My Son

[cchilds3862]

> I am so glad we have a website such as this. It is very supportive,
knowing there are others who are dealing with the same issues as me. I
thought I was alone. Can't share the pain with others who just don't
understand.
>
> My son was certified as an adult in August 2001, and he is at a private
correctional facility in Taylor, Tx awaiting for sentencing. His first two
attorneys were public defenders (female,male). When the female was assigned
to the case, she assumed my son was guilty. She talked very mean to him,
called him stupid and ignorant. My son has a learning disability and was
called those names when he was younger. Naturally, he is not going to
cooperate with her. When I questioned her about this she was very snappy
and short with me and said she is going to just withdraw from the case. I
would like to send a complaint to the State board, but am afraid this may
create a problem with my son's sentencing. Should I wait until they
sentence him?
>
> Also, the judge set my son's bail at $400,000. No one was killed. The
former prosecutor for our County said this County is very crooked and will
do everything they can to keep my son locked up. My son is no angel, but he
does have other mental issues that need to be addressed. I brought this up,
but the attorney said that information may harm him more than help him. I
don't know who to turn to. His current attorney doesn't answer my
questions, and he always refer to privileged and not privileged info. When
he talks to my son, my son can't even remember what he said or how he said
it. Again, my son is still a kid and he hears what he wants to hear. What
should I do?
>
> How are the TDC facilities? Do you think my son will be okay?
>

[Amelia]

Hi Cyndie...I would like o welcome you! Isnt this site great!!!?? My husband is also in the Texas system..he is currently in the hidalgo detention center..awaiting an appeal..we too had a court appointed lawyer and to put it politely--SHE SUCKED!! Through the whole process she kept saying get me some money and I can keep you out of jail otherwise you are going for a long time..well he got 2 years no parole (state jail) nad we await another pending charge..My advice to you is be on your new attorney's ass Make sure he knows you are concerned, have him explain his plans to you as well as your son. I have learned something from the people on this site..doing your OWN research is key!! and actually my new lawyer has encouraged I have an active role...As for how the TDC facilities are Shortie has helped alot on this subject with me..it is our first encounter so I do not know much but hopefull she will give you alot of good info..I know she has helped me! Remember be an active participant in this and maybe it will go a little better..Good Luck and God Bless! You and your son are in my prayers!!

[Shortie]

Well let me help in any way I can. Let me first say that there is NO privalges in the case. All the info that the state has is info that you are privy to. So don't listen to that B.S. I think that filing the complaint against the attorney would accually help your son. It has been know that if your attorney mis represents you on the basis of fact that you can appeal for a new trial. That is on the state level anyway.

As far as the faculities they are not as bad as people make them out to be. Let me tell you that because he is so young and he has a mental issue it may be harder for him to adjust at first. Let me say that he needs to request PC (protective custody) if he is worried or you are. You can call and talk to the warden and see what can happen. At first I would suggest that you visit him alot. So they know he has family out there that is looking out for him. Trust me they do not care until they know that someone out here cares. That can make a world of difference.

You can check on the prisons here in texas there is a compete list of them and some info on them at the TDCJ website @ www.tdcj.state.tx.us

Also there is a website for help with the texas inmates families assocation @ www.tifa.org they are a non profit orgination and have been a lot of help to me. They hold meeting and all kinds of stuff.

Where is you son at?? Let me know and I will try to help as much as possible.

[cchilds3862]

Thank you Shortie and Amelia. The information you gave me is most helpful. Right now, my son is at the Taylor T Don Hutto Correctional Center in Taylor, Texas which is privately owned. My son actually likes it better than county because of the little freedom the guys have. Also, our visits are not behind a glass. We just sit across from each other and the visitation time is longer.

I will call my son's attorney to see if he received the discovery he request last year. That's right-last year. The attorney stated that the prosecutor is expecting her first child and she is having complications. In the meantime, we are all just waiting.

I have talked to one of the TYC (texas youth commission)attorneys who stated that the adult certification can be reversed so my son can do an alternative sentence, but it is all up to the judge. My son's attorney changes the subject when I mention this to him. I will ask him again, and this time, I will be more demanding. I am afraid if I continue to call the attorney, he may not help my son in this situation. I just don't want to say or do the wrong thing to jeopardize my son's case, especially if I appears as if I am being forceful.

Keep my son and me in y'all's prayers and I will do the same.

[sherri13]

cyndie-i am certainly not a legal expert but if your son's attorney will not listen to you or changes the subject when you try to talk about something that could help his case, then my gut is the attorney does not have your son's best interest at heart--if it were my son--i would do whatever it took to get another attorney--you have every right to be forceful as long as you are reasonable----he is your son, you love him, and you want what is best for him--what does TYC suggest? Good luck-and you are in my prayers

sherri

[Shortie]

If your attorney is court appointed then he has to answer to someone if he refuses to talk to you about the case then you need to take it to the next level.. If he is avoiding questions I agree he does not have your sons best interest at heart. Hense the problem of not having the info in a timely manner.. In texas they are suppost to surrender the requested info in like 90 days I believe.. You stay on his but and document all you contact with him that way you can prove his incooperation.. That will be a great help// You can also get a copy of you telephone records as documention of calls made to his office and calls placed to you from his office.. Call the phone company and see...

[cchilds3862]

Thanks for the info Shortie! The second attorney did tell me that requested discovery must be received within 90 days, and so far, according to him, they have presented the discovery at the last minute (on the 90th day). Are these attorneys working for the accused or what?

Take care everyone!

[Shortie]

Yeah you really have to wonder huh!! Just keep up you spirits and lean on us when you don't feel strong.

[littrell1]

I will add your son to our prayer list at church. I'm also having the same problem with the attornys. I read that you can request a new court appt. attorney

love and prayers
lisa