I have a friend in prison, convicted of a violent felony. He stole a purse from a lady’s shopping cart while she was loading groceries into her van. He rode by in a vehicle, as she turned away to place a bag in the back of her van, he pulled closer to the cart where her purse was sitting in the “child seat”, picked the purse out (with out leaving his vehicle), and drove away. He made no physical contact with her person, or her vehicle. The state convicted him of a (I think it was called) “strong-armed robbery”. Even though there was no physical contact or direct/indirect threat of violence, I believe I was told the classification of “violent felony” was due to his use of a vehicle in the commission of the crime. He was stealing this money to fund his drug addiction.
As a friend, I was almost relieved he went to prison. I felt this may be the only way he’ll stop using drugs.
He has chosen to rehabilitate himself. He's been in for over 6 years. In that time he's taken advantage of every rehabilitation program offered. He has obtained a 4-year degree (paid for by his family - not tax payers). He's remained on the "honor tier" for 5 & 1/2 years (this is a tier set aside for "model" prisoners).
At a recent hearing, the judge said to him "You have done what we the court hope everyone will do when sent to prison. You've chosen a better path, on your own." That’s pretty much word for word.
When he gets out, I believe he should be allowed to own firearms. His debt should be considered paid and rights restored.
Although I'm biased in my friend’s case, I would respect anyone who chooses to rehabilitate him or herself. I would want them to have all of their rights restored when released as well.
As a friend, I was almost relieved he went to prison. I felt this may be the only way he’ll stop using drugs.
He has chosen to rehabilitate himself. He's been in for over 6 years. In that time he's taken advantage of every rehabilitation program offered. He has obtained a 4-year degree (paid for by his family - not tax payers). He's remained on the "honor tier" for 5 & 1/2 years (this is a tier set aside for "model" prisoners).
At a recent hearing, the judge said to him "You have done what we the court hope everyone will do when sent to prison. You've chosen a better path, on your own." That’s pretty much word for word.
When he gets out, I believe he should be allowed to own firearms. His debt should be considered paid and rights restored.
Although I'm biased in my friend’s case, I would respect anyone who chooses to rehabilitate him or herself. I would want them to have all of their rights restored when released as well.
