It has been a long journey processing this new writing style and actually pulling through with it quiet effectively, but with this transitioning and researching about my topics I've also come across many other bloggers who have successfully shown me different ways to express my thoughts and how to use the supporting facts in an informational way to my readers. They have shown me the serious and funny tones to be allowed when talking about a serious case, the hidden information that the system doesn't allow to be seen, the unfair cruelty people have been given, reading between the lines of statistics, and showing how nasty the world can get, but all in a nicely portrayed way.
The list can go on and on when talking about how the economy has affected citizens and non citizens of this country and finding the right useful blogs about things as these can really help me as a person to grow, not only in my blogs but also in my knowledge of the systems ways. As I've searched through many articles, newspapers, websites about certain court issues, and other bloggers, I've came to see that some of these authors were great at what they do and drew my attention into each post.
A particular blogger named "Justin Peters" consistently writes about crazy crimes being committed and also discusses things that should and should not be done when a situation occurs. He shows variety in his posts, and even with his amusement towards some of his stories he still remains to keep the facts consistent and makes his posts informational, almost like little online updates of what wicked things go on in the world on a daily basis.
In one of his latest posts called, "If You're Planning to Set Your Fiance on Fire, Don't Tell Your Veterinarian", he begins his topic on relating his audience to the feelings we all must get at one point in time when being with our spouse who begins to get under our skin. As the audience is now relating to what he is saying, he then brings in the argument of do's and don'ts when in a situation like this one occurs. If a spouse is fighting over something as small as washing one's bed sheets, it's recommended to not think of a master plan to kill the other spouse, but to let off your steam just a bit and relax. He then categorizes the females actions of trying to kill her spouse by pouring gasoline all over his bedroom as, numerical failures in the crime she tried to commit.
In his last more seriously taken post called, "It Happened Again: Baltimore Man Acquitted on Fourth Sexual Assault Charge in Two Years", he talks about a man who is still not punished for the crimes he has committed even though all evidence and witnesses are shown. He claims that the confidence of the accused man and his poise on the stand over powered the accusers' failure to explain that he did in fact commit a crime. Peters also threw in a supporting twitter comment by the Baltimore police saying that, "When evidence is there, Juries need to convict". I thought this social network use of facts supporting his argument of the court not doing what is needed to be done was a different kind of reliable source, and again is understood by his audience well.
Watching these inspiring authors explain related stories to my topics have been great useful sources for my upcoming blogs. Showing one how to state facts, correctly explain your argument, and learning from your research has been the three most important things I have learned to use for my posts. Blogs like Peter's and popular articles and stories about these issues are what is needed to show the public a way of speaking the truth. This work and guidelines I have learned from others is what I will use as my potential sources for my final paper.
Work Cited
Blogs by Justin Peters about murder, theft, and other wickedness. Published by the Slate Group, a Division of the Washington Post Company. http://www.slate.com/blogs/crime.html
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
What Crime can be Forgiven?
Malicious Crime
There's always that argument stating that the reason why people commit the crimes they do are because of reasons that should be irrelevant. Does it really depend on your nationality, mental status, or where that person grew up from? You would believe that these reasoning's wouldn't even be tried in court, but it seems as though that is the first thing people think of when hearing about a malicious crime. Of course there will always be the ones that actually do suffer from being mentally ill, coming from an unstable background, having some sort of jealousy towards one another, or simply just react to a situation in the wrong way at the wrong time. But when is going too far really just going too far for something that can be changed without committing a huge mistake.
Teenage Murderer
In an ABC News article, "An eighteen year old Stafford County teenager, who also use to attend Colonial Forge High School, pleaded guilty for killing her own mother over her recent four month long boyfriend. Prosecutors say that she shot her mother in the face and chest with a 12-gauge shotgun and stabbed her multiple times, tossed around items to make it look like a robbery, then went to a fast food restaurant. When she was caught, she explained to the police that her reasoning for killing her mother was because she had 'pushed her too far' and was interfering with her relationship." "Her mother and father didn't approve of her boyfriend and her boyfriend didn't like that at all, so he told his girlfriend if she doesn't kill her mother then he'll break up with her. As Colonial Forge teachers were investigated about the situation, they said that they seemed to notice a change in the girls' actions and participation in school around the same time she started to date this nineteen year old boy. The defending argument for the daughter in court was that it was all her boyfriends fault. She stated that after her and her mother engaged into a small argument about seeing fireworks is when the time came closer to ending her mother's life. After planning the murder in a church parking lot, her boyfriend suggested that she cut her mother into pieces and dispose of the body in trash bags, but she said she couldn't do that," (Keith Epps, Free Lance Star).
Remorseful Feelings
She pleads guilty for first degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and will now serve 48 years in prison. She was seventeen at the time but was still tried as an adult. Her boyfriend was also convicted on an accessory to murder charge. Her father still comes to visit her at the county jail and explains that he has seen remorse for her wrong doings and when asked by prosecution how he feels towards his daughter he says, "She knew she made a mistake and she knew she could've listened to us". Even though her father has learned to accept that his spouse is no longer here, he still has an unexplainable feeling about the crime. When asked about the impact of losing his wife, whom he had known for more than 50 years since he was a thirteen year old he states that, "When you lose your wife of 44 years it's hard to explain," "You don't wake up"(Tracy Bell, Stafford County Sun).
Harmful Thinking
When hearing the news of a type of crime as this one it's only human nature to think why this seventeen year old girl has done such a thing. It's understandable to be against her actions but it becomes a little different when you find out some of the reasons as to why people are against them. As I read into various articles about the teenager and especially the article by ABC 7 News, I come to see that most comments are not worried about why she had done the crime but instead worried about what nationality she is and assuming that she was a worthless person to begin with. In an anonymous comment someone says, "I knew this gal would be white based on her name, the description of the crime, and my knowledge of Stafford demographics. About 10% of rural Stafford has the last name "Chewning". Regardless of her color, this young lady is a menace to society and needs to be locked up for good. Hopefully by the time she gets out, she'll no longer be able to breed and produce more murderers." This person stresses the fact that he or she is so knowledgeable of knowing what kind of person she is by her name and the type of crime, but then states that it doesn't matter and brings in unborn children who also, aside from this persons remarks, doesn't have anything to do with the crime at all. In another comment it says, "They also neglected to say which category they fall into. If I had to guess I say their black and I've got my reasons...oh I've got my reasons." Again, people are worried about things that doesn't help or change the situation nor gives a chance to make people think, what if this girl should be accepted an apology or given remorse?
