3-Strike Stories: Dennis B. Brown
Family History:
My Name: Dennis B. Brown #C-07708-P.O.Box 5002--Calipatria, CA. 92233-5002.
Eldest (43) of siblings. Seperated (x 4 yrs.) , with two (2) sons (15 and 18)
who reside with their mother, in L.A.
My mother and father became divorced with I was 13. One lives in Arizona,
the other in Washington. Family relations have always been rather strained (to
say the least). We all ahve very special and strong bonds and love for one
another.
Mom (lives poorly be herself) is dying of cancer and is in a dismal state
of health.
The Strikes:
The had (have) alleged then proven 7 strikes against me. Sentenced to 25 to
life, for one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Non-serious and
nonviolent, no property loss or damage. Judge James A. Jackman chose not
to exercise his discretion under Romero.
The Story:
Enclosed are five (5) letters (photocopies) directed to my sentencing judge
(Jackman) in hopes of persuading him to use his discretion under Romero.
The most current of the 7 "strikes" was 1987. The least current was
1975.
My wife and sons have lost all faith in my and my chances of ever becoming
released from prison. Understandably so!
All of the rest of my family try to be brave for my sake. Yet, their grief
is so completely profound that their sorry shines through, the brightest.
My siblings and I have lied to our mother about how much time that I was
sentenced to. Instead, she thinks I received 5 years. We all jointly agreed
that her health could become gravely affected if whe were to bare the full
impact of my sentence.
She's already had one lung removed (cancer) with the cancer still
spreading. Her other .ung is emphasemic, heart condition, broken hips and
shoulder. She'll be dead before to much longer . . .
Other Comments:
While I don't blame the public (voters) for wanting to feel and be more
secure in their neighborhoods. Their voting to make laws more strict, in
general, is understandable, too. Those sick child molesting and killing cases
and this state's governmental fiscal agenda to perpetuate itself, was not
intended to be a net that would insnare people who(m) are not presently
comitting either serious or violent felonies. Unlike the government, the people
had little occasion anticipate the large affect of "the fine print"
of this law.
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3-Strikes.
Date last modified: 11/06/98.