VICTIM OF A LAW THAT NEEDS REVISION

Alan Chartock's April 16 column called "Tough choice for Capeless," was
about the "Parking Lot 19" incident in which a group of kids were caught
selling drugs in Great Barrington. I believe that these kids were described
as "decent kids with middle-class values and normal middle-class
expectations about life." Ironically, I am also a victim of this law. On
the night of Oct. 1, 2003 at about 10 p.m., I was pulled over in Adams next
to Angelina's Sub shop on Columbia Street. An officer noticed I had a
headlight burnt out on my car. The police were required to do an inventory
of my car because of a suspended registration and insurance. I was placed
under arrest for possession of a Class D substance (marijuana) with intent
to distribute within a school zone. I was convicted of this offense on
March 30, 2005 and sentenced to two years in jail. I was never found
selling anything within 1,000 feet of a school zone. The school in this
case is Adams Memorial Middle School. I was simply passing through the area
to drop some friends off.

I am a 21-year-old who has worked in North Adams, Adams and Williamstown
since I was 14. I have held down a steady job since I was 16 and have
worked two jobs for the last three years. For this to happen to me is
devastating, not only for myself but also to family and friends. I was a
hard-working kid who lost his way for a brief period in time and instead of
probation and counseling, I have received two years in jail. Now, many
possessions that I worked hard for are in jeopardy including my car and my
apartment.

I graduated from Drury High School in 2002 and even did a semester at MCLA.
But, because of my habits, I did not go back to work. Ever since my arrest
in October 2003, I have made every effort to become a different person and
I believe that I have.

I just don't believe that someone screwing up like this for the first time
in my life and receiving two years in jail is the answer. Speaking from
experience, jail is not the place for first time offenders of this law.
Even though I have only been here a short time, I can tell you that this
place wasn't built for people like me.

Mr. Chartock said, "I believe that something less than prison should be
worked out." I agree with him completely. This law should be revised to put
the power back into the judge's hands. I just don't think it's fair to be
sentenced to jail for the same amount of time as someone on their third or
fourth, maybe even fifth, offense. If it gets to that point maybe jail is
what I need. But I can promise you that right now, jail is not the proper
solution. Instead of teaching me a lesson, they're taking my life away from
me and that is exactly what will happen to those kids in Great Barrington.

This is indeed a very tough choice for Mr. Capeless, but I'd like him to at
least consider the background of where people like me come from and where
we really belong in this community of ours. I believe, with proper
research, cases like these can be handled in a less harsh manner. Mr.
Capeless, please consider your options.

Nicholas Mekdeci

Pittsfield