Turning Myself In

[JAC]

Hello all,

I have decided to not appeal my case and, therefore, I am going to turn myself in to the jail on June 2nd at 5 PM, which is the time Judge Burke informed me I would have to come in if I did not appeal.  I will be in jail from the 2nd until the 12th ($420 fine divided by $50 equals 9 days in jail).  So I will be getting out at 5 PM on the 11th.


Here is my current plan - please let me know of any criticisms or ideas you have, thanks:

* I will be walking to the Keene Police Station (or Westmoreland - will know later today when I read through the paperwork again) on the morning of June 2nd and turning myself in to the police to serve my sentence for the "crime" of marijuana possession.  I would let them put a warrant out for my arrest and come get me, but I would rather not burden my friends with an unexpected police interaction.  Thus, it is better if I just go to them.

* I will not be processing.  I will show up at the jail but I won't be allowing them to process me.  If someone could, I would appreciate any details on what this "processing" process consists of so that I may be properly prepared.  I do not wish to be caught off guard; nor do I wish to be abused physically in the event of my resistance.  I'd like to know what the "easiest" way is to get them to give up on their "processing" and just throw me in a cell.  I am not there to make the cops' job difficult - I will let their conscious do that.

* From what I understand, as a result of my decision to not process, I will be put in to "solitary confinement" of sorts.  Unfortunately, this means that I will not have the opportunity to interact with other prisoners who have been persecuted for victimless crimes, which is a goal all of us ought to have should we find ourselves in jail (and which is something Sam is apparently doing a great job at).  However...

* ... I also want to know what it is that Sam is going through right now, physically and psychologically.  With that in mind I will be going on a hunger strike.  It's only 9 days but it is the least I can do for Sam.  I doubt I'll even make it that long without giving in and eating something, but I don't feel like I can truly appreciate Sam's sacrifice until I experience it myself.  Since I am destined for jail eventually anyways (no court in this state is going to overturn marijuana laws at this moment of time), I might as well go now while Sam is there.  Consider it a sign of moral support.


Therefore, I will serve my 9 days in jail and then be "free."  I don't see any reason for them to keep me longer, even if I refuse to process.  Once I've "paid off the fine" with the appropriate amount of days in jail than I will be released during the evening of the 11th.

Let us hope Sam is out before then.


In Liberty,
Andrew Carroll

[Sam A. Robrin]

Why no appeal?

I don't see any reason for them to keep me longer, even if I refuse to process. 

They can't give any legal reason with Sam--but they're keeping him anyway.

[tremendoustie]

Those with more experience will be able to answer your specific questions better than I.

Is there a possibility of a jury trial if you appeal? Because if so, I would definitely see that as potentially advantageous, especially because of the possibility of nullification.

Also, I want to strongly thank you for your civil disobedience in general, and I do think from a layperson's perspective, your refusal to process and hunger strike definitely would help drive Sam's efforts home. I also think that the fact that you came at this via a conviction for plant possession could mean significant support from those who are in favor of drug legalization -- perhaps a large number of people for whom Sam's actions are not striking home as much.

As a prior poster noted, I would make sure of what you're getting into. Because you have already been "found guilty" I would imagine your refusal to process would not imply indefinite imprisonment, and you would still only be held for 9 days. I would look into this, however.

[JAC]

SAM:

Why no appeal?

I feel it pointless.  I let the Judge have his trial and I did not try at all to drag the case on like I could have.  I knew all of what I was saying was not legally admissible and would not fly in a court of their law; but legality is not the point - as you are well aware - morality is.

So, I figure, let's get to the crux of it; let's get past the legal games (since they serve us no purpose in this fight at this time) and put the immorality of it all at center stage; let's watch as they throw another innocent man in jail...



TTIE:

Is there a possibility of a jury trial if you appeal? Because if so, I would definitely see that as potentially advantageous, especially because of the possibility of nullification.

The possibility might be there, though I believe my appeal would go to the NH Supreme Court and bypass any possible jury trial.

Not that it matters, however, because the primary point of the protest was to demonstrate the immorality of throwing someone in a cell for possessing marijuana.  Anything else was just a secondary point to address if convenience allowed it.

So, as I said to Sam, let's get on with the main course.

[David]

Two things to be prepared for, the absolute boredom of solitary.  I would suggest try to learn a few mental games, or sing to yourself, and if you plan to do a hunger strike, they are difficult.  A few here have done it, maybe they could offer suggestions, there may even be stuff online that may help.  I would guess the biggest challenge is to have a big enough motivator.  Anger is a strong one, but not particularly productive for your mental well being and soul.  Always ask yourself, what can I accomplish, and why.  If you are grounded in solid conviction, and a desire to change and help rather than destroy and hurt, I think your task will be a bit easier.  Keep in mind, that they will make it difficult, and that you will not likely be able to achieve all that you set out to achieve.  Uncertain of your religious convictions, but this may help. 
    God grant me the serenity
    to accept the things I cannot change,
    courage to change the things I can,
    and wisdom to know the difference.

From the AA book Twelve and Twelve, Step Three.

This is the entire prayer:

    God grant me the serenity
    To accept the things I cannot change;
    Courage to change the things I can;
    And wisdom to know the difference.

    Living one day at a time;
    Enjoying one moment at a time;
    Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
    Taking, as He did, this sinful world
    As it is, not as I would have it;
    Trusting that He will make all things right
    If I surrender to His Will;
    So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
    And supremely happy with Him
    Forever and ever in the next.

