Why we have prison over-population

**The Honorable Judge, Nancy Glass. District Court, Clark County NV.**

I responded to another subpoena today, the continued parole revocation hearing of two weeks ago. (I'd fed the parking meter for 2 hours.) I arrived, found an empty seat at the end of an aisle, took out my book and read while half listening to court & waiting my case. It was a packed court room. At least 30 of America's finest in matching jumpsuits and chains sat patiently in pews along one side of the court. First case; subject charged as habitual criminal (this means he is a repeat offender/can't stay out of jail) - can receive up to life imprisonment. He violated his parole when he was arrested for domestic violence and attempt homicide of his lovely bride. He'd choked & stabbed her in their home, in front of the family. The judge had to ensure he understood the charges. He has an 11th grade education, 58 yrs old and is unemployed. I went back to my book.

Second note-worthy case was an armed robbery arrest & convicted felon in possession of a firearm while on probation, upon hearing a possible prison term of life without parole - mom went into hysterics & fell to floor near the exit doors. Medical called, order restored in court. Other cases were heard as attorney's plead for leniency and grabbed at any loop hole to make them look good; business as usual as medical staff attended to mom. Just as I suspected, it was for attention - she later walked away un assisted. Son's parole was revoked, I can't remember the sentence. I went back to my book.

Yet another mom was ejected from the court room for being disruptive before her son’s case was heard, also a parole revocation. (I was glad she had to leave, I couldn't concentrate on my book.) Son claimed to have a new job starting Monday, great pay, $15.50 per hour, begged for continued parole. Judge was hesitant to allow continued supervised parole and had staff call about his job. After several other cases had been quickly heard and resolved he was told to stand again. He kept his smug, know-it-all attitude even during a time he should have been humble & repentant. Conversation was something like this: Judge, "Guess what? You don’t have a job. You failed to disclose you’re a convicted felon on that job application. They don't want you." Defendant, "I was honest with them, I'm not a convicted felon. I filled out the form truthfully." (this guy "wouldn't know the truth if it bit him" really fit!) Judge, "Then why are you here today? Why are you doing probation for three years?" "You’re going to prison." I went back to my book . ( I like this judge!)

Next case, judge tells a defense attorney, "You can roll your eyes and tap your pencil all you want counselor, but I’m the judge here...." (this is the judge who sentenced OJ) Tattoos were visible on the defendant's neck. It is reported that he has gang affiliation & staying with step-dad and mom. Unemployed. He's 17. The judge asked parents to the defense table, to corroborate his story of staying in school and out of trouble. Step-dad spoke like an uneducated ghetto-living parasite himself. Said the kid was always good, just hung around bad kids. Duh! I could almost see the thought bubble over the judge's head "great home-life" But that’s just my opinion. He was allowed a high level of supervised probation and ordered to finish high school - he’ll be back, just a gut feeling. Back to my book-but hard to concentrate with court room drama.

Another case: Drinking problem, too many DUI's, "But I'm back in my church, your honor, and getting my life straight." "Been sober for 45 days." He is trying to resolve issues from court in St. George, he's 30 years old, looking for work, none found. Judge: "You should've looked harder for work." Sentenced to "boot camp" and then back to Utah to complete his sentence there. Put in cuffs and joined others. Went back to my book.

Finally, my case. P&P officer testified then me, but I have to return Jan 8th - when I can bring my case file- It was very hard to find the required documents in the D/A’s file as he pushed his to me to seek answers during the cross-examination (the case I’d filed but told I didn't need to bring). I could feel all eyes in the court room on me. I wanted to be like Perry Mason right then. Silence was obvious I while hurriedly looked for items I couldn't find. The D/A hadn't read it thoroughly and was no help. Two witnesses/victims weren’t there and I couldn't testify, under oath on their behalf, no help from them. The judge asked ME if I could return with my case file and try this again. "Yes your honor." I don't think she was mad at me.... Defendant has been in jail since 10/28 when the Probation officer arrested him for parole violation based upon my felony case(s) filed and not obeying his parole conditions. He has a lengthy record of construction fraud, embezzlement, bad checks, etc. He still owes $24,000 restitution to victims. Don't feel sorry for him. I lost count of the number of men sheduled to go to prison or county jail, and this was just four hours worth. Do the math. Tax dollars at work.

I made it to my car. The meter had 12 minutes left. Took off my tie, drove to the office and called the the two missing witnesses. "It won't happen again." "Uh uh, we'll see. I've already tabbed my file for the anticipated questions. Whew.