Hi,
I am being sentenced on Apr 28, 2004. I have never been in trouble before with any law enforcement. Of course this is a drug offense so my sentencing level is 21. That is usually 5-40 years. I am eligible for the Drug Program. The PSI says I should be sentenced to 37-43 months. My attoney is asking for self-surrender. One of my questions is, How much time do you have to get to the prison where you are being sent to if you can get there on your own. I am hoping to get to Carswell in Tx. I have heard they have the Drug Program there. I am just a little scared but my brother-in-law and stepson says to try to have a positive attitude and the time will go by faster. I have accepted my fate but sometimes the apprehensiveness comes into play. I know the camps aren't bad but I only know about the men's camps. Are the women's camps set up differently? How much money do you need to take with you. I also take medication. Do I take that with me also? I know this just sounds like I am rambling and maybe I am but it sure helps to be able to write things down and talk with others who have been in the same situation.

i don't know about the camps. my sister is in seatac federal detention center. she received her letter to self-surrender about three weeks before the date she was to be there. it gave her a date, time and place to report. she took 200.00 with her most of which was spent on her first phone calls and commissary items (shampoo, toothbrush, sweat pants, sweat shirt, tennis shoes) but they provide you with the standard issue things, these were just extras she wanted to be a little more comfortable. and do keep a positive attitude, and remember that the others at the camp are people who were once in your situation. the women always try to make the new girl feel welcome and are very helpful. i hope this info helps a little. there are others here who'll be able to answer a bit more for you. good luck to you!!

Hi Sara!

Whatever the date is on your self-surrender letter is when you need to be there. I would get there as early in the day as possible as it may take quite awhile to process you through.

As far as medication goes, take your empty pill bottles with you so that they can see what meds you are on. You will see someone from medical during your intake and they will determine what meds they will give you when you are there.

I would suggest bringing as much money as you can. The spending limit at the commissary is $290.00 per month. When you first arrive there are many things you will need to purchase, hygiene items, stamps, etc.

I am sure that you are apprehensive. But know that you will be fine. You will meet some very nice ladies there that will help you out and show you the ropes so to speak. I wouls say that the mens camps are set up pretty much the same as the womens. It is not a fun place to be of course, but keep your head up and try to stay positive. Stay as busy as possible and this will help the time to go by more quickly.

And just remember, one day it will all be over!!

My sister was senteced to 46 months for drugs charges. No previous record. she was hoping for carswell also, but went to Bryan in Feberuary. Judge required the drug program, which was good because there is a wait for it. It knocks alot of time off and so lots of people want to do it. If you can, get the judge to require it. She selfpsurrender and had about 45 days to report. You want to be able to turn your self in direct to the place your sentenced to. It's alot better. Each prison is different but at Bryan you get $300 a month to spend. You can take prescribtion meds with you. You get to take in no clothes of shoes or anything like that. They have hair dryers and curling irons. It's alot different then you think it will be. You can take class and get an education if you choose to. You just have to make up your mind that you want a different life when you get out. Use the time your in there wisely and keep your chin up!! Let me know if you've got more questions. I know how much it sucks for you and your family not knowing what to expect!!Hi,
I am being sentenced on Apr 28, 2004. I have never been in trouble before with any law enforcement. Of course this is a drug offense so my sentencing level is 21. That is usually 5-40 years. I am eligible for the Drug Program. The PSI says I should be sentenced to 37-43 months. My attoney is asking for self-surrender. One of my questions is, How much time do you have to get to the prison where you are being sent to if you can get there on your own. I am hoping to get to Carswell in Tx. I have heard they have the Drug Program there. I am just a little scared but my brother-in-law and stepson says to try to have a positive attitude and the time will go by faster. I have accepted my fate but sometimes the apprehensiveness comes into play. I know the camps aren't bad but I only know about the men's camps. Are the women's camps set up differently? How much money do you need to take with you. I also take medication. Do I take that with me also? I know this just sounds like I am rambling and maybe I am but it sure helps to be able to write things down and talk with others who have been in the same situation.

Hi All,
I want to thank everyone who has taken time from their busy lives to answer my questions. I wanted to let you all know it is very much appreciated. It helps to know a little bit about what to expect.
Thank you again.

Sara - hang in there and let me know if you are sentenced to Carswell. There are tons of posts here telling you exactly what it'll be like - just do a search with "carswell" in it and you'll find them. I was there and just got home in December, so I can tell you from personal experience that it is not a bad place. However, they do not offer a drug program, so women who are accepted to that are eventually transferred - usually to Bryan - so that is something to consider when you request your location with your judge.

:hee: April 28th is my Birthday! And I am wishing all my luck to you on that day. I really hope things turn out in your favor.

I am a bit confused at your sentencing calculation...drug offense with a BOL of 21? How did you arrive at that number unless you had a 5 yr minimum mandatory and a 3 level 'gov. supported' reduction for acceptance? Did you check all the other mitigation, like mitigating role, safety valve, post-offense rehab????? If I were you I'd rather do less time than try to get into the drug program.


Hi,
I am being sentenced on Apr 28, 2004. I have never been in trouble before with any law enforcement. Of course this is a drug offense so my sentencing level is 21. That is usually 5-40 years. I am eligible for the Drug Program. The PSI says I should be sentenced to 37-43 months. My attoney is asking for self-surrender. One of my questions is, How much time do you have to get to the prison where you are being sent to if you can get there on your own. I am hoping to get to Carswell in Tx. I have heard they have the Drug Program there. I am just a little scared but my brother-in-law and stepson says to try to have a positive attitude and the time will go by faster. I have accepted my fate but sometimes the apprehensiveness comes into play. I know the camps aren't bad but I only know about the men's camps. Are the women's camps set up differently? How much money do you need to take with you. I also take medication. Do I take that with me also? I know this just sounds like I am rambling and maybe I am but it sure helps to be able to write things down and talk with others who have been in the same situation.

For Advocate. My level started at 26. First time ever in trouble with law. I am being sentenced under the Feeney admendment. We did all the mitigating. My offense is conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of more than 100 K and under 400 K. That is why my sentence is what it is.

I'm new here and I don't want to step on any toes, but when I left Pekin in January there were very long waiting lists to get into the drug program. So long that some women refused because they weren't getting any time reductions. This is at the camp level, mind you. Some women were shipped to Dublin, CA from IL just to find space. When you are looking at 70 months, you'll go across the country to get some time off.

I just wanted to give you a heads up about RDAP. :)

Yes, felonmom, waiting lists can be long. I was transferred twice just to be able to get in the program. But it sure was worth it! :)