Notice to new members intending to register - from January 9th 2012

PBslilsister · #1 06-30-2012, 12:02 AM

Hello everyone,
My brother sat in County Jail for 5 and a half years waiting for his trial. Finally today after much ado he was sentenced to 50 to life. It's a very sad story as he is mentally ill. Does anyone know how long an appeal will take? Also, I am also wondering about where they will put him. He's in jail in Southern CA and we, meaning his family that would visit, are in Northern California. Any chance they will move him up here. He is in his 50's, in poor health and on psych meds. but supposedly not mentally ill enough for a psych hospital placement. What do they do with someone like this? Any experiences? How much money do we need to send him every month? What do they really need in there? I understand the CDC is not excepting hardship requests because of overcrowding. :-( The whole thing is so sad. County Jail has let his pain meds lapse and he's suffering from some bleeding, the nurse just tells him it will take a month to see a doctor. Crazy stuff going on in this system. I wish I knew what to do to help more. But it's like a black hole that one could put endless resources into with no returns. These people, the jail authorities, seem to just get away with whatever they feel like. Any support or advice much appreciated.

Miscues · #2 06-30-2012, 02:11 AM

My heart aches for the pain you are all feeling for this. Working in a private practice with close ties to the mental health community, I shudder at the thought of mental healthcare in the US and cannot fathom what prisoners with mental health issues insufficient for diagnosis face.

I'm not a praying person but you and yours are in my thoughts. I sincerely hope you get all the answers you need and your brother has a relatively smooth transition.

**sidewalker** · #3 07-03-2012, 07:53 AM

Its going to be difficult to try to visit if you all are in No Ca and he's in so ca.
He can request a move but as you said, that takes awhile.
As for finding out what you can send him, if he's now in prison for his *reception* they are not allowed much.
Once he is mainlined, things settle down a bit.
Biggest thing, write write and then write some more.
First thing he needs to do in reception is send you all visit forms!! (have him sign them first)
Might not be easy to visit but get the forms signed, filled out and approved.

Im sorry your family and he are going thru this. Its never easy.

**traviesita** · #4 07-03-2012, 11:05 AM

there goes a hug to you and your family... I know how hard this must be... I believe when he was sentenced keeping him close to his family should have been brought up. They did this for my husband since he was so young and his mom was his only family.

But hardships are being granted... Keep strong!

Here is a link to the lifer forum if you want to check it out
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=211

Much luck!

kevinmom · #5 07-07-2012, 07:34 PM

so sorry to hear about your brother. I do know initially they need to buy hygiene stuff and few other things so initially it may seem like alot of money. The visiting form is the most important to get done. I have read that send whatever you can comfortably afford. We usually put about 40 on his books a week. We send lots of mail and I just sent my son a book. I know that doesn't answer every question. I know the great women on this forum can answer them all.

deedeeortiz · #6 07-07-2012, 07:53 PM

Sounds like my son. He's waiting 2 1/2 years in county. Had 1 trials and was sentenced to 50-life in April. He has not had contact, was sent to a hospital in southern Cali, we're in northern calif. he didn't sign a release, so we have No info. It's been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with in my life. He was in the hole for the 2 1/2 years waiting trial. I think he's had a mental breakdown. I feel so helpless I hate the whole privacy crap. I don't even know if he is mentally able to make the decision to sign the release. In county he called me every other day because he knew how I stress when I don't hear from him. I can't imagine him wanting me to worry like this. I system really stinks

Shush · #7 07-08-2012, 02:43 PM

I am sorry you all have to deal with this situation...

when he goes to prison, he might go to a eop yard; there is mental health treatment and they might keep him there as long needed. there are guys they stay there for a longer period of time. others stay shorter.. then go to a sny yard.

the treatment will depend the staff working there; it can be ok, but can be not that great too.
most important is, you getting a form signed from your brother where you have access to his medical files. so you can get informed if ever needed.
also it might be helpful when you copy all medical files and send them in to the medical staff of the prison; do this registered mail, so they cannot say they did not get it.

depending the contact you have with your bro you might be able to help him in staying in contact. to get post means a lot !!!

mrs.cervantes19 · #8 07-10-2012, 03:00 AM

Im sorry about the news. It must be a bad feeling "/ One of my bestfriend's brother also just got sentenced 75 to life. They are planning to appeal in 2yrs. I dont know how the whole appealing process works but you can google it & find a lot of information... also try speaking to attorney's explain to them what happen and ask them if their is anything they could do about it & if they could ask how fast action needs to be taken because from what ive heard the suspect has to request the appeal ASAP!
Stay strong and positive):