SWIM Experienced the American "Justice System" & Other Ramblings

Greetings my fellow Steemians. I am sure by my title you understand the connotation of "SWIM." If not, look it up online. Or, I could be nice and tell you. Don't be embarrassed, years ago i didn't know what it meant either. So, here you go:
S = someone
W = who
I = isn't
Me = me

Hopefully we're on the same page now. :) My 32nd birthday was on the first; it came and went like, "who cares?." My sister, a decade younger is on a peace corps assignment in Senegal, Africa. She'll be gone for a long time; returning prior to my 35th. My point is, I received a letter from her. Snail mail there takes a loooong time, though she does have some limited internet capabilities. She sent it with best intentions for it to arrive on my birthday. It was within days. She told me birthdays aren't celebrated there and her host family found the tradition odd. Just an interesting factoid.

Anyway, I was majorly depressed on my birthday this year. I didn't even go to my own party. Sure, that's just the worst. What's wrong with me?

On the night of 2/26, SWIM was pulled over in Atlanta for a multitude of "reasons". SWIM has very poor eyesight at night and has been unemployed for a very long time. SWIM was not accustomed to this area of Atlanta and didn't know where exactly she/he was. The roadways are tricky and one way streets are very confusing.

SWIM was arrested and was in "intake" not allowed food or water or bathroom breaks from approximately 2AM - 10PM the next day. From there she/he was taken to a very tiny, cold cell. She/he heard officers making derogatory comments about the inmates. She/he noticed the intake papers were full of descrepancies.

The "officers" didn't care and wouldn't address SWIM. So SWIM put up a "fight" demanding an explanation. SWIM was then sent to another floor and labeled "suicidal." She/he had to wear a jump suit and given a thick small blanket.

Finally, after two days SWIM of whom was also not granted showering "privileges" was sick with a raging UTI. She/he was taken through an underground system that was very cold to the court house and given a return date on 3/5.

Mind you SWIM lives 90 miles SW of Atlanta. She/he is unemployed and granted a group of 3 public attorneys/ defenders for free. SWIM is in "status" and probably won't have to return to Atlanta.

SWIM has their attorneys reconvening on 4/17. She/he will probably not have to return to Atlanta. And will perform community service & pay another fine.

SWIM car was towed and impounded. Money was stolen from the car but reimbursed. Those who dealt with SWIM car left dirty footprints everywhere. UNNECESSARY. Disrespectful to SWIM.

SWIM will probably be dealing with this for MONTHS. From SWIM, don't get arrested. Nothing moves quickly or efficiently. I am told you're treated sub human for water, bathroom needs, cleanliness, phone calls, etc. Phones don't work; I was told as well.

SWIM says avoid police at all costs. Thanks for reading SWIM's story. She/he had never more than a minor traffic ticket and that was 4 years ago at that.

SWIM might/probably would find other's stories or words of encouragement enlightening. Feel free to share & I shall pass along to she/he. Thanks for visiting my blog Steem fam!