Accepting Mistakes
As some of the public were against her others in the court system tried to lower her sentence by believing that it was all her boyfriends fault. Dye's attorney, Terrance Patton tried to get the judge to lower the sentence down to 21 years and two months but prosecutors Ed Lustig and Michael Hardiman argued strenuously against that. "There's just no getting around the horrific, savage and brutal manner in which her mother died," Lustig said. He also scoffed at the teenagers attempt to blame her boyfriends break up threat for her actions. "You killed your father's wife of 44 years so that you could keep your boyfriend of four months?" Lustig asked (Keith Epps). These statements might sound as harsh as the actions the teenager chose to do but can love really affect someone to this extreme?
Work Cited
Allbritton Communications Company 2012 ABC 7 News article, http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/ashleigh-nicole-dye-pleads-guilty-to-killing-mother-71571.html
The News Desk Fredericksburg.com article by Keith Epps, http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2012/06/04/stafford-teen-gets-48-years-for-killing-mother/
Stafford County Sun TownNews.com article by managing editor Traci Bell, http://www.staffordcountysun.com/news/article_18e57af1-65fe-5c8b-87c6-5dffa808a7a8.html
There's always that argument stating that the reason why people commit the crimes they do are because of reasons that should be irrelevant. Does it really depend on your nationality, mental status, or where that person grew up from? You would believe that these reasoning's wouldn't even be tried in court, but it seems as though that is the first thing people think of when hearing about a malicious crime. Of course there will always be the ones that actually do suffer from being mentally ill, coming from an unstable background, having some sort of jealousy towards one another, or simply just react to a situation in the wrong way at the wrong time. But when is going too far really just going too far for something that can be changed without committing a huge mistake.
Teenage Murderer
In an ABC News article, "An eighteen year old Stafford County teenager, who also use to attend Colonial Forge High School, pleaded guilty for killing her own mother over her recent four month long boyfriend. Prosecutors say that she shot her mother in the face and chest with a 12-gauge shotgun and stabbed her multiple times, tossed around items to make it look like a robbery, then went to a fast food restaurant. When she was caught, she explained to the police that her reasoning for killing her mother was because she had 'pushed her too far' and was interfering with her relationship." "Her mother and father didn't approve of her boyfriend and her boyfriend didn't like that at all, so he told his girlfriend if she doesn't kill her mother then he'll break up with her. As Colonial Forge teachers were investigated about the situation, they said that they seemed to notice a change in the girls' actions and participation in school around the same time she started to date this nineteen year old boy. The defending argument for the daughter in court was that it was all her boyfriends fault. She stated that after her and her mother engaged into a small argument about seeing fireworks is when the time came closer to ending her mother's life. After planning the murder in a church parking lot, her boyfriend suggested that she cut her mother into pieces and dispose of the body in trash bags, but she said she couldn't do that," (Keith Epps, Free Lance Star).
Remorseful Feelings
She pleads guilty for first degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and will now serve 48 years in prison. She was seventeen at the time but was still tried as an adult. Her boyfriend was also convicted on an accessory to murder charge. Her father still comes to visit her at the county jail and explains that he has seen remorse for her wrong doings and when asked by prosecution how he feels towards his daughter he says, "She knew she made a mistake and she knew she could've listened to us". Even though her father has learned to accept that his spouse is no longer here, he still has an unexplainable feeling about the crime. When asked about the impact of losing his wife, whom he had known for more than 50 years since he was a thirteen year old he states that, "When you lose your wife of 44 years it's hard to explain," "You don't wake up"(Tracy Bell, Stafford County Sun).
Harmful Thinking
When hearing the news of a type of crime as this one it's only human nature to think why this seventeen year old girl has done such a thing. It's understandable to be against her actions but it becomes a little different when you find out some of the reasons as to why people are against them. As I read into various articles about the teenager and especially the article by ABC 7 News, I come to see that most comments are not worried about why she had done the crime but instead worried about what nationality she is and assuming that she was a worthless person to begin with. In an anonymous comment someone says, "I knew this gal would be white based on her name, the description of the crime, and my knowledge of Stafford demographics. About 10% of rural Stafford has the last name "Chewning". Regardless of her color, this young lady is a menace to society and needs to be locked up for good. Hopefully by the time she gets out, she'll no longer be able to breed and produce more murderers." This person stresses the fact that he or she is so knowledgeable of knowing what kind of person she is by her name and the type of crime, but then states that it doesn't matter and brings in unborn children who also, aside from this persons remarks, doesn't have anything to do with the crime at all. In another comment it says, "They also neglected to say which category they fall into. If I had to guess I say their black and I've got my reasons...oh I've got my reasons." Again, people are worried about things that doesn't help or change the situation nor gives a chance to make people think, what if this girl should be accepted an apology or given remorse?
Accepting Mistakes
As some of the public were against her others in the court system tried to lower her sentence by believing that it was all her boyfriends fault. Dye's attorney, Terrance Patton tried to get the judge to lower the sentence down to 21 years and two months but prosecutors Ed Lustig and Michael Hardiman argued strenuously against that. "There's just no getting around the horrific, savage and brutal manner in which her mother died," Lustig said. He also scoffed at the teenagers attempt to blame her boyfriends break up threat for her actions. "You killed your father's wife of 44 years so that you could keep your boyfriend of four months?" Lustig asked (Keith Epps). These statements might sound as harsh as the actions the teenager chose to do but can love really affect someone to this extreme?
Work Cited
Allbritton Communications Company 2012 ABC 7 News article, http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/01/ashleigh-nicole-dye-pleads-guilty-to-killing-mother-71571.html
The News Desk Fredericksburg.com article by Keith Epps, http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2012/06/04/stafford-teen-gets-48-years-for-killing-mother/
Stafford County Sun TownNews.com article by managing editor Traci Bell, http://www.staffordcountysun.com/news/article_18e57af1-65fe-5c8b-87c6-5dffa808a7a8.html
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Drinking but NOT Driving?
Virginia's DUI Regulation
"Virginia has some of the most serious DUI laws in the country. A blood Alcohol Content level even below .08 can still result in a DUI arrest and conviction (Marina)." In Stafford County, the police officers seem to always be on the move. Every time there is an event occurring, whether it's at a party lounge, restaurant playing an important game, or an upcoming holiday that is around the corner, they are watching and prepare themselves to be on the alert for trouble. These are the times where most people will be out, some will be drinking, and some will enjoy their time a little bit too much.
