My case is fairly common these
days. I'm a first-time, nonviolent offender with absolutely no
criminal history. I was a small business owner for nine years
and in the same occupation for twenty years. I have a 13-year-old
daughter and an 8-year-old step-daughter.
I was not able to take advantage of the "safety-valve"
provision of the 1994 Crime Bill because I had been sentenced
before it was passed. I did receive, however, a 13 year, 8 month
sentence for a conspiracy where the only drugs seized was from
the leader who testified against me and others. His threatened
sentence was 37 years, but after his cooperative testimony, he
was sentenced to 4 years.
First-time, nonviolent offenders
in the Federal system are serving more time than 2nd degree murderers
from my home state of Iowa. The average time they spend behind
bars is 10 to 12 years.
First Christmas
without dad at home.
Back to the Wall
Next Prisoner of the War
on Drugs
