Ramsey County Jail

Pre-sentencing

Interview with Jessica and Joe Smith


JM: Tell us about the pre-sentencing process:
Jessica: I WAS ACTUALLY ARRESTED AND BROUGHT RIGHT TO THE JAIL. WAS PUT IN A HOLDING CELL FOR QUITE A WHILE AND THEN BROUGHT ELSEWHERE.
Joe Smith: After being booked into the jail, you are kept in a 2 man cell for up to 72 hours (not including the weekend)where you are locked in for 23 hours with one blanket, no sheet, no pillow and no reading material or anything to occupy your time. After this, then you appear before the judge and you spend up to 12 hours in a holding cell with a bunch of other men.

JM: Did you have police stop by your house for questioning?
Jessica: NO, BUT THEY DID TRY TO LOCATE OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED. THEY WENT BACK TO MY HOUSE WHILE I WAS IN THE HOLDING CELL TO TRY AND LOCATE THE OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED.
Joe Smith: No, the police never contacted anyone at my house.

JM: What was your court appearance like?
Jessica: COURT APPEARANCE WAS VERY QUICK. VERY PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, I FELT I WAS TREATED WITH RESPECT AND FAIRLY. THERE WERE NOT ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THE COURT ROOM, SO I FELT LIKE I HAD SOMEWHAT PRIVACY.
Joe Smith: You end up spending all day in a holding cell with a bunch of other men until you finally appear for a few minutes before the judge and then they set your bail and your next appearance.