California law allows for IMPLIED malice when it comes to drinking and driving. In other words, if you have received prior warnings, such as a drunk driving ticket resulting in attendance at DUI School, then you have been made aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. You already know that people frequently are killed by drunk drivers. If after having been so educated you decide to drink and drive anyway, then if you kill someone, you will be charged with murder. Even if you just injure someone - a very common happenstance that causes devastating suffering - then you are also going to be sent to prison.

2) Do you get to see your children and wife?

My family visits every couple of weeks. Now that my children are older, I don't see them as often. It is a terrible thing to be so separated from them as they grow up, to not be a part of their lives. It is hard to be a father and a husband when you are allowed six hours with them roughly a dozen times a year.

3) What would you change if you could?

I would never have taken that first drink or that first drug. I would have lived a sober life, and I would not have killed Mr. Jilly Rizzo. If I could, I would also change places with Mr. Rizzo so his family would not have had to suffer so greatly.

4) How do I know if I am an alcoholic or drug addict?

If you drink or do drugs, and any part of your life is out of control, or if you design your life and hours around drinking and drugging, then you have a problem. If your work performance or personal relationships are suffering, then your life is unmanageable. If you drive after drinking, then you have a very serious problem! Don't be confused thinking that you can't have a problem just because you have a good job, a wonderful family, lots of toys, etc. I had that when I killed Mr. Rizzo. You don't have to be on skid row to be an alcoholic. The key is to recognize this before you end up a drunk driver, in prison, or dead. Recognize this before you lose those that you love the most, or you cause someone else to lose their loved ones.

5) What has been the hardest part of prison?

The list is endless! Watching people get stabbed or beaten, seeing so much human potential wasted, missing my family, being treated like the scum of the earth, not being able to comfort those I love when they are sick, not being able to say goodbye to those that I love when they are dying - this list is truly endless. Not being able to show people that I love life and that I love this country and want to be a positive part of society. That I want to help people and save lives. That I love God and accept the responsibilities of living life sober and being a kind husband and father. To be a good friend. It is never ending when you look at what is lost in comparison to what is gained.

6) Will you ever drink or use drugs again?

Absolutely NOT!!!

7) How will you stay sober?

By adhering to the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and by making certain that I give my sobriety to someone every single day. To stay focused on my higher power and never to forget what happened when I was not sober. To love life to a degree that most people will never know.

8) Are you sorry for what you did?

I am filled with overwhelming and constant sorrow that I could never describe. I will never forget the pain that I caused, and I will never stop making amends for my actions.