I would suggest write to Sam and ask him for suggestions.  Tell him your tentative plans.     Try to take an unpaid leave from work, maybe with luck you will still have a job when you get out. 


Did you write that you are literrally going to walk to westmoreland?   

[Dalebert]

From what I've heard, the first few days of the hunger strike are the most difficult. After that you essentially stop feeling hungry and your body has shifted into conservation mode or something like that.

[JAC]

Try to take an unpaid leave from work, maybe with luck you will still have a job when you get out.

My work will be cool with it as they know all about my protest and know I am a good worker and a polite and moral young man.  So I should still have my job when I get back.

Did you write that you are literrally going to walk to westmoreland?   

Yes, but I didn't mean the actual jail where Sam is.  If I did a hunger strike after walking that far I'd probably die!  I just meant I was going to walk to the Keene Police Station.

Allow me to correct that in my original post.  

[bile]

Good luck.

If you've got some time could you look over http://andrew.jailedactivist.info and let me know if there is anything which you would like changed or added?

[JAC]

Good luck.

If you've got some time could you look over http://andrew.jailedactivist.info and let me know if there is anything which you would like changed or added?

Thanks.

And that's a sweet site.  You got a lot of information documented in an organized manner.

[RevDebbie]

* I will not be processing.  I will show up at the jail but I won't be allowing them to process me.  If someone could, I would appreciate any details on what this "processing" process consists of so that I may be properly prepared.  I do not wish to be caught off guard; nor do I wish to be abused physically in the event of my resistance.  I'd like to know what the "easiest" way is to get them to give up on their "processing" and just throw me in a cell.  I am not there to make the cops' job difficult - I will let their conscious do that.

* From what I understand, as a result of my decision to not process, I will be put in to "solitary confinement" of sorts.  Unfortunately, this means that I will not have the opportunity to interact with other prisoners who have been persecuted for victimless crimes, which is a goal all of us ought to have should we find ourselves in jail (and which is something Sam is apparently doing a great job at).  However...

* ... I also want to know what it is that Sam is going through right now, physically and psychologically.  With that in mind I will be going on a hunger strike.  It's only 9 days but it is the least I can do for Sam.  I doubt I'll even make it that long without giving in and eating something, but I don't feel like I can truly appreciate Sam's sacrifice until I experience it myself.  Since I am destined for jail eventually anyways (no court in this state is going to overturn marijuana laws at this moment of time), I might as well go now while Sam is there.  Consider it a sign of moral support.

In Liberty,
Andrew Carroll

For answers to these questions, please read the book "Going To Jail".  Here is a link to the online version:

http://goingtojail.embassyofheaven.com/

[bile]

Thanks.

And that's a sweet site.  You got a lot of information documented in an organized manner.

Thanks. I created it when Ian was originally arrested to have a central location for documenting the event without it being specific to Ian. It's difficult to bring together forum posts, blog posts and thread comments, videos, Porc411's, etc. but I think its important to document these things thoroughly not only to provide those outside the FSP circle easy access to the data but also so new activists can see what is involved.

Usually I'm scrambling to find information after the fact... this time I'm prepared :-)

[TackleTheWorld]

Thanks for being a wrench in the machinery of the state, Andrew!

Although I've never been in Westmoreland jail,  it might be similar to my experience in other New Hampshire jails
Visit Sam for the latest and greatest report on conditions.

If someone could, I would appreciate any details on what this "processing" process consists of so that I may be properly prepared.  I do not wish to be caught off guard; nor do I wish to be abused physically in the event of my resistance.  I'd like to know what the "easiest" way is to get them to give up on their "processing" and just throw me in a cell.  I am not there to make the cops' job difficult

Processing starts with answering many questions.  The questions may include address, phone, family, family address, family phone, employer, employer address, employer phone, medical history, drug use, former convictions, mental condition, gang affiliations. The answers to the last two can get you worse treatment.  You may get 24-hour suicide watch if you say you have, or have had thoughts of hurting yourself.  They may have special solitary cells for gang members too. 
Processing can also include physical demands.  The demands may be for empty your pockets, you to take off your clothes, show them your anus, take a shower, put on used clothes, give fingerprints, sit for a photo, and get jabbed by a TB test. 
Guess what?  If you submit to all that they ask for more. 
I suggest not answering any questions or performing any actions.  Then they will cut down the demands.  They could force you to do the actions by twisting your arms or banging your head on things, or just give you the worst cell, clothes, food, and no mail or visitors until you comply.  These are the things that have happened to activists here in New Hampshire. 

[AntonLee]

Andrew, in a few words. . .

you kick ass.   You're one of the big reasons I'm moving to Keene.  Thanks for what you do.

[Dalebert]

I assume JAC will have a considerable escort to the jail. Yes? I'm planning to go with him so we can document it.

[JAC]

TACKLETHEWORLD:

Thanks for being a wrench in the machinery of the state, Andrew!

No problem!    Thank you for all the information.

I am going to refuse to answer all of their questions and refuse to comply with their orders once in jail.  Will they let me talk to the other prisoners and go in to the general population if I do not process?  If I am on suicide watch will I be put in a cell with others that I can talk to?  Or will they keep me in a separate cell?



ANTON:

Andrew, in a few words. . .

you kick ass.   You're one of the big reasons I'm moving to Keene.  Thanks for what you do.

Thanks, man.  Can't wait to see you up here in NH. 



DALEBERT:

I assume JAC will have a considerable escort to the jail. Yes? I'm planning to go with him so we can document it.

Sounds good to me.  I have to be at the jail at 5 PM on June 2nd.