Facts about DUI Consequences
According to the Virginia's Laws and Defenses for drunken driving charges, if caught drinking and driving and it is your first offense, the mandatory minimum penalties are:
1) You must attend ASAP classes at your expense
2) Your driver's license will be suspended for a period of 12 months
3) If you are granted a restricted driver's license, you must pay for and use an ignition interlock device
4) If your BAC level was between .15-.20, you must serve at least 5 days in jail
5) If your BAC level was above .20, you must serve at least 10 days in jail
6) If you had a child passenger in your vehicle at the time of the offense that was under the age of 18 at the time, you must serve at least 5 days in jail - with an additional fee between $500.00 and $1,000.00
7) If your BAC was above .15, your vehicle must be equipped with an ignition interlock device for the first six months of your restoration of driving privileges
"The standard DUI penalties will always include a probation period for one year called good behavior, alcohol classes from a court-ordered ASAP program which costs about $300, a fine which is expected to be between $250 and $500 on a first offense, lose of license for one year with a possible restricted license, a jail sentence with some or all of the time suspended, payment of court costs, and the ignition interlock device (Marina)."
Giving Himself a Reward
About a week ago, one of my family members went out to enjoy the long weekend that just passed. He went to a nearby restaurant and lounge that is only allowed for people over 21 years of age. Normally, he would go to these places with friends or other family members around his age but this time he went alone. As he continued to enjoy his night he began to drink a couple of light beers, around two or three bottles exactly. He felt fine and didn't feel intoxicated at all but when three in the morning came around and the lounge began to close he felt himself getting a little tired. The night before, he had worked a 12 hour shift and didn't get much sleep the next day because he had to work another 8 hour shift. Knowing that he was really tired, he still wanted to reward himself by going out and having a couple drinks, being that he just got hired from his new job within a month of looking after moving to Virginia from Florida about two months ago.
Arising Problem
He walked to his car and immediately turned on the heater because it was pouring cold rain outside that day. While he was in his car he received a phone call from one of his old friends in Florida, getting carried away he ended up talking for about an hour. After hanging up, he explained that the mixture between the sound of the raindrops hitting his car, the hot air warming up his body, and his long overdue sleep is what caused him to fall asleep behind the wheel. He was still parked in the same parking lot where he left the lounge and still had the keys in the ignition. His car was on, he was sleeping, having a few drinks in his system, and he didn't know what kind of trouble was coming to look for him soon.
His Consequences
As he awoke, there were bright lights shining right in his eyes and loud sirens banging in his ears which startled him. The first thing he thought to do was to turn the car off and throw the keys into the passenger's seat. Sure enough, it was a police officer who came up to his window and at that moment he knew he had made a huge mistake. The officer ended up taking him to the regional county jail to stay the night because of the fact that he did have alcohol in his system and they wouldn't let him leave until his blood alcohol content level wore off. "When first receiving your license you agree to sign the "Implied Consent Law", which allows an officer to perform a test of your blood, breath, or both to be able to determine your BAC level. Virginia's "implied consent" law says that if you are lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you have been drinking under the influence, then you consent to taking a chemical test of your blood, breath, or both for the purpose of determining your BAC or the presence of drugs (NOLO)." He did have to perform a breathing test when he arrived to the county jail and his results showed that he did have more than a BAC level of .08. He didn't leave the county jail until three in the afternoon the next day which caused him to miss a work day from his new job but luckily, he didn't receive a DUI because he wasn't necessarily drinking and driving and he took the key out of the ignition before the cop arrived to his window. Even though he wasn't charged with a DUI, he did have to pay a $110 fine for public intoxication. "Public intoxication charges, often called being "drunk and disorderly", is a legal charge alleging that a person is visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in public. It is usually a misdemeanor crime under state and local law. In many states, public intoxication offenses do not even require that you are drunk to be convicted of the charge. You simply have to appear drunk or high on drugs, even if that is not the case (Reuters)."
Being Aware
Coming from Miami, Florida he wasn't really aware of how different the system is in Stafford, Virginia. He obviously knows he isn't suppose to drink and drive but being so accustomed to doing so back where he use to live and not having the police around him as much led him to this wake up call. Having this extra bill to pay was only the least he could've gotten, while others can easily get there license suspended, a charge, and a bad record for a common mistake. The smallest sip you take can lead to having many consequences in this county and being aware of that is the best thing to do to learn how to stay away from getting into a big mess.
Work Cited
Article on " Virginia DUI Laws and Defenses for Drunk Driving Charges in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Arlington, Prince William by the Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Law Firm Author by Marina http://medvinlaw.com/alexandria-virginia-state-federal-criminal-defense-lawyer-attorney-law-firm/virginia-dui-laws-and-defenses-for-drunk-driving-charges-in-alexandria-fairfax-falls-church-arlington-prince-william/
Article on "Public Intoxication" by Thomson Reuters (Find Law) http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/public-intoxication.html
"Virginia DUI: Refusal to Take a Blood or Breath Test" part of the NOLO network DrivingLaws.org http://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-refusal-blood-breath-urine-test/virginia.htm
"Virginia has some of the most serious DUI laws in the country. A blood Alcohol Content level even below .08 can still result in a DUI arrest and conviction (Marina)." In Stafford County, the police officers seem to always be on the move. Every time there is an event occurring, whether it's at a party lounge, restaurant playing an important game, or an upcoming holiday that is around the corner, they are watching and prepare themselves to be on the alert for trouble. These are the times where most people will be out, some will be drinking, and some will enjoy their time a little bit too much.
Facts about DUI Consequences
According to the Virginia's Laws and Defenses for drunken driving charges, if caught drinking and driving and it is your first offense, the mandatory minimum penalties are:
1) You must attend ASAP classes at your expense
2) Your driver's license will be suspended for a period of 12 months
3) If you are granted a restricted driver's license, you must pay for and use an ignition interlock device
4) If your BAC level was between .15-.20, you must serve at least 5 days in jail
5) If your BAC level was above .20, you must serve at least 10 days in jail
6) If you had a child passenger in your vehicle at the time of the offense that was under the age of 18 at the time, you must serve at least 5 days in jail - with an additional fee between $500.00 and $1,000.00
7) If your BAC was above .15, your vehicle must be equipped with an ignition interlock device for the first six months of your restoration of driving privileges
"The standard DUI penalties will always include a probation period for one year called good behavior, alcohol classes from a court-ordered ASAP program which costs about $300, a fine which is expected to be between $250 and $500 on a first offense, lose of license for one year with a possible restricted license, a jail sentence with some or all of the time suspended, payment of court costs, and the ignition interlock device (Marina)."
