Hi, I'm new. Been married for 33 years. He was supposedly have SO 1979, but after probation in 1983 was over, his case was "expunged." Then because of the Law changed in 1996, he was arrested for not registering (3 years). He didn't know he had to, since he was "expunged." We had moved to our present location in 1985. For the first time, I read the report, and found it falsely accusing my hunny for something. We (my husband) & I don't know anything. He wanted to plead "Not Guilty", but the court had him plead "No contest", and would give him probation, which he did at that time. Now he is marked for life for something he didn't do! My question is, (his) about the points. He is Level 2 with 19 points. What does that mean? Who else is in Blythe? What does Level 2 mean? What do you say to friends that are close to you when they ask: "Where's......, haven't seen him lately?" Because I am a religious person and go to my meetings, I try to avoid them, but I need my "spiritual food." How do I read my pm? I tried to click on it, but nothing comes up. Ever since my dear one has been in, (2/6/04 in county, then moved to Delano in March, then now in Blythe 4/6) He won't be out until 3/22/06. I am really depressed and cry every day and night. I do a lot of praying for us. How do you survive? I try to keep busy, but at night before I go to bed, I cry. Thank you all. And to those who are new, welcome, too. And I would notice that some of you have written in colors and all those cute little pictures and things. How do you do that?

Hi Dpres1 ~

Welcome to PTO. I haven't been here long but I have found a lot of support and smiles here with the others. :) Everyone has been great! I'm not real sure how the point system works but I'm sure someone will explain it to you. The way I have managed to survive since he's been away is day by day, some days are easier than others but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. If there is anything I can do to help or even just lend a shoulder to cry on let me know. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you LuvandLaughs. I wish someone can help me. I was just reading about how you picked out your name. Mine is obvious. I've been so depressed since he was taken, that I wanted to commit suicide, because I can't live without him, but then, everyone tells me I have to be here for him when he gets out, so that he will have something to live for. I miss him so much, and it's only the beginning, but we are appealing. I hope we will win.

dpres ~
Yes your name was rather obvious and I'm concerned about you. Thoughts of suicide are very serious and despite what you might feel now you can live without him. It might not be easy but I believe inside all of us is the strength and courage to survive even the most overwhelming situations. I sent you a PM so please let me know if you need anything. You're in my prayers.

keep your head up - it may not get any better but it does get easier.

I have to lie to my family about his whereabouts too. I came up with kind of a good one, (that is until the last week or two) I have told them that he is working as a telecommunications contractor in Iraq. Far fetched, but plausible in our circumstances. For a while it was good, but now with all of the craziness happening over there again, and the civilian contractor taken as hostage - oh Lord has it come back to bite me.. Oh well..

Stay on this site, there is some great support out here. Where are you? Maybe if my husband goes to Blyte, we can carpool...??

The California prison system gives 'points' to each imate. These points are from the current conviction and well as what is on the past record. When the points are added up, the inmate is classified into a 'level'. This level will help to determine what facility the inmate goes to, and what security level he/she is. A level 2 inmate is a lower security risk, there for can get a bit more freedom while inside than say a level 4.
Hope that gives you a better understanding.

Amy1 & Mrs Malcom, I thank you to all who is supporting me. I am so down. You lift me up, and it helps a lot. Where are you from?

Here is an excellant link explaining classification and points!!

http://home.earthlink.net/~sarge4444/points.htm


POINTS AND INMATE CLASSIFICATION

There are four levels of institutions in California. Level 1 housing the least dangerous inmates up to Level 4 housing the most dangerous. The Inmates Classification Score is used as a primary factor to determine the level of institutional placement. Inmates can get points for commitment offense, unfavorable behavior, background factors, prior incarceration behavior and special case factors. The inmate can also have points taken off for favorable behavior. Knowing how many points the parolee has can be helpful to you during the contact.

Score Level
0-18..........................1
19-27........................2
28-51........................3
51+ ..........................4



LEVEL 1..........Institutions and camps consist primarily of open dormitories with a relatively low security perimeter.

LEVEL 2..........Institutions consist primarily of open dormitories with a secure perimeter and armed coverage.

LEVEL 3..........Institutions primarily have outside cell construction with a secure perimeter and armed external coverage.

LEVEL 4..........Institutions have inside or outside cell construction with a secure perimeter and both internal and perimeter armed coverage.

