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What was the last thing you did before going in?
spent time with my girlfriend, parents, and brothers. Told my girlfriend that we shouldn't be together anymore, it would be too tough, and that the blame is mine and not hers. Had a dinner with my family were I apologized for everything and asked for them to write me often.
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What was the first thing you did after getting out?
Hugged my mom more than I've ever hugged a person before or since. Called my girlfriend and asked her to come see me ASAP and forget all the [censored] I put her through. Called up everyone who sent me a letter.
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Ever regret your decision to take the 3 years instead of risking it?
No
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Do you believe in legalizing all drugs?
yes
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Which university did you go to?
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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Does this ever leave your record? (maybe a stupid question)
Possibly. I have to get a pardon and expungement from the governor of Illinois. A year post parole, I was allowed to present both a written 'case' for why I should be pardoned and have my record expunged. I then get a hearing with the Illinois prisoner review board and I have a face-to-face meeting with about 7 members in a long 'Q' and 'A' session. I'm a good candidate given it's my only conviction ever (other than traffic tickets, which don't count), I achieved numerous things before being arrested, I've made a productive life post prison time (getting those degrees is impressive, but gambling for a living isn't), I'm free of drugs, and my conviction does hamper my ability to live a productive life (very few hire felons). My first meeting with the board appeared to go well. It helps that I went to high school with some sons of board members and other high IDOC officials. However, it took over 3 years for an official denial to come back. There were no stated reasons for the denial. I can only go by what the review board said during 'q' and 'a.' There were doubts as to whether I was dealing, it was my first appeal, I am still too pro-drug for most board members, and they didn't want to give the impression of prison being that easy to erase. I'm now in the 12 month waiting period before I can appeal again. It will probably be something that I do every 4 to 5 years the rest of my life.
brief daydreams, yes. Real consideration...hell no. Almost impossible to get away with and the punishment is harsh.