Giving Himself a Reward
About a week ago, one of my family members went out to enjoy the long weekend that just passed. He went to a nearby restaurant and lounge that is only allowed for people over 21 years of age. Normally, he would go to these places with friends or other family members around his age but this time he went alone. As he continued to enjoy his night he began to drink a couple of light beers, around two or three bottles exactly. He felt fine and didn't feel intoxicated at all but when three in the morning came around and the lounge began to close he felt himself getting a little tired. The night before, he had worked a 12 hour shift and didn't get much sleep the next day because he had to work another 8 hour shift. Knowing that he was really tired, he still wanted to reward himself by going out and having a couple drinks, being that he just got hired from his new job within a month of looking after moving to Virginia from Florida about two months ago.
Arising Problem
He walked to his car and immediately turned on the heater because it was pouring cold rain outside that day. While he was in his car he received a phone call from one of his old friends in Florida, getting carried away he ended up talking for about an hour. After hanging up, he explained that the mixture between the sound of the raindrops hitting his car, the hot air warming up his body, and his long overdue sleep is what caused him to fall asleep behind the wheel. He was still parked in the same parking lot where he left the lounge and still had the keys in the ignition. His car was on, he was sleeping, having a few drinks in his system, and he didn't know what kind of trouble was coming to look for him soon.
His Consequences
As he awoke, there were bright lights shining right in his eyes and loud sirens banging in his ears which startled him. The first thing he thought to do was to turn the car off and throw the keys into the passenger's seat. Sure enough, it was a police officer who came up to his window and at that moment he knew he had made a huge mistake. The officer ended up taking him to the regional county jail to stay the night because of the fact that he did have alcohol in his system and they wouldn't let him leave until his blood alcohol content level wore off. "When first receiving your license you agree to sign the "Implied Consent Law", which allows an officer to perform a test of your blood, breath, or both to be able to determine your BAC level. Virginia's "implied consent" law says that if you are lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you have been drinking under the influence, then you consent to taking a chemical test of your blood, breath, or both for the purpose of determining your BAC or the presence of drugs (NOLO)." He did have to perform a breathing test when he arrived to the county jail and his results showed that he did have more than a BAC level of .08. He didn't leave the county jail until three in the afternoon the next day which caused him to miss a work day from his new job but luckily, he didn't receive a DUI because he wasn't necessarily drinking and driving and he took the key out of the ignition before the cop arrived to his window. Even though he wasn't charged with a DUI, he did have to pay a $110 fine for public intoxication. "Public intoxication charges, often called being "drunk and disorderly", is a legal charge alleging that a person is visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in public. It is usually a misdemeanor crime under state and local law. In many states, public intoxication offenses do not even require that you are drunk to be convicted of the charge. You simply have to appear drunk or high on drugs, even if that is not the case (Reuters)."
Being Aware
Coming from Miami, Florida he wasn't really aware of how different the system is in Stafford, Virginia. He obviously knows he isn't suppose to drink and drive but being so accustomed to doing so back where he use to live and not having the police around him as much led him to this wake up call. Having this extra bill to pay was only the least he could've gotten, while others can easily get there license suspended, a charge, and a bad record for a common mistake. The smallest sip you take can lead to having many consequences in this county and being aware of that is the best thing to do to learn how to stay away from getting into a big mess.
Work Cited
Article on " Virginia DUI Laws and Defenses for Drunk Driving Charges in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Arlington, Prince William by the Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Law Firm Author by Marina http://medvinlaw.com/alexandria-virginia-state-federal-criminal-defense-lawyer-attorney-law-firm/virginia-dui-laws-and-defenses-for-drunk-driving-charges-in-alexandria-fairfax-falls-church-arlington-prince-william/
Article on "Public Intoxication" by Thomson Reuters (Find Law) http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/public-intoxication.html
"Virginia DUI: Refusal to Take a Blood or Breath Test" part of the NOLO network DrivingLaws.org http://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/dui-refusal-blood-breath-urine-test/virginia.htm
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Facing Time, Part Two
Saviors
Without the loved ones that brought you into this challenging life or the loved ones you meet along the way, your survival skills will not be at ease. Everyone at one point in time has been helped by someone else, whether it was a stranger from that 7 eleven store who jump started your car because it ran out of battery, to your own beloved wife or girlfriend who has helped you get to live that normal life you were hoping to have once you've been released from prison 15 years later. My father, Jose Oliva, continues to live with so much stress and weight put on his shoulders because of his past mistakes being an ex-felon, but luckily his family and his long term girlfriend has helped him unconditionally through out all his pain and the struggles he faces everyday.
Background
Jose was born in La Havana Cuba, a place where shoe's didn't have to be worn, rules weren't taken as seriously, and everyday was just another journey into seeking ways to live for tomorrow. Havana is the capital city of Cuba and presently has a population of slightly over two million. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 1500's and has a long and fascinating history. Privately owned companies were nationalized in Cuba and many rich and middle class Cubans fled to Florida and other countries in order to escape Castro and his communist government(knowaboutcuba.com). My dad entered into Miami, Florida as a non-citizen at the age of fourteen with his mother, father, and younger brother. He didn't start off well by hanging out with the wrong type of people, and ended up gang-banging and selling drugs which later brought his new long life in prison starting at 21 years of age. Being a non-citizen of the U.S. alone isn't good but when you add being a criminal caught in a country that your not from makes it worse. At this moment my dad is deporting on papers, he was arrested as a non-citizen, and in this country if you become a felon who wasn't born here, the slightest error you make is a huge thing. According to the Asian Law Caucus, if you have two or more crimes involving moral turpitude at anytime, a drug related crime, or a crime considered an "aggravated felony," which includes things like murder, rape, drug trafficking, fraud (over 10,000), and crimes involving theft or violence, it can conclude into being removed from the area completely or "deported". He now is waiting for the United States to have a treaty with Cuba to find out the decisions that are going to be made about whether he will be deported or not.
