Before I continue, I want everyone reading this short message to understand that I fully accepted responsibility for the crimes I committed, and I still do. In October 2015, I was sentenced to 204 months for what is known as ghost dope, meaning that no drugs were found in my possession. For those unfamiliar, if you plead guilty to a probation or prison sentence that could be over 1 year and a day, the federal authorities can take over your case. This means that if you have completed sentences for two charges and are arrested again, the Feds can label you as a repeat offender. In such cases, the quantity of drugs only becomes relevant if it exceeds the sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders (which usually average 180 months/15 years). In other words, the severity of the punishment determines the significance of the drug quantity. Consequently, even a small amount of crack/cocaine could lead to a sentence of 15 years or more, sometimes even a life sentence.
Upon completing your sentence, consider seeking to have any prior offenses expunged. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state to determine if there have been any retroactive changes that could aid in this process. Removing these charges from your record is crucial, as legal representatives may not disclose this information to you. The federal system employs a point system to calculate sentencing, taking into account all past charges. It is essential to bear in mind that when you plead guilty and accept responsibility, you may be eligible for a reduction of one to three levels. For instance, I was initially categorized as a level 34 under category VI, but by having 3 points deducted, I was reclassified as level 31, resulting in a sentencing guideline of 188-235 months.
The federal authorities boast a notably high conviction rate for various reasons. Two of the most effective tactics are intimidation and cooperation. Many individuals lack the financial means to hire a private attorney, and even when provided court-appointed counsel, few are truly dedicated to advocating for your best interests. Upon your first meeting with court-appointed counsel, they are quick to inquire about your willingness to cooperate, often emphasizing the benefits of turning state's evidence. If you choose not to cooperate, they may suddenly adopt a prosecutor
stance, highlighting the severity of the prosecutor's stance without discussing potential avenues for suppressing evidence to ensure accuracy.
If no legal motions are filed within six months, you may find yourself incarcerated in a federal prison facing a substantial sentence. While the judge may not explicitly state it, your lack of cooperation could influence the severity of your sentence. As mentioned earlier, cooperating could lead to a reduction of 1 to 3 points, potentially resulting in time served or a 50% reduction, depending on the information you provide. This explains the high conviction rate of federal cases, as cooperation and intimidation are among the most potent tools at their disposal.
On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the prison was placed on lock-down due to a fellow inmate testing positive for COVID-19, ostensibly to prevent further spread. However, this lockdown has significant implications for the inmates, with limited access to basic amenities such as showers, hot water, and communication with loved ones. The restrictions imposed during the lockdown underscore the disparity in treatment and raise questions about the effectiveness of such measures. The lack of transparency and communication exacerbates the sense of isolation and uncertainty among inmates, highlighting the need for better safeguards and accountability in such situations.
-Hamzah
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