Intro--surflost from California

[surflost]

Hello. I have been reading the forum for the past couple of weeks and I figure it's about time I introduce myself.

Well, I guess I should tell my story (I promise to keep it brief).

I was arrested a couple of months ago buying drugs (methadone and oxycontin). I've been a functioning user since I was 18, so for ten years. At first I thought "thank god, at least they didn't catch me three days ago buying 800 dollars worth of heroin." A detective busted my typical dealer (who agreed to work with them) so I was dead in the water. I am just frustrated with the charge: Purchase for Sale. I've never sold a drug in my life-hence the frustration. The detective said my verbiage was "suspect." Evidently at some point during the conversations I implied the drugs weren't for me.

I was never under the pretense that I was going to beat the charge or get off w/o serious punishment, so that has made it a little easier to deal with as multiple court dates have come and gone. I am not taking this to trial--maybe that's a mistake. The time I am looking at is upwards of 5 years, no less than 2-3 (we'll see!).

Positives?
-Well, first time I have been off drugs since I was 13.
-No work! I quit my job as a division head for a large hospitality group. Actually it isn't much of a positive, but I am trying really hard to find some.

My criminal history is pretty boring but I have spent some time in county (1 and 3 months over 9 years ago)--not enough to get me prepared for state time.

The most difficult part of this has been family--they have pretty much collectively disowned me. My fiance left, my parents and siblings pretty much told me to sod off and my two closest friends don't want any part of this. You can tell a lot about a relationship when it is tested, eh?

I'm not nervous, scared, confused, etc...Basically I am just angry. I am angry at the time, the snitch, the detective, the charge, the stupidity, the length of sentence, etc, etc...I am angry because I don't know how long the sentencing guidelines are---the attorney at first says "no time" and then he says "3 months county" and then "6 months county", while the prosecuting attorney says "prison, young man, prison!". Hell, it would be easier if I just knew which prison.

That's about all. Thanks to the forum for giving people like me something to read--it's very beneficial. As awful as the experience is--in a sick way it's nice to know I am not alone. That's shameful to say, because I don't and never have wished ridiculous arbitrary sentences on anyone.

One bit of advice: either don't buy/use, but if you must never say words like "them, we, not for me, etc, etc.." Damn, usually I think pretty quickly on my feet--I have no idea why I let that slip out. I'll be sure to come back (if possible) and let you know what the sentence is or looks like it will be (I realize I won't be here once I am officialy sentenced). Or, ha, I may actually hit the road and live off the grid. Pick up some new papers off Alvarado Street and hit the road--bounty hunters, I give myself a 50:50 chance. Do you know the official stance on running---how much more time?

Take care, and hey, if you like letters I sure can write them.

[deb]

HI and welcome to PTO... I'm glad you found us... Please check out the California forum as the members therre will probably be able to give you an idea about sentencing guidelines etc.. There's also a lot of information posted in their forum about the system there etc... Good luck!

Deb

[LeaAnn]

Welcome to PTO!

[NtShadow]

Hi Surflost and Welcome to PTO! Thank you for sharing your story and Good Luck to you!

[Wife C]

Hi, welcome to PTO.