EAD Card
The first time my dad was released from a 15 year sentence was a tough one for him. In the United States you have to have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) also known as a work permit, to be able to hold a job. Since he was fresh out of prison it was his best option, to receive an EAD card. Now, in the process of receiving a work permit it can take up to three to five months for it to go through successfully and only lasts about two years(Avvo staff). It is also required to pay 380 dollars yearly for a work permit. Within those three to five months how can he be expected to live without no steady income, bad credit or no credit, and no transportation? How can he even be able to pay for a work permit if he cannot find a job without having one? The court expects him to find a way somehow, and finding that way becomes very stressful if you have no one who has been by your side. He has been very thankful to have his girlfriend of many years and his grandfather there to help him out, and as they continued to show their care for him, they offered to pay for him to be able to get that work permit which he did receive, and which led him to find his job as a personal trainer.
Starting Over
His hope began to arise when he knew he was progressing and everything seemed to be going a little better. For him to have become a personal trainer, he needed to take a college course, which he spent a year studying for and passed when he took the test that was required. Without his grandfathers help to pay for this course, he would have been stopped once again in trying to get hired for a better job because he wouldn't have been able to find the money in a legal way, unless someone was there to help him. Unfortunately, when my dad was sent back to prison the second time for failing to meet up with his probation officer, it was also around the time that he needed to renew his work permit. Because of the fact that he was once again in prison, he lost his current job and had to restart his work permit process all over again.
Moving Forward
In order to obtain a drivers license in Florida, you must first meet the identification requirements. You must show proof of your birth date and social security number (if issued). Immigrants and non-immigrants have different identification requirements. Once the state of Florida verifies identity and legal status, a drivers license or identification card will be issued within 30 days from Tallahassee and mailed to the address on the driver record(DMV Florida). He had achieved in getting his license and found a car but as you might think, how is he paying for the car, gas, and the insurance? Well his girlfriend again was there to help out with that along with his grandfather giving him a place to stay and food to eat. " Even though I dislike the fact of being taken care of I very much appreciate it, and I am happy to have these people still in my presence, " my dad explained. On a daily basis he has been living similar to a teenage boy, having everything being paid for him and working to use that small amount of money to help pay his own debts. Now his main focuses are to keep a steady job, stay out of trouble, obey the rules he has to follow with his probation, and to take little steps into reaching a higher goal. He also still attends backyard fights and even participates in some battles to maybe one day finding a name for himself in something he loves to do, MMA fighting. MMA and the UFC originated from the full contact sport of Vale tudo in Brazil, the UFC was created in the United States with minimal rules, and was promoted as a competition to determine the most effective martial art for unarmed combat situations. UFC fighters began to morph into well-rounded, balanced fighters that could fight standing or on the floor. This blend of fighting styles and skills became known as mixed martial arts (MMA) (UFC Zuffa, LLC.).
Having Strength
Imagine coming out of a hole after many years with no one to go to and no where to stay, how rough would that be? My father has been blessed but also faced with many challenges throughout his time which has made him as strong as he is today, but even with his strength he still has many weaknesses. As I talked with him over the phone earlier he said, "Beautiful, If I had the chance to go back and change my ways when I was younger I would, If I had the chance to be able to give you everything I lacked on giving you all these years I would, and if I had the power to help those who have helped me along the way I guarantee you I would." It's difficult trying to dig yourself out of a deep hole that has been built with time and effort, but by using that same effort and with time, that hole will soon be empty. He is constantly reminded day by day that he still has to be taken care of, being the grown man he is, and he doesn't like that at all but without that help he's had, the chances of him overcoming his situation would've been slim. It's hard trying to do things to survive the right way instead of the easier way, but as for Jose the right way was his way.
Work Cited
Article on "An Overview Of Havana, Cuba" http://knowaboutcuba.com/2012/04/an-overview-of-havana-cuba/
"Basic Facts About Removal (Deportation) Because of a Criminal Record" by Asian Law Caucus 1999' http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=hb2j49n7f1&doc.view=entire_text
"How to Acquire a Non-Citizen Work Permit" by Avvo staff c2013 Avvo, Inc. http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/non-citizen-work-permit
"Non-United Citizens How to get your Florida's Drivers License" Florida DMV Online Guide http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license-nc.shtml
Discover UFC "What is MMA and the UFC" http://www.ufc.com/discover/sport
Without the loved ones that brought you into this challenging life or the loved ones you meet along the way, your survival skills will not be at ease. Everyone at one point in time has been helped by someone else, whether it was a stranger from that 7 eleven store who jump started your car because it ran out of battery, to your own beloved wife or girlfriend who has helped you get to live that normal life you were hoping to have once you've been released from prison 15 years later. My father, Jose Oliva, continues to live with so much stress and weight put on his shoulders because of his past mistakes being an ex-felon, but luckily his family and his long term girlfriend has helped him unconditionally through out all his pain and the struggles he faces everyday.
Background
Jose was born in La Havana Cuba, a place where shoe's didn't have to be worn, rules weren't taken as seriously, and everyday was just another journey into seeking ways to live for tomorrow. Havana is the capital city of Cuba and presently has a population of slightly over two million. The city was founded by the Spanish in the 1500's and has a long and fascinating history. Privately owned companies were nationalized in Cuba and many rich and middle class Cubans fled to Florida and other countries in order to escape Castro and his communist government(knowaboutcuba.com). My dad entered into Miami, Florida as a non-citizen at the age of fourteen with his mother, father, and younger brother. He didn't start off well by hanging out with the wrong type of people, and ended up gang-banging and selling drugs which later brought his new long life in prison starting at 21 years of age. Being a non-citizen of the U.S. alone isn't good but when you add being a criminal caught in a country that your not from makes it worse. At this moment my dad is deporting on papers, he was arrested as a non-citizen, and in this country if you become a felon who wasn't born here, the slightest error you make is a huge thing. According to the Asian Law Caucus, if you have two or more crimes involving moral turpitude at anytime, a drug related crime, or a crime considered an "aggravated felony," which includes things like murder, rape, drug trafficking, fraud (over 10,000), and crimes involving theft or violence, it can conclude into being removed from the area completely or "deported". He now is waiting for the United States to have a treaty with Cuba to find out the decisions that are going to be made about whether he will be deported or not.
