While watching the movie, Unconditional (which I thought was filmed in Texas), my attention focused on the irrationality of our penal system. We incarcerate more per capita than most other western nations. https://www.google.com/search?q=us+incarceration+rate&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ACa0UYWOF4TmygHng4G4Bw&sqi=2&ved=0CEkQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=677
I represented a client who told me he got 10 years in prison in Texas because he was mad about losing his kids, so he took an ax and broke the porch at his ex-wife’s home. I thought, “You’re not telling me the whole story. Your kids or ex must have been put into danger or some other thing.” I got his records and learned that what he said is what really happened: He busted up the porch. The sheriff told him to stop and he wouldn't. He got ten years!
I got his high school and family history records and learned he had severe learning disabilities because he got dropped on his head as an infant. He never secured any assistance. I don't want to justify anything nor minimize his behavior, but it makes me wonder: Why ten years? As far as I could tell, he had no significant criminal history.
Loren M. Lambert © June 9, 2013
I represented a client who told me he got 10 years in prison in Texas because he was mad about losing his kids, so he took an ax and broke the porch at his ex-wife’s home. I thought, “You’re not telling me the whole story. Your kids or ex must have been put into danger or some other thing.” I got his records and learned that what he said is what really happened: He busted up the porch. The sheriff told him to stop and he wouldn't. He got ten years!
I got his high school and family history records and learned he had severe learning disabilities because he got dropped on his head as an infant. He never secured any assistance. I don't want to justify anything nor minimize his behavior, but it makes me wonder: Why ten years? As far as I could tell, he had no significant criminal history.
Loren M. Lambert © June 9, 2013
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