INSTITUTIONS and Their LEVEL

Avenal State Prison............................................ .................................................2
Calipatria State Prison............................................ ............................................4
California Correctional Center , Susanville........................................ ...........1,2,3
California Correctional Institution , Tehachapi......................................... ....1,4
Central Ca. Women’s Facility , Chowchilla........................................ ...........1,2,3,4 Death Row
Centinela State Prison , Imperial.......................................... ...........................1,3,4
California Institution for Men , Chino............................................. ...................1,2,3
California Institution for Women , Frontera.......................................... ..........3,4
California Men’s Colony , San Luis Obispo............................................ ......1,2,3
California Medical Facility , Vacaville......................................... ...................1,2,3
California State Prison , Corcoran.......................................... .........................1,3,4
California Rehabilitation Center , Norco............................................. ...........1,2
California State Prison , Los Angeles County............................................ ..1,3,4
Correctional Training Facility , Solidad........................................... ...............1,3
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison , Blythe............................................ ..........2
Deuel Vocational Institution , Tracy............................................. ....................1,3
Folsom State Prison............................................ .................................................1 ,4
High Desert State Prison , Susanville........................................ .....................2,3,4
Ironwood State Prison , Blythe............................................ ...............................1,3
Mule Creek State Prison , Ione.............................................. ............................1,3
Northern Ca. Women’s Facility , Stockton.......................................... .......... 2,3
North Kern State Prison , Delano .................................................. ...................1,3
Pelican Bay State Prison , Cresent City.............................................. ............1,4
Pleasent Valley State Prison , Coalinga.......................................... ..............1,3
R.J. Donovan Cor. Fac. At Rock Mountain , San Diego............................1,3
Calif. State Prison , Sacramento ( New Folsom ).........................................1,2,3,4
Sierra Conservation Center , Jamestown......................................... .............1,2,3
California State Prison-Solano , Vacaville......................................... ............3,4
California State Prison , San Quentin........................................... .....................1,2,4 Death Row
Salinas Valley State Prison , Soledad........................................... ..................1,4
Valley State Prison for Women , Chowchilla........................................ ..........1,2,3,4
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center , Wasco..........................................1,2 ,3,4

Welcome to PTO

Apparently the DA had an ax to grind with S/O's

My case dates back to 1962 never served prison time and after the dust settled was given 5 years probation, which I did in 3. In 1968 I obtained the "ORDER CLEARING RECORD" through the California Courts and basicly was told I'm cut loose.

With the new Federal "Megan's Law" was signed as law (1994) I was rounded up (the same as your husband) in 1995. What my lawer told me was, in the State of California there was a little known law on the books dating back to 1945 or 48? that was worded so, under the Megan's Law anyone conviced of a sex crime would fall under the new law reguardless of what court proceeding followed the conviction.

The DA was hell bend on filing charges on everyone she could round up, even when my lawer showed her the crime code I was conviced under wasn't on the books for many years. Didn't work until he got a copy (lucky me if was still available) of the above court order and the fact that there was no arrest in 27 years, that she backed off as long as I would register as an S/O. No charges were filed and the case droped (or is that still pending if I screw up?).

The only way a person can get off the California S/O (for life) registery is with a Governor pardon. The Superior Court of California can not do that. The Courts can only issue a Certificate of Rehabilitation which I obtained in 1999. It takes an UNEDUCATED Governor, dumber [Conspicuously unintelligent; stupid: dumb officials] then a Superior Court Judge, (pet peeve of mine as you can tell) to cut a person loose and still live freely in the USA.

From what I can find out so far, the State of conviction has the hold on a person reguardless if they move to a lesser State. Much like a marriage in one State is recognized by other States. Poor example, but the only one I can think of off the top of my head.

Just found this, thought it was interesting and adds a little to what's above...

At every state prison, security is our number one priority. We safely and securely house convicted offenders for the full, legal length of their sentence.
The first step is to evaluate each inmate for security risk. Before being placed in an institution, an inmate goes through a classification process. Trained correctional counselors consider not only the commitment offense but also the inmate’s past behavior and prior convictions.

Security rankings range from minimum custody (Level I) through maximum custody (Level IV). The rank depends upon the prison’s structure, security devices and assigned staffing. For example:

Level I. Inmates are housed in open dormitories without a secure perimeter. Level I inmate are non-violent offenders with generally less than 30 months to serve.
Level II. Inmates still live in dormitories but the facilities have fenced perimeters and armed coverage. The inmates may have prior offenses but little history of institutional violence or escapes.
Level III. These prisons have individual cells, fenced perimeters and armed coverage. Sentences are longer and inmates have several prior prison terms or significant behavior problems.
<LI>Level IV. In addition to cells and fenced or walled perimeters, maximum security prisons include electronic security, more staff and more armed officers. Inmates have a long history of crime or violence and generally are escape risks. Modern technology has advanced prison security. In the new prisons, access to a cell is controlled electronically from a booth overlooking the housing unit. Centralized command centers control movement into and out of the prison. In some institutions, motion detectors are built into perimeter security. Any movement in the area is transmitted to mobile security vehicles for immediate response.

Should there be an emergency or major disturbance, each prison can call upon its own highly trained Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). These staff specialists are ready to step into any situation at a moment’s notice. Others trained in crisis management and negotiation also are available.

Inmates can also contribute to the safety and security of an institution. By participating in work or training programs, they learn to take responsibility for their actions. The result is more productivity, greater self-esteem, and less violence.

Corrections is proud of its security record. Despite continued growth and overcrowding, there have been no major disturbances in a California prison in recent history. The rate of violent assaults and escapes is at an all-time low. And more than 97 percent of those who do escape are apprehended, usually within a few hours or days.


(side captions to pic's)
San Quentin tower officers watch the prison's shoreline and land borders.
The gate officer controls who enters and leaves the main security area.
California's new prisons take advantage of modern technology, fence equipped with electronic motion sensors.
Armed officers oversee prison yards and fences.
A control booth officer electronically monitors access into and out of the housing unit and cells.
Routine cell searches help ensure prison safety and security.
Trained dogs help control drug trafficking and enhance prison security.
Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) members are trained to respond to a major disturbance or prison emergency. Practice drills include use of helicopters to bring in reinforcements or supplies.



http://www.cdc.state.ca.us/images/spacer.gifhttp://www.cdc.state.ca.us/images/spacer.gif

Please don’t bother to pat these prisons on the back for their state of the art technology and highly educated staff because they have already slapped themselves silly. Barb