XI
“All rise. The Honorable Stacy Ransom presiding. Maintain order in the court.”
Judge Ransom takes her seat and says, “You may be seated.
“Before I proceed with sentencing this case, my apologies for the lengthy recess. I’m aware that fifteen minutes turned into forty-five minutes can seem like forever when you’re waiting for a verdict. At my request, my assistant was checking to confirm some pertinent information about this case. Mr. White, I must say that in my field I’ve seen and just about heard it all. Rarely does a case come along that has given me this much difficulty to preside over. Each day I sit on this bench listening to spouses pleading with the court on behalf of a loved one, and mothers crying.
“I have one of the toughest jobs on the planet, but I chose this profession, and I wouldn’t be worthy to wear my robe if I didn’t uphold the law. It’s just what I do. I’ve wrestled with your case and struggled to impose a sentence that will both be fair and serve in the best interests of justice. With that said, I am ready to move forward with sentencing, and I hereby impose the following sentence:
“On count one, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, I sentence you to serve a term of one hundred twenty months—ten years of imprisonment—in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by a term of sixty months—five years of supervision—after your release from custody.
“On count two, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, I sentence you to serve a term of one hundred twenty months—ten years of imprisonment—in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by a term of sixty months—five years of supervision—after your release from custody, to run consecutively with count one.
“You are hereby ordered to be in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for a term of imprisonment totaling two hundred twenty months—twenty years—to be followed by a term of supervision totaling one hundred twenty months—ten years—each count to run consecutively. Has your attorney discussed and explained to you what your sentence is, and do you understand your sentence here today, Mr. White?”
“Yes, I understand, Your Honor.”
“Very well, then. At this time, I am suspending both sentences and imposing the following sanctions on you. As to count one, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, I will credit you with time served and hereby sentence you to a term of sixty months—five years—of supervision. On count two, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, I will credit you with time served and hereby sentence you to a term of sixty months—five years—of supervision. Count two’s sentence is to run concurrent to count one’s. I find you guilty but suspend each sentence imposed without prejudice.
“Mr. White, you will be transported back to the jail to be released. I wish you success.”
“Thank you, Jesus!” one of Donnell’s relatives shouts out.
“Maintain order in the court,” a marshal says authoritatively.
“One more thing,” says Judge Ransom.
“Mr. White, I’m convinced that you are seeking a second chance, and you’ve received it here today. I want you to know that I’ve rolled the dice on you today in hopes that I don’t crap out. Not only will you, your family, and I be liable, but society as a whole will pay the penalty if this decision turns out to be a mistake.
“The last thing I want you to remember is that, just as there’s a penalty to pay when you crap out at the casino, there will be serious consequences if I ever see you in my courtroom again. There will be no mercy left to give. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Your Honor. I understand,” Donnell White replies.
“Well, I wish you luck. I believe this was our last case on the docket for today, so court is adjourned.”
“All rise . . . ,” the court’s marshal says.