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Question: My brother says he has not gotten meds for over a week, but before he went we were told even if a prisoner is indigent he gets his daily meds. He also said he is still being billed for this. He has been there 10+weeks and says he is not eligible for jail industries, but court sentencing says he is. He also says they never get to go outside. If he wants to have judge reconsider "no good time", should we use a different lawyer than when we were in court - our orginal lawyer took us for $18,000+ over 10 months with monthly court appearances for 5 min., sign papers and leave. The judge was not impressed w/our SLC lawyer and told him he did not want to see him back in his court room in 1 year about good time either!
Jail Media Answer: You should definitely call the jail and ask about your brother's situation with meds - I'm not sure what the policy is in the case of being indigent with medicine. Does he have money on his books? If so and he is ordering commissary then they may not consider him indigent - one more thing I would ask the jail about.
The JI, Jail Industries Program, is apparently entirely up to the deputies managing the program. Since it is a priviledge and not a right then there is not much you can do if the jail won't let you in the program - your brother should try to get work in the kitchen to pass the time and get some extra food until he can get in JI.
As far as going outside goes he should fill out a grievance form - at least it will show the guards that he is aware that he is supposed to go outside and maybe they will do something.
Judges can be moody and it sounds like this particular judge was probably having a really bad day. Yes, I would get a different lawyer - you will be best off with somebody in Utah County who has more respect within the community. A good choice all around is Mike Esplin - he knows when to fight in court and when to deal - if Esplin can't get you your good time back it probably isn't coming.
And $18,000!? That's crazy - We really wish the best to you and your brother.
Follow-up Question: I called the jail about meds and the pharmacist said on the day he wrote me he got his depression med but nothing was said about the high blood pressure meds. I hate to call again but maybe I should? I checked w/booking also and he did have some money on his book, and I sent more anyway. We live out of state and so use the VAC phone system. I had less than $1 in there and they wouldn't connect us but before I had -$1.96 and they did?!? I have been checking and adding money to this account regularly too. He is allowed in day room but am wondering since the jail is adding on if that is why not allowed to go outside. Thanks for your reply. FYI - all meds are $3 per month for each med you are allowed.
Jail Media Answer: We were not aware that they are currently doing construction at the Utah County Jail but that is entirely possible. I would definitely do a follow-up call - make sure they are giving your brother his high blood pressure med! That is probably very important.
$3 for a month worth of meds!? Some of us wish we could go there because of the cost of prescriptions these days :) Seriously, though, best of luck with your brother - we always respect people willing to be supportive of those who are behind bars. Hopefully he will be released and with you again soon.
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