee's so many of them. The large majority are fine but especially in large metro areas, the problems are easier to see. I don't doubt you are seeing what you wrote about..... It just doesn't dispell the "myths".

[ZERO THEORY]

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

[gnihcraes]

Pick a criminal docket day. Each district court will have a different day(s) for this, but enlightening to the system. To bad you can't easily observe the Probation and Probate/Mental Health side of things.

My next visit to adams county, I'll try to look you up Ronin and say hi.

[ZERO THEORY]

Pick a criminal docket day.

Went to Lakewood City one day. A guy I used to work a high school job with was one of the plaintiffs and had gotten arrested with a 1 gallon Ziploc bag full of Ecstasy. At 19 years old.

Dude took a plea bargain that resulted in some absurd level of probation, counseling, the whole nine. But the worst part was that the plea was still a felony. Imagine having the rest of your life shellacked at 19 over a couple thousand dollars. I was stupified. I'm certainly no angel, but the risk to reward for selling drugs just baffles me.