EAD Card
The first time my dad was released from a 15 year sentence was a tough one for him. In the United States you have to have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) also known as a work permit, to be able to hold a job. Since he was fresh out of prison it was his best option, to receive an EAD card. Now, in the process of receiving a work permit it can take up to three to five months for it to go through successfully and only lasts about two years(Avvo staff). It is also required to pay 380 dollars yearly for a work permit. Within those three to five months how can he be expected to live without no steady income, bad credit or no credit, and no transportation? How can he even be able to pay for a work permit if he cannot find a job without having one? The court expects him to find a way somehow, and finding that way becomes very stressful if you have no one who has been by your side. He has been very thankful to have his girlfriend of many years and his grandfather there to help him out, and as they continued to show their care for him, they offered to pay for him to be able to get that work permit which he did receive, and which led him to find his job as a personal trainer.
Starting Over
His hope began to arise when he knew he was progressing and everything seemed to be going a little better. For him to have become a personal trainer, he needed to take a college course, which he spent a year studying for and passed when he took the test that was required. Without his grandfathers help to pay for this course, he would have been stopped once again in trying to get hired for a better job because he wouldn't have been able to find the money in a legal way, unless someone was there to help him. Unfortunately, when my dad was sent back to prison the second time for failing to meet up with his probation officer, it was also around the time that he needed to renew his work permit. Because of the fact that he was once again in prison, he lost his current job and had to restart his work permit process all over again.
Moving Forward
In order to obtain a drivers license in Florida, you must first meet the identification requirements. You must show proof of your birth date and social security number (if issued). Immigrants and non-immigrants have different identification requirements. Once the state of Florida verifies identity and legal status, a drivers license or identification card will be issued within 30 days from Tallahassee and mailed to the address on the driver record(DMV Florida). He had achieved in getting his license and found a car but as you might think, how is he paying for the car, gas, and the insurance? Well his girlfriend again was there to help out with that along with his grandfather giving him a place to stay and food to eat. " Even though I dislike the fact of being taken care of I very much appreciate it, and I am happy to have these people still in my presence, " my dad explained. On a daily basis he has been living similar to a teenage boy, having everything being paid for him and working to use that small amount of money to help pay his own debts. Now his main focuses are to keep a steady job, stay out of trouble, obey the rules he has to follow with his probation, and to take little steps into reaching a higher goal. He also still attends backyard fights and even participates in some battles to maybe one day finding a name for himself in something he loves to do, MMA fighting. MMA and the UFC originated from the full contact sport of Vale tudo in Brazil, the UFC was created in the United States with minimal rules, and was promoted as a competition to determine the most effective martial art for unarmed combat situations. UFC fighters began to morph into well-rounded, balanced fighters that could fight standing or on the floor. This blend of fighting styles and skills became known as mixed martial arts (MMA) (UFC Zuffa, LLC.).
Having Strength
Imagine coming out of a hole after many years with no one to go to and no where to stay, how rough would that be? My father has been blessed but also faced with many challenges throughout his time which has made him as strong as he is today, but even with his strength he still has many weaknesses. As I talked with him over the phone earlier he said, "Beautiful, If I had the chance to go back and change my ways when I was younger I would, If I had the chance to be able to give you everything I lacked on giving you all these years I would, and if I had the power to help those who have helped me along the way I guarantee you I would." It's difficult trying to dig yourself out of a deep hole that has been built with time and effort, but by using that same effort and with time, that hole will soon be empty. He is constantly reminded day by day that he still has to be taken care of, being the grown man he is, and he doesn't like that at all but without that help he's had, the chances of him overcoming his situation would've been slim. It's hard trying to do things to survive the right way instead of the easier way, but as for Jose the right way was his way.
Work Cited
Article on "An Overview Of Havana, Cuba" http://knowaboutcuba.com/2012/04/an-overview-of-havana-cuba/
"Basic Facts About Removal (Deportation) Because of a Criminal Record" by Asian Law Caucus 1999' http://www.oac.cdlib.org/view?docId=hb2j49n7f1&doc.view=entire_text
"How to Acquire a Non-Citizen Work Permit" by Avvo staff c2013 Avvo, Inc. http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/non-citizen-work-permit
"Non-United Citizens How to get your Florida's Drivers License" Florida DMV Online Guide http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license-nc.shtml
Discover UFC "What is MMA and the UFC" http://www.ufc.com/discover/sport
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Facing Time
Dad's Case
Ever since I was a little girl my dad has always been the moon to my stars. He and my mother were High School sweethearts and both had me when they were only 17 years old. I was about 4 years old when my parents relationship came to a complete end but it was until I got a little older that I realized exactly why it became that way. My father was 21 years old and was sentenced 15 years in jail for impersonating police officers along with other members of their gang called "Latin Syndicate". "Latin Syndicate" is the largest and most violent gang in Miami, Florida also known as "1219" and have been around since the early 1990's. He was also caught with many weapons and the selling of many drugs, especially cocaine. "Cocaine is a bitter, addictive pain blocker that is extracted from the leaves of "Erythroxylon Coca". It is the most powerful stimulant of natural origin(MNT Ltd 2004-2013)." Even though my dad was involved in the selling of these drugs he was never a smoker or drinker and didn't consume any of his products.
First Presence
At the time I wasn't mature enough to understand where my dad was and why he was there so I thought everything was normal. Talking to him on the phone for only 15 minutes on certain limited days became the only time I would get to hear from him. Every phone call felt like it wasn't enough and more time was needed. Driving 8 to 15 hour road trips was my savior in finally knowing what my "Dad" actually looked like, since I was so little when he was taken away I couldn't really remember any of his features. The very first moment we locked eyes was strange at first, but then came so natural that it didn't feel like I was staring at a stranger at all. As we sat and talked face to face I noticed that many of the guards kept their eyes on him, watching his every move. As said in an article about Visitation Rights, " During visitation, family members will often times be allowed to bring certain items to prisoners. However, the items that are allowed will be restricted." He wasn't allowed to get up unless letting one of the guards know and wasn't able to sit close to me incase I could've been passing him drugs, weapons, or any other danger to himself, other prisoners, and the guards. Because of this reasoning being around him felt so uptight and uncomfortable, everything was monitored so I had to watch the things I said and did. When it was time for him to leave the fact that he had to be handcuffed by his hands and feet wasn't easy to take in, being that my first time seeing him was behind bars, with chains, and tamed by strict controlling men.
