News FeedWhy I Regret that I Sold Cocaine and Fought the Criminal Charges
When I was 21-years-old I joined a group of friends in a scheme to sell cocaine. That was a terrible decision that changed the course of my life. For nearly two years, I was deeply involved in setting up a network that transported the cocaine and distributed it through a supply chain. Those actions resulted in my criminal indictment, convictions, a lengthy sentence, and humiliation for my family. I have been incarcerated for more than 21 years thus far as a consequence of the bad decisions I made as a younger man. Certainly, I regret the choices I made.
Many young people who engage in drug trafficking come from communities without much hope. Although difficult backgrounds may not excuse such decisions, they make the choices easier to understand. People who do not perceive choices they can make to advance their lives in legitimate ways sometimes choose crime as an alternative. Yet in my case, I had viable options that could have led to success. My parents reared my sisters and me in affluence. They were business owners who expected that I follow their example of hard work. Yet I lacked the character as a younger man to make good decisions. It was much easier for me to pursue the high life that came with trafficking in cocaine.
Rather than choosing the more responsible path to maturity, I chose excitement. I was not a drug abuser myself, and my social circle did not expose me to the devastation that drugs bring at the user level. My influences were shows like Miami Vice and movies like Scarface. While in my early 20s, I wrongfully pursued the quick path to perceived riches. Those decisions brought consequences that I failed to appreciate until long after I was caught by the DEA.
Upon my arrest, I continued to make bad decisions. I had never been imprisoned before and I was not ready to accept responsibility for my crimes. That resulted in my making bad decisions like pursuing a trial rather than a plea agreement that could have resulted in a lower sanction. I did not understand the criminal justice system or the options that were available to me. Because of that ignorance, I made choices that resulted in much stiffer penalties.
Since I have been in prison I have worked hard and consistently to reconcile with society for the bad decisions I made. I also strive to help others who are about to encounter the criminal justice system or prison. By reading my writings, I hope to help those individuals make better decisions.
Yes Mr. Santos some people do have backgrounds that make it easier for them to sell drugs. Some people just feel that drugs is their only alternative to making money. Yes they can get a job but sometimes situations arise and you need money quick. Another thing I understand is that the law is complicated. I have heard of plenty of people that agree to terms but do not fully understand them. Ususally when they understand their decision they regret it. Hopefully people can get a better understanding of the criminal justice system before they make any decisions.
I totally agree because different backsgrounds do make a difference. Some people need money quick to provide for their family and sometimes minimum wage doens’t cut it. Also I think that people shoyuld understand the criminal justice system before they choose their option. Like you said maybe after reading your article more people will have a better understanding.
I understand how hard situations are sometimes. I myself had to result to crime to get out of poverty. The only mistake in this is that I have four kids
I do agree that people make bad decisions when they live in a bad situation of see it as an easy way to get out and make money. It is sad though that many people see that as the only way out.
It seems that you were on the right track from the start with having both parents who seem to have taught responsibility. Sometimes children just want to see what they can get away or they get a rush of getting caught with the hopes that mom and dad will rescue them in the end. At some point everyone make bad decisions, it just how they are dealt with that determines the consequences.