K.W. (Inmate)
Sentencing Day

"What I suggest anyone do to prepare for this day is to gather letters for the judge. You want the judge to see that besides this crime, that you were a productive member of society and loved by the community. The judge DEFINITELY reads these letters right before he walks out of the chambers, and actually read over a few of mine during the sentencing. It also doesn't hurt to have a positive member of society such as a pastor, professor or even an old boss speak on your behalf during your sentencing hearing. You want the judge to see that you are loved and well liked. I hate to admit it but I was a crying mess ..and when I say I cried I'm lying ...I WAS BALLING out of control, I was terrified, and to be completely honest I thought my life was over. I was barely able to speak and I was shaking uncontrollably. It feels like going to the principals office TIMES A THOUSAND!!  Also make sure you say your goodbyes BEFORE you are sentenced, just in case they take you into custody:( I also wore triple pairs of socks to keep my feet warm because it gets cold in the hold-overs [jails] and this is about the ONLY thing they will let you keep).  It was a good thing because they did take me into custody at the end of the sentencing.  The only jewelry they let me keep was a wedding ring. The best way I say to prepare is to remember - It's not the end of your life, and prison is not THAT bad, YOU CAN AND WILL GET THROUGH IT! Plus if Martha Stewart did it ...SO CAN YOU! :)"

G.B. (Inmate)
Sentencing Day

"Prior to my sentencing I went to the courthouse to see what a sentencing would be like.  I watched two guys who both felt like they were innocent (they lost at trial) get sentenced to 12 years and 5 years respectively.  If you get 10 years or less you can go to a prison camp.  Actually, because good time is calculated right away, you can get a sentence of a little over 11 years and still be camp eligible (as long as you are considered non-violent).

I felt nervous going into sentencing but also extremely optimistic that I would get much less time than my guidelines called for and possibly only probation which would include volunteer work.

During the proceeding I was much more nervous because I saw the judge was not letting my lawyer speak and she interrupted him constantly.  I could clearly see that the judge had a misperception of what I did and she did not even seem to fully understand what I did.  I still held out some hope that when I got my sentence it would not be that bad.  I was wrong.  It was literary the worst case scenario.  Nine years with guidelines of 9 to 11 years.  The prosecution was asking for a low end of guidelines sentence and the judge gave them what they wanted."

J.L. (Inmate)
Sentencing Day

"I prepared the best I possibly could mentally.  I know I would be facing my two clients [victims] in a way that I had not in four years.  I was relieved that my clients had the opportunity to tell me their feelings of disappointment, anger and frustration.  I was happy for them because they had their day in court.   I knew that I was going to hear their Victim Impact Statements.  My attorney was very nervous about me speaking an apology in Court because he was afraid that I would not come across as myself, as truly sorry for what I had done.  He felt this way because he said that after listening to the prosecution that I might be angry and this might affect my ability to deliver a sincere apology, which would hurt me in the Judge’s eyes.

To prepare for the day, I wrote down all the words I wanted to say to the Judge as well as my apology and everything I had wanted to say to my two clients that lost money as a result of my actions.  So that statement was prepared in advance of sentencing day.  I also made sure that my appearance and dress was appropriate for the day.  I had a sport jacket on with slacks.  I wanted to make sure people knew that I had been humbled and I dressed the part.  My legal team put together a solid package for the Judge before the Sentencing, which they included with the Sentencing Memo.  It included about 20 letters from family and friends.  My kids wrote their own letters to the Judge as well as my wife.  I was certainly very nervous and anxious going into the Sentencing.  My wife was with me, something that my attorney thought was important.  However, I did not bring my kids because I thought it was too much for them.

I am an optimistic person by nature, so I tried my best to keep my spirits up on this day.  I also felt a great sense of relief that the day had finally arrived.  It had been a little over 3 years since the FBI knocked on my door at 6:00am to get to this day.

I found the Judge to be fair and thoughtful and I have tremendous respect for her."

D.B (Female Inmate)
Sentencing Day

I was scared and nervous as I was not aware that the prosecutor was pushing for six years!  I felt that the prosecutors presented a lot of information that just wasn't true.  I had to humble myself and throw myself at the mercy of the court.

When I was finally sentenced, I couldn't believe I was going to prison.  I felt weak and thought I was going to pass out.  I couldn't comprehend what was being said after I heard '42 months.'  I even turned to leave the podium and exit the courtroom before the judge left the bench.  I had to get out of that room and away from everyone.