On 8/05/2018, I was taken into custody by LAPD - Newton Division at approximately 07:15 PM. I was accused of committing the crime of attempted murder, who did unlawfully, and with malice and forethought attempt to murder a human being. It was further alleged that I personally used a firearm on 7/17/18 within the County of Los Angeles.
Also, I was accused of committing the crime of Second Degree Robbery, who did unlawfully, and by means of force to have taken personal property from a human being. I was notified that the People seek to have me confined on all sustained counts of the petition, other petitions currently before the court, and all previously sustained petitions with detention time remaining. I was judged and declared a ward of the court.
I was housed at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall inside a juvenile maximum security unit knows as “The Compound”, which is for high risk offenders. The time that I was looking at, was 11 years of life, plus many more years, with parole, and I was only 16 years old. I was going to be charged as an adult, but beat my fitness within 3 months, so I was looking at my max time, which was juvenile life.
My two paid lawyers were working very hard at trying to get me a good deal. I was in and out of court, suffering from high level of mental pressure. Then one day I saw Mr. Robert and wanted to join his program named “Drumming for Your Life”. In addition, I joined another program named “Inside Out Writers”, which was ran by Ms. Roberta.
I joined both of those programs because I wanted to be occupied during my stay inside “The Compound”. “Drumming for Your Life”, is a physically and mentally healthy exercise, “Inside Out Writers”, is an emotional and empowering group. Both programs were supporting me mentally.
Before my final hearing at Compton Juvenile Court, mu judge Ms. Widifild told me if I give her good reasons to reduce my charges, then I will have less time in jail. Later on, Mr. Robert and I had a sentimental conversation about my case, lifestyle and strengths. After that conversation, Mr. Robert wished he can do something that would help me, so I asked him if he can write a positive letter for my judge. He was more than willing to.
Also I asked Ms. Roberta if she would like to appear at my court date and she was all in. I also had a probation staff member from “The Compound” maned Mr.Woods, who was willing to speak a positive testimony. Finally, it was 01/24/2019, My final hearing.
Ms. Roberta and Mr. Woods both said a lot of positive stuff that brought light to everybody’s eyes. Judge Widifild read the letter that Mr. Robert wrote, and his letter spoke very highly of me. My judge said that she noticed a big change in me,also she was very happy of the positive statements.
Ms. Widifild was satisfied by the positive opinions. She was convinced to drop my charges lower. I went from looking at juvenile life in Youth Authority, to 6-12 months in a lockdown placement facility. I was removed from “The Compound” to a general population unit. My final charges are Assault with a deadly weapon, without any strikes. All I have is one felony that Is not a strike. I am now awake and wan to live properly.
