Kelly Beam
Week 4 Homework
Juvenile Justice Systems and Processes CJA/374
Instructor Erica Williams
Journal Entry of Xander L
Wondering what is going to happen with my life at this point. For a few years now I have been involved with the wrong crowds and keep getting in trouble for different crimes. I love my mom very much and we are very close but even she has attempted to always teach me right from wrong, even if it involves reporting me to the police. I can’t and don’t blame her for doing that, but I just feel kind of lost at this point in my life. I have dropped out of school against my mother’s wishes. My father isn’t around, so his opinion doesn’t matter. Mom works two jobs to provide for her and I, while I go out and cause trouble.
I was recently arrested for possession of a concealed weapon, which I pled guilty to. When they arrested me I was taken to the police station for the booking process. They took my fingerprints, entered all my information into the system and told me exactly what charges were being filed against me. A couple days later I went in court where they again told me what I was being charged with. At that point I asked for a public defender to help represent me, since neither my mom nor I had the money for a private attorney. I have pled guilty to the crime of possession of a concealed weapon, and am now waiting to see what recommendations will be given as to my punishment. My next court date will be my arraignment hearing where I am sentenced based on the recommendations of my probation officer, and the Juvenile District Attorneys opinion based off my previous juvenile record.
I am currently not in jail, but must be at every court date or I take the risk of being punished with the maximum sentence. I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen yet, I only know what I could be looking at.
This is not my first run in with the police which will have an effect on my punishment for this crime. Because I’m
References: Shouselaw.com (2013). SHOUSE LAW GROUP. Carrying a Concealed Weapon in a Vehicle or on Your Person. California Penal Code 12025 PC. Retrieved May 5th, 2013; http://www.shouselaw.com/12025.html