The following letter is a reply letter that was sent to me February 10, 2010 from the chairman of the Mahoning county (Ohio) Democratic Party, attorney-at-law, David J. Betras. Prior to receiving this letter, I’d mailed a letter to Mr. Betras, in which I described to him how the old-law sentencing disparity was adversely affecting me. I asked him if he could help me with my situation. Mr. Betras responded to my letter and requested additional information. When I sent him the requested information, however, I never heard back from him. This led me to believe that he didn’t respond back to my second letter due to the failure to mention anything about “money,” in regards to retaining his legal services. This seems to be a determining factor when it comes to an attorney (or elected official) doing anything for a fellow human being in need of legal representation. In his letter, though, Mr. Betras, in paragraph one, acknowledged the existence of the old-law injustice.
February 10, 2010 In re: Your Letter of 2/2/2010 Dear Mr. Goudlock: I would first and foremost like to thank you for you letter explaining your current sentence at the Ohio State Penitentiary, and providing my office with reference to your Parole Board record. I am well aware of the implications of SB2 and the injustices that the Bill has created for offenders, such as yourself, that were sentenced under “old law,” or indefinite terms, and are now serving disproportionate sentences. Secondly, before we are attempt to aid any disparities, I will need to know the conditions of your nine year gun specification offense. Why are you serving nine years on gun specifications when, even under “new law,” consecutively served charges would not add up to a nine year term? Furthermore, you must understand that many offenders share your same conviction. Why do you feel that your situation above others warrants help? I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, BETRAS, MARUCA, KOPP & HARSHMAN, LLC David J. Betras
Downloads: Download a PDF copy of the letter from David J. Betras.