King County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Jenna and Cris

JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Jenna: This is usually short you go into the courtroom and wait until you are called in front of the judge. You are usually read your rights as far as an attorney and your right to appeal any decision. Your lawyer will typically tell you to plead not guilty, to give them time to look over your case and talk to the prosecutor. If you are in jail you return and wait for hours to be released, if not your given a court date to return.
Cris: none

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Jenna: No. I was picked up for missing my court date (not purposely), the two officers were unusually nice though.
Cris: no

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Jenna: It was a bit intimidating, municipal court is different than the regular court. The good thing is that just about everyone in there had the same charge as I did, so I wasn't so embarrassed. There are a mess of different lawyers in the courtroom, you wait for the bailiff to call your name to check on the list that you are there. Then you wait for your lawyer to appear and pull you in the hallway to tell you what the prosecutor is offering. This is the point when you should tell your lawyer everything you do and do not want mentioned. Personal things, kids, work, anything that will draw some sympathy from the judge, it works (sometimes). When your in front of the judge the Lawyer will do most of the talking, the judge will ask you questions directly. Try to be as honest as you need to be to walk out of there, and always interrupt your lawyer if he/she is misrepresenting you.
Cris: not one