SUCCESS!

 Last week was a very successful one in terms of conquering a broken and uncaring prison system.  So many act as if being in Prison is an excuse for the old adage…you get what you deserve.  What about the inmates, who have worked so hard, steered clear of gangs, stayed out of trouble and tried their best to rehabilitate?  Is their hard work for nothing?  The Prison system sure seems to be giving the impression it certainly does not really matter.  One of the most common things I am seeing lately is the Parole Board offering parole upon completion of programs or reviews in six months upon completion of other stipulations beyond the grasp of the inmate.  It instills such hope and so quickly dashes those hopes when programs are not possible to get into for months…sometimes longer, or when the stipulations of the board like evaluations that require a transfer are ignored and counselors telling inmates they can’t help them achieve these goals in any kind of expeditious manner.   In my opinion, it’s cruel.  This week we got a very difficult case in motion and dates for evaluations confirmed.  There are people out there in our Political arena that DO care.  That do want inmates who deserve and have earned a second chance… to get that second chance, or at least do the things required of them to be considered for a second chance.   It’s just too bad we have to campaign so hard to get those issues recognized.  One day at a time…One case at a time.

Independence Day....know your rights!

The rules regarding conduct must be clearly defined and explained to inmates, and each prisoner must be provided with a written list of the rules when entering a correctional facility. Disciplinary rules must relate to the needs of security, good order, and good housekeeping.

A prisoner accused of breaking rules does not have all the rights of an accused at trial because a prison disciplinary proceeding is not the same as a criminal prosecution. Inmates are not entitled to an attorney at disciplinary hearings, nor are they entitled to confront or crossexamine the witnesses against them, However:

Prisoners must be given notice of the charges against them, the particular rules they are charged with violating, and the penalties for such infractions. A hearing can be informal for small infractions. The ordinary procedure is for the fact finder to write a statement that explains the evidence relied on and the reason for any disciplinary action taken. The punishment must reasonably relate to the seriousness of the infraction, and the inmate must have an opportunity to explain the circumstances leading up to said infraction.

Prison officials may punish prisoners by withdrawing certain privileges, such as seeing visitors, buying items from the commissary, or earning wages.  This punishment must be

Disciplinary board approved... Prisoners cannot be denied fundamental human necessities under ANY disciplinary circumstances.

With Independence day at hand...everyone should be familiar with their rights, even if your incarcerated.

Has your Parole been denied?

If you did not receive the desired outcome at your Parole hearing, you have 45 days to Appeal. Let us help you decide if you meet the conditions to make an Appeal. We can make it all simple for you.

Mothers Day

To the world you might just be one person, but to one person you might just be the whole world….Don’t forget to tell your Mother how important she is.  Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

Tips for first time family Members

If this is your first time to visit a loved one in a State facility, most have a machine that turns your free world money into a debit card of sorts. Most visitation check points will make you aware of the money conversion, but not that the initial card costs you $2 dollars and that machine ONLY accepts a $5 dollar bill. So always make sure the money you plan to spend on vending machines in visit includes a $5 dollar bill, unless you save your card. Most are reloadable and you only have to purchase it once, but I always make sure I have a $5 just in case. If you keep and re-use your card it's also a good idea to write your name on it in a sharpie pen. Just in case it was dropped or misplaced. They all look the same unless you do this. They keep those pens at checkpoint and are usually happy to oblige.