Facing a state or federal crime with the possibility of incarceration is a confusing experience. The fear of the unknown and the complexities of the legal system can leave you and your loved ones feeling overwhelmed and lost. When going thru the legal system, a prison consultant can be an invaluable asset, offering expert guidance and support throughout the legal process, incarceration, and during re-entry into the community.
When we meet with potential clients sometimes, we are asked “Why should we hire a prison consultant?” or “My attorney will help me, why should I hire you?”.
Ultimately, it comes down to a few things:
1. Legacy & Inside Knowledge– Even a top-ranked, experienced criminal defense attorney probably won’t know all the details prison, probation, or parole. We recently met with a seasoned criminal defense attorney who admitted that he doesn’t know much about the Sex Registry “other than that there are 3 tiers”.
2. Explaining the Process – President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Dealing with the criminal justice system for the first time, there are unknowns at every stage of the process. Besides the specific legacy knowledge that a prison consultant can provide, it’s the explanation of the process – having someone there with you (or the family) throughout the journey…. someone that can explain what is happening, what is going to happen, and to help you be as prepared as possible.
3. Avoiding Mistakes You Don’t Know – Whether you or a loved one is on pre-trial, preparing for incarceration, or has taken a plea deal and is looking at probation or the Sex Registry – there are things that you should know so you can be prepared. We had a client who said that he hired us because “He doesn’t know what he doesn’t know.” There is no worse feeling than not knowing what to do or how to handle a situation, only to make a decision (or take no action) and end up finding out (after it’s too late) that you should have handled that issue differently. In the criminal justice system, mistakes can come with harsh penalties such as incarceration or violations of probation or parole.
Keep in mind, after your trial or plea deal is done, your defense attorney’s responsibility to you is typically completed. Some attorneys will be there to answer additional quick questions or provide some guidance, but most attorneys won’t continue an open dialogue or help when you are into probation, coming up for parole, or have a sex registry question. Even if they are willing to provide support and guidance, they may not know the answers to your questions.
In summary, prison consultants, often working alongside criminal defense attorneys and various non-profit community-based resources, provide a comprehensive wrap-around program to those facing criminal charges or serving time. From the beginning of the process to the end, here are some of the top reasons why you should consider hiring a prison consultant:
– Navigating the Legal System: Prison consultants are well-versed in the intricacies of the justice system. They can help you understand the charges against you, explain the potential consequences, and work with your legal team to develop the most effective defense strategy. In some cases, this can include helping to prepare you for trial by providing research services such as focus groups, mock trials, or jury research.
– Preparing for Prison: The prospect of jail or prison can be terrifying. A prison consultant can alleviate that fear by preparing you for what to expect. They provide insights into daily prison life, the written and unwritten rules, how to navigate the bureaucracy of the local county jail or the state prison, helping you to prepare for any incarceration to ensure a smooth transition and making sure that you or a loved one is able to stay safe while incarcerated. Our team are experts in sentencing calculations, navigating the local county jails and various state prisons, and the internal programs and services available.
– In-Prison Support: Once incarcerated, a prison consultant continues to be a lifeline. They can assist with various in-prison matters, such as filing administrative remedies, advocating for better conditions, or securing early release options. A prison or jail consultant can also be a resource for family members who visitation questions, trouble connecting with their loved one who is incarcerated, commissary issues, sending money to an inmate, and more. This ongoing support can be crucial for maintaining morale and advocating for your rights while incarcerated.
– Reentry Assistance: Transitioning back into society after jail or prison is a complex process. Even is you take a plea deal and have no incarceration, having a misdemeanor or a felony on your record, can make securing employment and housing difficult. Prison consultants help with reentry planning, including housing support, transferring supervised release to a different jurisdiction, providing SORNA / Sex Registry guidance, and providing other direct resources (assistance with job search, resume writing, interview skills, etc.) to ensure a smooth and successful return to life. We are also connected at the state and local level and can also provide referrals to various non-profit organizations when specific needs are identified.
– Reputation Management: The sources highlight the importance of reputation management for individuals facing charges or returning from prison. Consultants offer strategies for rebuilding your image, utilizing social media, content creation, and volunteer work to demonstrate your value and commitment to positive change. This aspect is crucial for reintegrating into society and mitigating the long-term consequences of a criminal record.
Hiring a prison consultant is an investment in your future. It provides access to expertise, resources, and support that can make a significant difference in navigating the legal system, coping with incarceration, and successfully reintegrating into society.
If you or someone you love is justice-impacted and facing criminal charges, currently incarcerated, or out on probation or parole and have questions, contact us for more information and a free consultation.