3-Strike Stories: Quinton Johnson

Martinez Detention facility
Martinez, CA. 94553

April 2, 1998

My name is Quinton Piere Johnson and I am now fighting a 2nd strike, Armed Robbery Case. The Contra Costa County Court system is trying to wash me at forty-one with nineteen years. My first offence was well before they passed the new bill, and before this incident. I had been clean for Five years from 1988-1992. Due to my addiction, and the need for money I have failed myself, not seeking support in my recovery.

I realize my mistake and I know I must face punishment, but why so savior of a sentence, when by nature I am not a violent man. I wasn't out to harm anyone, and never made treating gestures or demands. No hostages were taken. My tone of voice was as pleasant as asking someone for directions to the movies. I even told the young lady to have a delightful day.

I feel the struggle we all go thorough should be looked at more carefully by people who care more for the reasons why, instead of the evil that men do. Because all men and women are not the same, there are reasons, and circumstance why human nature tends to struggle with itself. Everyone has lasting faith. They just need help in finding it again.

Instead of caging, justice should find a way of rehabilitation. It might just become an asset in marking man kind, a productive part of society as appose to building new prisons to house us like slaves or live stock.

The only thing the court system looks at is the serial numbers on the money they are making off the lives of human being's. Do not get me wrong some of us deserve to be put away, only because they have lost hope a long time age, but for the ones that ask and hopefully receive help would appreciate having forgiveness for their sins.

Help those of us who are seeking that guiding light, because were not all bad people. We have just made bad choices in our lives out of desperate measures. If we convicts could only vote, I would vote for you.

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