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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