Well, I need some help from you guys. WE lost our request for a new trial so that leaves getting shock probation as our last hope to bring Stephen home sooner, which will help his other case. So I am asking for any information, links, whatever on the Texas State Jail -Shock probation. I have gone to the TDC website but they give minimal info. I appreciate any help you guys can give me. I wnt to be one step ahead of my lawyer-know what is going on so I can be a bigger help.

AMELIA,
UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T HAVE ANY FIRST HAND INFO FOR YOU BUT I HAVE AN IDEA THAT MIGHT WORK. YOU COULD CALL ONE OF THE CENTERS THAT HAS THE PROGRAM AND SPEAK TO A CAPTAIN OR SOMETHING, MAYBE EVEN A CHAPLAIN. AS THEM WHAT THE REQUIREMENTS, ETC. ARE AND HOW YOU CAN GET SOME INFORMATION ABOUT IT. WORST CASE TELL THEM YOU ARE WRITING A PAPER FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL.

JUST AN IDEA...

MICHELLE

am am trying to find out some info on it as soon as i get it I will let you know

Thanks guys! Good idea Bella, I am going to call the probation department and see if they can give me any info!!

All I could find was information against the program. Many people want shock probabtion stopped. For what I gathered he should feel grateful and lucky if he gets it. You only get one chance for the request.

check this out Amelia http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1359/a01.html

CHECK THIS ONE OUT TOO
http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=spytechagency&query=shock+probation&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.yahoo.com%2Fspytechag ency%2Fnsearch.html

Pam thanks for the links ..I am going to check them with more detail tonite..thank you so much!

One thing to keep in mind, Amelia - HE MUST WALK THE LINE on shock (or most other) probations. I mean that. I did the probation dance for almost 10 years and they WILL tow your but and and make life hell. Probation sounds great when you think about your loved one coming home but if Stephen screws up, he will be facing his original sentence PLUS any new charges. Stacked..

There rarely is a day that goes by I wish I didn't take the 10 years T.D.C.J. time back in 1992 vs. 10 years probation (plus applicable county time). I would have done 13 months in jail on 10 years back then and washed my hands of all the probation BS. Instead, I got 10 years probation where every time I screwed up in the least, I was back in county jail with a NO BOND until it was cleared up. I sat 3-4 months at a pop before a charge was dropped, etc. I was ordered to pay $240 a month in restitution that I would never have had to pay if I had taken state time. Judges will often sentence you to the max when/if you screw up because you are not behaving.
Does this mean you just can't make probation? Definitely not! But, if you screw up one bit, it can make life very miserable again.
Just food for thought.. BTW.. Shock probation is a lot more stringent. They would yank him back in for the slightest infraction.

I have thought of all that david-believe me...breaking probation is what got us the 2 years in the first place. But my theory is this- Stephen has ONe more chance with ME--one more screw up and I am gone no matter how small. HE has to walk a terribly straight line to keep his family and I will be there to help him but he cannot put me and his precious children through all this ever again. And I truly believe he has had his eyes opened and with God he will be able to stay on track-but it all comes down to his choice. I am going to send your post to him though if it is ok. I think it is good to have all options before you and you have been there. THank you again for being my friends.

Any time Amelia. And feel free to send him whatever you like. :)

David