Video Transcript
My dad passed away when I was young, and I started experimenting with drugs, trying to understand the feelings that I was going through. My whole adult life, I struggled with addiction.
My sister had always tried to be like a mom to me, even before my dad passed away. She always took control, so my mom really leaned on her after my dad died. My sister was like the father figure of the family – she made the decisions. I didn’t even realize that she struggled with addiction until I lost her to alcohol on December 18th, 2021.
My sister’s death was devastating. She had always been like a parent to me, and she was also my best friend. Not dealing with that loss was incredibly hard.
My bail was $5,000. Reality hit that I couldn’t call my sister, and she wasn’t there anymore. I felt alone and helpless.
I ended up getting into an argument with one of the guards because I felt like they were bullying another girl. They put me in the hole, and I kind of lost my mind in there for a while. I was pretty delirious. They weren’t taking me to court and were telling the court that I was refusing to go.
There were a lot of girls in there whose minds didn’t come back. It wasn’t just being in the hole – it was the fentanyl. What it did to them, and what coming off of it did. There were girls who would just sit in the corner all day. One girl would talk softly to the wall, all day long.
Girls were signing plea deals that they shouldn’t have been signing, deals that shouldn’t even have gone to court. It’s horrible there. They make it unbearable, so people feel like anything is better than being in the county jail in Maricopa County.
Everyone was talking about The Bail Project and trying to get their family members to apply for it because they had heard it helped a lot of people. My mom and a friend of mine went on the website and applied. The Bail Project got in touch with my mom, did an interview, and really tried to make sure they could be helpful. It wasn’t like the court deciding bail or if I should have bail – they genuinely wanted to help.
I got out on April 20th, 2022. It was such a blessing because I wouldn’t have gotten out otherwise.
Before my sister passed away, we were planning on getting baptized together. I think she knew she might not have much time left, but we didn’t get the chance. So, when I got out, my mom and I went to church. I asked them about getting baptized, and they said, “Well, you can do it right now.” So, I did it right then and there.
It was a blessing because, through this journey, I’ve realized that I don’t have control over what justice is. It often feels like I’m in an unjust situation, but having faith and holding onto it is what will get me through. It helps me move forward in life and see this as a speed bump, not a stop sign.
On October 24th, I had to sign a deal. If I didn’t, my trial was scheduled for the next week. They told me I was going to lose. They explained, “This is all we have to prove, and with your category and priors, you’ll get a minimum of ten years.” They said they didn’t want to see that happen.
I wanted to keep fighting, but the risk was too high.
I pray that I can get through this time. I pray to stay strong, to not give up hope, and to keep working on my mental and physical health while I have the time to do that.
It all comes down to the help I got from The Bail Project. They’ve taken me to my drug tests—because I take controlled substances, I don’t drive anywhere. They’ve taken me to every single court date. Anything I’ve asked them for, whether it’s resources or guidance, they’ve been there. There’s nothing I’ve asked for that they haven’t helped me with.
The Bail Project has truly helped me navigate these last two and a half years.
I will never forget this experience. I never would have thought that there was someone or something out there that does what The Bail Project does. It’s an amazing blessing, and I am so grateful.
Excessive substance use often stems from unresolved trauma or loss.
For many people in jail, addiction is not just a personal struggle – it’s a deep, often unspoken consequence of trauma and loss. Around 60% of individuals in jail experience substance use disorders, often without access to the treatment they need. Jane’s story shows the devastating impact that grief can have on someone’s life.
Jane turned to drugs to help cope with the overwhelming loss of her father and sister. A few months after her sister passed away, Jane was arrested and held on a $5,000 bond.
“Reality hit that I couldn’t call my sister, and she wasn’t there anymore.”
Unable to pay bail, Jane remained in jail, facing harsh and inhumane conditions.
Watch this video to hear her story. Despite the challenges of addiction and grief, Jane found a glimmer of hope. Thanks to The Bail Project, she regained her freedom and began her path to healing.
Jails lack the resources needed to help individuals battling addiction.
In Maricopa County’s Estrella jail, Jane witnessed many women struggling with the side effects of substance use. Jails are often not equipped to provide the care needed for substance use disorders. The stress of confinement can trigger withdrawal symptoms, escalate cravings, and increase existing conditions like anxiety and depression. Maricopa County jails, in particular, have a high death rate due to drug overdoses, drug withdrawals, and suicides. Incarceration can deepen the cycle of substance use, where individuals are released only to relapse and end up back in the system.
Jane’s story underscores the importance of addressing the systemic barriers people who struggle with addiction face. People need treatment and support networks that will help them through the struggles of incarceration, addiction, and grief. Through our Community Release with Support model, The Bail Project helps individuals access resources that promote stability and recovery.
Help people, like Jane, get the support they need.
Jane is one of over 31,000 people The Bail Project has helped regain their freedom. No one should remain in jail simply because they can’t afford bail – and that includes those mourning the loss of their loved ones. Your support enables us to fight for freedom and justice for individuals like Jane. Donate today to make a difference.
Thank you for reading and watching. As you can see, we don’t stop at bailing people out. Our issue awareness and media work is essential to achieving our vision of changing the pretrial system. This work is sustained by the support of viewers like you. If you found value in our content, please consider sharing with your networks and becoming a donor today!
