Hi, I am 19. And my boyfriend is 22. He just got convicted of a huge drug charge that happened a year and a half ago. He
is an A student at college and has never had a drug charge ever. He will go to jail for about 3 years if he doesn't cooperate. But 1 or 2 if he does. But by cooperating he will have to give up his friends names. And he doesnt know what to do. I want him to cooperate so that we can be together sooner and so that he can finish his education and atleast have that when he gets out with a felony. Is that wrong of me? Plus his family wants him to cooperate. I dont know what to tell him to do about that. It is all very complicated. Can anyone help me out with that? and can anyone tell me about what their husband or boyfriend has said about what priosn is like. And if it is really violent. I am so scared. Someone please help me.

I guess my first question is: Is it a federal or state charge? They are two different prison systems. I did federal time myself and I'd be happy to tell both of you about it. There is a saying about the federal system that is true for the most part. "Fed time is long time, but it's easy time". While everyone’s def. of easy time differs, in comparison, the federal prison system has many ammentaties that the states don't. Air conditioning (in most newer joints), they pay inmates to work; visitations are usually pretty good, ETC.

Now, about making "deals" with law enforcement. There are a few things to think about. First, in the feds you have what is called a PSI report. In that report it will state if you did, or did not, cooperate with the cops. Some inmates may eventually demand to see this PSI report to see if the owner is a "snitch". The other issue is putting your friends into the same position you are now facing. I don't mean to be blunt but most people involved in this know the "risks". So, instead of one or two people facing the music you may have 5-10 all going to prison. These are decisions he will have to make but please think hard on it.
Something else you should know is what time he really is looking at. If he is looking at about 36 months and he is in the Feds, you need to take into account that he will do 85% of that number. THEN, you can subtract 6 months from that for 1/2 way house & home confinement. In addition to those two subtractions, the Feds have what is called the drug program that will take off another YEAR from the sentence. So, do the math and decide if it is really worth it.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

David

PS. I am moving this thread over to "The Road to Prison" because there are a number of posts already there on this subject.

Be VERY careful when making deals with the state of Texas. They will screw you over EVERY chance they get. Do not trust anyone right now...not even your boyfriend's lawyer...especially if court appointed. Like David said, there are a lot of risks involved in snitching people out. Think about this, your boyfriend may be choosing not to talk because he is worried about your safety and the safety of his family. I know it sounds like something out of a movie, but that is just how it is. You need to think REALLY hard before advising him to take a deal and talk. Remember-if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Cooperating with law enforcement isn't at all easy and the cops lie to get their case.

Hi Weefolk...I just saw you back visiting here today and I was wondering how you and your boyfriend were doing. I hope all is well and if you need anything make sure and ask and we'll try to help with whatever we can!


Pamela

My father is in the Fed's and has been so for the last 9 years .He has another 5 to go for not cooperating with the police. He is not a snitch by any means and refused to jeopardize his family by snitching as our safety would have been at stake. I don't think it is a wise thing to advise him to snitch because there may be consequenses on the inside as well as the outside. Either way he is looking at time and a record. Atleast he will be able to come out and hold his head. He needs to be true to himself if he knows he was involved in what they are accusing him of he needs to be a man and step up. The people he dealt with could get the same kind of offer as well. I know you want what's best for him and you want him with you but only he will pay if he makes the wrong move.