New Life
He served his time and got out when he was 35 years old, which was about two years ago. Struggling with trying to survive in a life he doesn't know well is difficult. My dad only knew the streets of his time and the prison life. How would someone think a person will do well when being thrown back into society 15 years later with new rules, changed government, no stable home, and no job? "In the United States-which has the highest incarceration population in the world-700,000 people are released from prison each year. Many of these parolees are thrust back into society with very few resources and no family support (empower editors)." A study by the Pew center on the states that looked recidivism in more than 40 states revealed that some four in ten offenders, who served in state prisons, returned within three years of their release". Stress became the warrior who defeated my fathers mind and it wasn't healthy. My grandfather, who at the time of my fathers arrest spent thousands of dollars trying to fight his case, took him in and let him stay in his apartment. Trying to find a job when your a convicted felon isn't easy. "In a 2010 survey by the society for Human Resources Management, almost 90% of the companies surveyed, most of them large employers, said they conducted criminal background checks on some or all job candidates. Advocates for workers say that the indiscriminate use of background checks by companies has made finding employment extremely difficult for millions of Americans (Goode)." But being the changed and mature man that my dad is today, he found a way to seek for a different positive direction in his life. He was set with a job as a personal trainer for a local gym in Miami, Florida but with his little pay it still wasn't enough to provide for himself on his own. Being a man who has always been dominant, it's hard to be taken care of like a baby all over again.
Scheduled Timing
It seems once your in the system it's hard to stay out of the system. What stresses him the most is that he can't continue to live a normal life because he constantly has to follow up with probation officers, meetings/classes, and people who arrange all the money he owes to child support from his other son and daughter. He has to be urine tested once a week, attend his classes every Friday and Saturday, present himself to the court once a month to make sure he hasn't left Florida, and has to keep up with collectors about his debts. All this alone takes up most of his time and doesn't give him any open space to be able to build a new life on his own and meet new positive people.
Controlled
"More than half of those who return to prison do so within the first year after release, which is by far the highest risk period for returning to prison. A released inmate who has ten or more prior arrests is greater than six times more likely to recidivate than a released inmate with no prior arrest history other than the arrest for the current stay in prison (Smith)". One small slip up in this organized schedule that he has can send him back behind bars and as easy as mistakes can be there were no doubts that the court would show any mercy towards him. He had an interview at a higher paying job that was looking for workout teachers and he knew that it was the same day he had to meet up with his probation officer so he called her and let her know that he needed to be in this interview. Being checked up on to make sure he isn't being a harm to the community was much more important than him trying to improve his life, so she said he had to come meet up with her regardless. He made the wrong decision in not showing up and went back to jail for four more months. Thinking these people would be more understanding of his situation was the wrong mindset. He lost all hope and his stress began to arise, it seemed as if they wanted him to do wrong again.
Successful Companions
He tries to fight for his rights even though he feels no rights can protect him from being quarantined and abused mentally because of his past mistakes. Nothing feels equal to him anymore but as he struggles, his other friends rise and he lives to admire and support these people. One particular friend is Rene Martinez also known as "Levelz". He was also a gang member of the "Latin Syndicates" and is a great friend of my dads still til this day. He was one of the only members that wasn't sentenced so much time in prison and was given a chance to change his life before he lost control of it. "Levelz" goal was to once become a professional MMA fighter and he has led his way up to that succession. As said in Francisco Alvarado's blog about Rene's accomplishments, "Rene Martinez went from gang-banging hell-raiser to a humble God-fearing MMA warrior". Watching him grow from being a delinquent to putting his heart into something that he loves and isn't harmful, was just another motivation for my father to keep trying to strive for a better life.
Set Backs
Knowing that the world is now introduced to a new future role model in MMA fighting who came from so little is inspiring but also upsetting to see that court and being a convicted felon reflects on your progress in life drastically. It's never easy for anyone, but it isn't easier for people who have a criminal record to survive in this world. My dad has put in the same amount of effort to change but is constantly kept wrapped around all these rules he has to follow and steps he has to take to stay away from being imprisoned again. Why is his main priority and focus different from others who have learned to become a new and improved person? Instead of worrying about making his appointments with his classes, court, and probation officers he should be helped to dedicate himself to a stable and healthy environment. The court has done the opposite for him and have managed to keep their past and present prisoners in check, doing what they want to be done. A person will never be freed after having a record, learning to live with it and work around it is the next big step into helping yourself.
Work Cited
Laws.com (Family) Article about "Visitation Rights At A Glance" http://family.laws.com/visitation
Medical News Today (MNT) Article about "Alcohol, Addiction, Illegal Drugs" mediLexicon Internation Ltd http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234239.php
Film and Documentary about the "Struggles Many Face After Prison Release", written by empower editors http://www.empowermagazine.com/documentary-captures-the-struggles-many-face-after-prison-release/
Miami New Times Blogs "Rene Martinez Continues Leveling 'Em Out" by Francisco Alvarado
http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2010/09/rene_martinez_continues_leveli.php
Fox43 Cetral Pennsylvania article on "released inmates back in jail" by Paul Smith http://fox43.com/2013/02/28/report-6-in-10-released-inmates-back-in-jail-or-arrested-again-within-3-years/#axzz2gWtc1ida
New York Times Article, "Internet Lets A Criminal Past Catch Up Quicker" by Erica Goode
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/us/29records.html?_r=0
Ever since I was a little girl my dad has always been the moon to my stars. He and my mother were High School sweethearts and both had me when they were only 17 years old. I was about 4 years old when my parents relationship came to a complete end but it was until I got a little older that I realized exactly why it became that way. My father was 21 years old and was sentenced 15 years in jail for impersonating police officers along with other members of their gang called "Latin Syndicate". "Latin Syndicate" is the largest and most violent gang in Miami, Florida also known as "1219" and have been around since the early 1990's. He was also caught with many weapons and the selling of many drugs, especially cocaine. "Cocaine is a bitter, addictive pain blocker that is extracted from the leaves of "Erythroxylon Coca". It is the most powerful stimulant of natural origin(MNT Ltd 2004-2013)." Even though my dad was involved in the selling of these drugs he was never a smoker or drinker and didn't consume any of his products.
