I am so sorry my son was 14 when he started into drugs he is now 28 and it's going to serve three years in prison I know what you're talking about when it comes to money I've spent over $30,000 all these years. The one thing I have been advised and told no money on his books you can send him packages if he wants about it just tell him I don't have it anymore I'll send you a package.

My son was charged as an adult at 17 and is serving 20 years. He's been in for 5. Won't lie and say it gets easier, it doesn't. It just becomes a part of your every day life. I couldn't afford a lawyer either so he had to settle for a P.D......and yes they are definitely a joke. You have to find joy in the little things when you can. Pray to your higher power, and find strength wherever you're able because you're going to need it. I go through hours where I get really depressed, but I keep holding on even when I feel like going up because I know eventually things will get better. I'll pray for you and your family.

Thank you ladies. This is very reassuring. I will look into sending packages. I have moments when I am ok and then moments when I am so depressed. He’s a kid that got caught in the middle of someone else’s mess. This system is so disheartening. There was a 17 year old who murdered his mother and was sentenced to 2 years in juvenile. I try to tell myself not to compare with others but sometime I feel it’s unfair. My son was shot and is in a wheel chair and is being harassed daily by others in the adult jail and he can’t even help himself or defend himself. I worry for his safety.

I'm so sorry you are going through this, the DA was trying to certify my 15 year old as an adult, but I have an attorney who is fighting it. The psychologist stated that he feels my son is not mature enough to be tried as an adult. This is all scary. My son's next hearing is in a couple weeks to determine whether he will be certified, but his attorney is assuring me he won't be. I'm praying the attorney isn't lying. I'm glad I found this support group because I feel all alone as a mother. There are no support groups where I live for mothers of juveniles facing charges.

If ever there is a time to pray is NOW! It may seem useless but there is no greater love than God’s. As my sin is facing a life sentence, God enables me to kneel and pray. I am able to work daily go to church and help my grandkids. Please leave your email if you want me to pray with you. I love you all in Jesus Name

I have 6 children. He is the youngest boy. I can’t afford an attorney and hey are looking to give him 3 life sentences. No one died and a lot of what he’s being charged with has nothing to do with him. He was shot and left at the scene. I wish I could say more. He is a kid that hung around around the first person he met when we moved here. He had no clue. The public Defender can’t heaven remember his name. I am saving but it’s not enough to put a down payment for an attorney. I feel so helpless. He has been certified and is in the county jail where the officers spit in his face and are physically abusive. I find myself at the jail just about everyday asking to speak to the warden. I’m a wreck.

Tonid1975, praying for you and your son. I am so sad for you.
Our 18 year old son was arrested a few months ago for murder and other felony charges. He may be incarcerated for the rest of his life. Also, he won't have any contact with us. You asked the question how does a person get through this? ...We cannot do it alone! God has to be your strength! He has given my husband and I strength, comfort and peace where we should have none. I don't know where you stand with Jesus, but he is the only way to get through this. I have read two books recently that have really encouraged me that you might be interested in: When I Lay My Issac Down and A New Kind of Normal. Both are written by Carol Kent whose son is also serving a life sentence. carolkent.org
Praying God gives you peace only he can give and that your son will come to know Jesus and be free on the inside.
Are you part of a church or group of true Bible believing Christians who are supporting you? Have you reached out to Christian prison groups such as Prison Fellowship? Carol Kent (www.carolkent.org) and her family that I mentioned above have an organization called Speak Up for Hope. (www.speakupforhope.org) Feel free to email me.

Thank you FaithGraceHopeJoy. I am very active at my church. I’m the minister of music there and my son was our drummer. That’s why this is even harder for me to grasp. He truly is a good kid. Not disrespectful and made decent grades in school. I know every parent feels as if their kids are perfect. I know he’s not but he’s the kind of kid if he did something he would confess to it. Sometimes he would even take the fall for his sisters so they wouldn’t get in trouble. We are a close knit family. He’s even closest to his sister who is about 13 months older then him. They’re like twins. They do everything together. She is devastated because she knows she was put in a wrong place wrong time situation. I pray for strength everyday. I know God has a plan. I just wish I knew what it is. My heart literally hurts because my son doesn’t deserve to be treated like an adult. He’s a kid for Christ’s sake. I’m sorry. I’m just having one of those days where I’m angry, hurt, sick to my stomach and distraught. I’ll be better tomorrow. It’s just not fair. I’m going to stop talking because the tears are flowing uncontrollably. Thank you for your encouragement. I really need it and prayers.