Seminole County Jail

Sentencing

Interview with Jessica, Sarah and Curt


JM: How long was your sentencing for?
Jessica: My sentencing didn't make any sense. My paper before first appearance said "No Bond for 72 hours" but when I got to court she said that I got no bond until my next court date which was to be on July 21, 2008. That was on June 19, 2008. Clearly FAR more than 72 hours. No one ever gave me the paper to fill out for a public defender, yet I found out when it was too later that I was appointed to one.
Sarah: 60 days with 5 days credit for time served
Curt: 30 days

JM: Did you spend time in a holding cell after your sentencing? If so, what was that like?
Jessica: I spent the day and night prior in the holding cell more so. Only a few hours in holding after first appearance. It was freezing cold in there. There was one toilet with a sink on top of it in there and no walls or anything for privacy. They gave us plastic mats to sit or lay on and we got blankets between 9pm and 6am but none at all outside of that time. They took the sheets and blankets away despite the frigid temperatures. During the night there was no rest, people came in and were being pulled out for processing constantly. The corrections officer also felt it necessary to slam the door every single time.
Sarah: I spent time in a holding cell at my turn in date at the courthouse and at the jail. At the courthouse as soon as they took me out of the courtroom. The sheriff asked me what I wanted for breakfast the next day whether it be grits or eggs and made me speak into a microphone my decision. This being my first trip to jail I didn't know that you don't get a choice so this was purely just to humiliate me. The cells at the courthouse are small and I was in one by myself for probably only about 20 min with no toilet and a 3 feet long concrete bench. The holding cell at the jail is probably 20 x 10 feet. It has metal benches that wrap around 3 of the 4 walls and a metal toilet in the corner. It's always very cold and the lights never get shut off.
Curt: yes i spent 24 hours in holding. and it sucked! population is much better.no not at all