At the time I wasn't mature enough to understand where my dad was and why he was there so I thought everything was normal. Talking to him on the phone for only 15 minutes on certain limited days became the only time I would get to hear from him. Every phone call felt like it wasn't enough and more time was needed. Driving 8 to 15 hour road trips was my savior in finally knowing what my "Dad" actually looked like, since I was so little when he was taken away I couldn't really remember any of his features. The very first moment we locked eyes was strange at first, but then came so natural that it didn't feel like I was staring at a stranger at all. As we sat and talked face to face I noticed that many of the guards kept their eyes on him, watching his every move. As said in an article about Visitation Rights, " During visitation, family members will often times be allowed to bring certain items to prisoners. However, the items that are allowed will be restricted." He wasn't allowed to get up unless letting one of the guards know and wasn't able to sit close to me incase I could've been passing him drugs, weapons, or any other danger to himself, other prisoners, and the guards. Because of this reasoning being around him felt so uptight and uncomfortable, everything was monitored so I had to watch the things I said and did. When it was time for him to leave the fact that he had to be handcuffed by his hands and feet wasn't easy to take in, being that my first time seeing him was behind bars, with chains, and tamed by strict controlling men.
New Life
He served his time and got out when he was 35 years old, which was about two years ago. Struggling with trying to survive in a life he doesn't know well is difficult. My dad only knew the streets of his time and the prison life. How would someone think a person will do well when being thrown back into society 15 years later with new rules, changed government, no stable home, and no job? "In the United States-which has the highest incarceration population in the world-700,000 people are released from prison each year. Many of these parolees are thrust back into society with very few resources and no family support (empower editors)." A study by the Pew center on the states that looked recidivism in more than 40 states revealed that some four in ten offenders, who served in state prisons, returned within three years of their release". Stress became the warrior who defeated my fathers mind and it wasn't healthy. My grandfather, who at the time of my fathers arrest spent thousands of dollars trying to fight his case, took him in and let him stay in his apartment. Trying to find a job when your a convicted felon isn't easy. "In a 2010 survey by the society for Human Resources Management, almost 90% of the companies surveyed, most of them large employers, said they conducted criminal background checks on some or all job candidates. Advocates for workers say that the indiscriminate use of background checks by companies has made finding employment extremely difficult for millions of Americans (Goode)." But being the changed and mature man that my dad is today, he found a way to seek for a different positive direction in his life. He was set with a job as a personal trainer for a local gym in Miami, Florida but with his little pay it still wasn't enough to provide for himself on his own. Being a man who has always been dominant, it's hard to be taken care of like a baby all over again.
It seems once your in the system it's hard to stay out of the system. What stresses him the most is that he can't continue to live a normal life because he constantly has to follow up with probation officers, meetings/classes, and people who arrange all the money he owes to child support from his other son and daughter. He has to be urine tested once a week, attend his classes every Friday and Saturday, present himself to the court once a month to make sure he hasn't left Florida, and has to keep up with collectors about his debts. All this alone takes up most of his time and doesn't give him any open space to be able to build a new life on his own and meet new positive people.
Controlled
"More than half of those who return to prison do so within the first year after release, which is by far the highest risk period for returning to prison. A released inmate who has ten or more prior arrests is greater than six times more likely to recidivate than a released inmate with no prior arrest history other than the arrest for the current stay in prison (Smith)". One small slip up in this organized schedule that he has can send him back behind bars and as easy as mistakes can be there were no doubts that the court would show any mercy towards him. He had an interview at a higher paying job that was looking for workout teachers and he knew that it was the same day he had to meet up with his probation officer so he called her and let her know that he needed to be in this interview. Being checked up on to make sure he isn't being a harm to the community was much more important than him trying to improve his life, so she said he had to come meet up with her regardless. He made the wrong decision in not showing up and went back to jail for four more months. Thinking these people would be more understanding of his situation was the wrong mindset. He lost all hope and his stress began to arise, it seemed as if they wanted him to do wrong again.
He tries to fight for his rights even though he feels no rights can protect him from being quarantined and abused mentally because of his past mistakes. Nothing feels equal to him anymore but as he struggles, his other friends rise and he lives to admire and support these people. One particular friend is Rene Martinez also known as "Levelz". He was also a gang member of the "Latin Syndicates" and is a great friend of my dads still til this day. He was one of the only members that wasn't sentenced so much time in prison and was given a chance to change his life before he lost control of it. "Levelz" goal was to once become a professional MMA fighter and he has led his way up to that succession. As said in Francisco Alvarado's blog about Rene's accomplishments, "Rene Martinez went from gang-banging hell-raiser to a humble God-fearing MMA warrior". Watching him grow from being a delinquent to putting his heart into something that he loves and isn't harmful, was just another motivation for my father to keep trying to strive for a better life.
Set Backs
Knowing that the world is now introduced to a new future role model in MMA fighting who came from so little is inspiring but also upsetting to see that court and being a convicted felon reflects on your progress in life drastically. It's never easy for anyone, but it isn't easier for people who have a criminal record to survive in this world. My dad has put in the same amount of effort to change but is constantly kept wrapped around all these rules he has to follow and steps he has to take to stay away from being imprisoned again. Why is his main priority and focus different from others who have learned to become a new and improved person? Instead of worrying about making his appointments with his classes, court, and probation officers he should be helped to dedicate himself to a stable and healthy environment. The court has done the opposite for him and have managed to keep their past and present prisoners in check, doing what they want to be done. A person will never be freed after having a record, learning to live with it and work around it is the next big step into helping yourself.
Work Cited
Laws.com (Family) Article about "Visitation Rights At A Glance" http://family.laws.com/visitation
Medical News Today (MNT) Article about "Alcohol, Addiction, Illegal Drugs" mediLexicon Internation Ltd http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/234239.php
Film and Documentary about the "Struggles Many Face After Prison Release", written by empower editors http://www.empowermagazine.com/documentary-captures-the-struggles-many-face-after-prison-release/
Miami New Times Blogs "Rene Martinez Continues Leveling 'Em Out" by Francisco Alvarado
http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2010/09/rene_martinez_continues_leveli.php
Fox43 Cetral Pennsylvania article on "released inmates back in jail" by Paul Smith http://fox43.com/2013/02/28/report-6-in-10-released-inmates-back-in-jail-or-arrested-again-within-3-years/#axzz2gWtc1ida
New York Times Article, "Internet Lets A Criminal Past Catch Up Quicker" by Erica Goode
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/us/29records.html?_r=0
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