Cobb County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Harry, Qtip, DoneMyTime, Linda, Missy and Josh


JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Harry: Once escorted into the facility, you are placed in booking. In booking you are required to remove your shoe strings, shoes, socks, piercings, and basically anything attached to your body. I personally was strip searched. The officer took me to a private area where I was instructed to remove all my clothing. Once removed, I was asked to lift my testicles, to verify I was not hiding anything there. I was then asked to turn around and face the wall, hold my ankles with my hands and cough. I thought this was only done to females but I guess I was wrong. I was then asked to get dressed, and was given my shoelace less shoes back. I was then placed in a holding cell with other inmates that are being processed. This "tank" is basically a place for inmates to wait until they are fingerprinted and or mug shot. I personally was in this tank for about 8 hours or so. One time I was asked to come out and speak with a woman who gave me some bail bonds numbers and court paperwork. I was then sent to another tank that had 2 telephones that were capable of making local phone calls. I waited here, made a few calls, and then about 2 hours later was called with the rest of the tank to "dress out" for population.
Qtip: I Had To Wait In The Holding Cell Until My Turn With The Judge
DoneMyTime: harsh, they only know you on paper so you are judged without all facts
Linda: It was scary. I remember going to court and not seeing the judge and being told my bond was set @ $50,000.00. I was not allowed to ask one question.I also had several dry runs.That's when they load you up and take you to court and you sit there all day without seeing a judge or lawyer. This happens several times before you actually see anyone about your case in court.
Missy: DUE TO LAZIENESS I SAT IN THERE FOR 18 MONTHS BEFORE I RECIEVED A COURT DATE AND WAS SENTENCED.
Josh: I was able to bond out of jail. I enetered a guilty plea at my first court appearance.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Harry: No police ever came to my house.
Qtip: No
DoneMyTime: Yes, they issued a warrant.
Linda: No.
Missy: HELL NO I DID THE CRIME NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT(I WAS PROTECTING MY FAMILY)SO I WAS OUT OF STATE BEFORE THEY KNEW WHO I WAS(BECAUSE GEORGIA DOSENT HAVE I SELF DEFENCE LAW)
Josh: No.

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Harry: Court was your basic deal. 20 or so pews you sit at and wait for your name to be called. Once called, you stand before the judge with or without your representation. The judge states your charge and asks how you plea. I personally plead guilty, to a plea deal the attorney and the district attorney worked out. The judge agreed and I was sentenced. I however was not immediately incarcerated as I was to appear to serve my time. I was instructed to sign some papers and was released until time to serve.
Qtip: It Was A Dry Run
DoneMyTime: Long and scary
Linda: I had sat in jail 100+ days and still hadn't seen the inside of a court room.When I appeared in court it was a very lovely experience. I had GOD/truth with me. The states prosecutor really tried to stick it to me.
Missy: I MEAN THE ONLY THINK I DIDNT LIKE ABOUT MY COURT APPEARANCE IS SEEING MY MOTHER BREAK DOWN IN TEARS.WHICH IS WHAT HAS KEPT ME OUT OF TROUBLE AND THE FACE OF THE LAW.
Josh: Brief. I entered a guilty plea, paid a fine and was escorted to a holding cell to await transfer to the jail.