So... My little brother is going to prison.

[Atheist.]

...
If the rest of the thread is of any indication, he's fucked. Rehabilitation is a nice thought, but in a country that thinks the death penalty is a good idea, it's just not going to happen.

The American justice system always seemed extremely harsh to European eyes, but I guess it's simply the result of them having a different social contract, one much more focus on going to the extremes of "win or lose" in life. Unimaginable opportunity and conversely little to stop falling to unimaginable depths.

What I really take issue with is the fact that their prosecution rate is so high. And that the threat of these immensely harsh sanctions is undoubtedly used to pressure innocents into plea bargains to obtain convictions; Having so much of the executive/judicial branch be elected by popular vote isn't exactly doing much for civil rights or the rule of law.

The prosecution rate is so high because you can essentially buy your way out of convictions, but the people who commit these crimes are generally poor people. And yes, people often innocent, get pressured into plea bargains because they can't afford a private attorney. Just another way our system is backwards. Money shouldn't buy innocence.

 

[Daveman]

Everyone is somebody's brother or sister or son or daughter. I found out the other day that one of my old friends from school was the largest ketamine dealer in the area and because of his usage he's going to be incontinent for the rest of his life. I also have a friend facing charges for possession of class A drugs pending tests. I think they're both great but I do have to admit they deserve everything they get.

 

[Laser Priest]

Prisons are designed to reform criminals.

It is possible to get out on good behavior if your crime wasn't terrible, isn't it?

 

[Atheist.]

"My little brother (19 years old) is facing a 3-5 prison sentence. I know he deserves some jail time, but I think a quarter of his lifetime is a bit much. "

Well if he was 60 it'd only a 12th of his lifetime... so? Not really relevant.

Anyway, the way drugs are handled over here and in the US seems retarded to me.

I do believe it is relevant, because a person is the sum of his/her actions and experiences. Spending such a large percentage at such a young age in prison will adversely affect his mindset and personality.

While 5 years may not seem a lot to someone who is 60, it is certainly a lot to someone who has only lived 19 years thus far. Sure, over time, he would be able to offset the balance of time. But for now, he'd only know school and prison. He'd leave with NO experience of the real world, and most definitely neglect personal responsibility. Prison is similar to school in the sense that you sit in a room all day, and follow a strict schedule. You're being guided by forces outside of your control, which is no way to teach someone how to be responsible.

I think my argument holds ground, simply because people base their actions on their experience up until their current point in life. If a large percentage of that is from prison, the persons actions will have been manipulated in that way.

 

[Atheist.]

I don't have any advise but I am curious about two things:

1. Can he join the army instead? I hear that in America, with certain crimes you can join the army instead.... I'm not too sure on this.

2. Are you planning on visiting him alot in prison? It will probably help him to know his family hasn't given up on him

Usually if you have a felony you generally can't join the Army in the States, to the best of my knowledge.

Second, unfortunately no. He lives 1800 miles (Around 2900 KM for you non-Americans.) It would cost my a fortune to visit him regularly. I would like to, but it's in no way financially feasible. As he is currently in jail waiting for trial it actually costs 20$ for a 5 minute phone call. So I can only contact him sparingly as it is.

 

[Atheist.]

Is that you in the picture with alcohol? You don't really look like the type to hold a higher ground if that's true. /judging on apperances/

I'm not sure what esle you can do to help, really?

If he has a clean record other that one breakin (which is wht you are making it sound like) I really doubt he will get 3-5 years. If there is more to it than you are tell us, he will get what he deserves.

And btw, breaking into houses and stealing stuff is its own special form of violence. Ask anyone who has had it happened and it does leave them violated. Often they have to move. It's horrible.

If he got 3-5, that's because of mandatory sentencing. I'd also have to assume this isn't his first Offense, probably not his first offense for this or a related crime.

Not true. It was indeed his first offense. I'm not trying to justify his actions, he's a fucking dumb ass. I just wish my own kin was smart enough to not rob his friends step-father. I know I'm wrong in many aspects, it just hurts me so much to see someone I love so much do something so horrible.

Breach of trust? Oh that won't help him any. Stealing from friends...how very nice. My sympathy level is dropping.

BTW I noticed you are drinking in your avatar. I wonder if drinking and drugs were a common thing in your household.

Last time I checked, having a beer after work was still perfectly legal and socially acceptable. So I hope you won't mind if I tell you to not disrespect me or my family with blatant ignorance, Rottweiler.

Secondly, while not a justification, it was his friends idea to steal from his own step-father. I suppose that just introduces a whole new level of fucked up.