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Jeff Padgett #82474


Sentenced in March 1999 to 8 years for possession of heroin & paraphernalia

My case involved simple possession of a minute amount of heroin. I've been doing heroin for about 26 years. I was arrested on present charges, three weeks after being released from prison. The reason I had previously been in was possession of 68 milligrams of meth.

Arizona has a good law in place for first and second-time possession. This new way of dealing with drugs seems to have cut the growth rate in the state prison population. Even though these new laws have been in place for some time, the state has fought implementation of them every step of the way. One of the newest state scams involves charging people with possession of drug paraphernalia along with possession of drugs. Then the state lets the person plead out on the paraphernalia charge. People not acquainted with the justice system think they're getting a great deal. This is not true, as a violation of probation on drug possession charges carries no jail or prison time (first and second conviction possession). Violation of probation on a paraphernalia charge can land you in jail or prison and I'm noticing a growing number of people here for rolling papers or plastic bags.

Well, back to me. Found guilty of possession of narcotic drugs (65 milligrams heroin). Sentenced to eight years, 85% time with sentence cut to 4 years after a partially successful appeal. I'm in appeal now, trying to further cut my time. I am a junkie and will probably be one until I'm pushing up poppies. I'm not a mean or dangerous person, or into denial.

Thank you for your publication and for all the help chipping at these walls.

Jeff Padgett #82474
ASPC Safford ­ Fort Grant
PO Box 2500
Safford, AZ 85548-2500

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