Serving 10 yrs on first drug charge

[SHAwn]

My fiancé is serving a 10 year sentence for possession with intent to distribute powder cocaine. He is in the Maryland Correctional Institution and comes up for parole in October of this year. He has demonstrated excellent behavior in the 2 years that he has been incarcerated. He has no infractions and is currently attended alcohol and drug classes. He is 2 credits away from his associates degree but he made a bad decision when he started selling drugs.

I am wondering what the likelihood of him making parole is. Should we have a lawyer represent us when he comes up for parole? What steps can we follow that will increase his chances of being released or receiving a MAP?

His co-defendant was able to afford a lawyer and he went to boot camp and was released in October of 1999. He was the one that had the drugs on him yet he was only given 10 years with 6 suspended. A few other contributing factors... The co-defendant had a previous conviction (drug related), His father built the judges house, and my fiancé was charged previously but never convicted- the judge told the public defender(in private) that he was guilty of the previous charge. I believe that that was used against him as well. My fiancé also applied for modification, but was recently denied by the same judge.

Please help me with these questions. Please give me come guidance.

For specific information, please ask specific question. I am new at this and I am not sure where to begin

 

[Tracey]

1. Regarding the fact that the other guy knew the judge and got a lighter sentence: put it behind you. For some reason, MD still enshrines judicial discretion in sentencing. It could be worse -- you could be trying to explain to Hattie Carroll's family why William Zanzinger only got 6 months for murder.

2. Never hurts to have a lawyer. Pick one who's got an in-law on the parole board. Or at least belongs to the same country club.


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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.

 

[SHawn]

Tracy-

Thank you for replying. I am not being rude but I am looking for a more serious answer. My fiance are desperate at this point. Do you have any suggestions that we can do to better the chances of parole? Is there anything that we can do legally? What benefits will we see by hiring a lawyer?

Thank you for you time
Shawn

 

[Tracey]

Actually, number 2 was the serious answer, but I'll elaborate for you. I told you to see a lawyer. An Ohio defense attorney will have a much better idea of what factors will sway the parole board. You should consult with a few and hire the best one. You want an attorney who knows what she's doing AND who has a good relationship with the parole board. Obviously granting parole is a matter for the board's discretion. They get to decide yes or no for nearly any reason. Don't handicap yourself by going in with a lawyer the board hates.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.

 

[SHawn]

Tracey-

Again, thank you for your prompt reply. I never realized that "our" legal system was so crooked. Your information will be beneficial. I appologize for my ignorance.

In your state, what is the normal setence for first time drug offense?