Category Archives: Conrad Murray

February 13, 2012 · 9:43 AM

What do Whitney Houston and our criminal court system have in common???

As we all know pop icon Whitney Huston died Saturday.  As my readers are aware, I believe that change is only affected by taking action and offering solutions. It is simply not good enough to complain and stand on the sidelines.

The death of Whitney Houston illustrates many issues. Her death also will draw the platform needed to shine a light on so many problems in our criminal justice system.

First of all- I am not suggesting that Houston herself had any criminal legal issues. But, her death should make all of us think of how we can get a grip on the crisis in America of substance abuse and the consequences. For example, I wrote much about Conrad Murray and his easy treatment by our court system vs. other drug dealers. I have also written much about our weak and off base penalties for DUI arrests. Simply put, we MUST make changes.

Further, we must have EQUAL JUSTICE. That includes penalties in our State system that are not so different than our Federal Prison system. The analogy of Whitney Houston and our system may seem extreme. It is not. Somebody had to have provided the drugs to Houston over the years and it is a fact that she had a large amount of Prescription drugs in her hotel room. It also true that Houston’s ex husband Bobby Brown could have benefitted from proper programs during the many times he was arrested and incarcerated. Brown is a good example of somebody who needed an Incarcervention. That is a “get real” conversation that included long-term consequences. He is also proof that jail is not the solution to addiction.

As stated, this case illustrates that we must look at programs provided to people who are arrested on drug and DUI charges. Usually a court will order a drug or alcohol diversion program. That alone does NOT work. We need programs that have a long term care approach. To simply go to AA is not enough. Yes, it makes it easy for our courts, but not in the long run. I always suggest community service to my clients because it helps their self-esteem and provides a purpose to people who need a lift on all sides. This seems simple, but the truth is that community service is rarely ordered. I have proposed it be a part of all sentences- not in lieu of jail in all cases but a piece of the total.

There is much to think about and more to come. For now, the lesson must be that change is possible but we all need to look at the facts and come up with alternatives. If we do not use these high profile cases to begin a conversation than we are missing opportunities. For now, RIP Ms. Houston while the rest of us do some major soul searching.

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Filed under celebrities, community service, Conrad Murray, prescription drugs, Prison Consulting, Prison conultants

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December 30, 2011 · 7:39 PM

2011 the criminal justice year in review-An insider’s point of view!!!

2011 will go down as one of the most interesting years for criminal justice fans and followers. Of course we had the big name cases like Casey Anthony, Amanda Knox, Conrad Murray and Rod Blagojevich. But we also had major reform in California and Federal Crack Cocaine sentencing laws.

In both the California realignment case and Federal Crack Cocaine reform, many inmates were released immediately from custody. While these were great positives and steps in the right direction, the media coverage and biased reporting on other cases seemed to send our system backwards.

The Casey Anthony case was lost due to an arrogant and lazy prosecution, while the Conrad Murray case provided disappointing ratings for the media. So, the quest for the next “Big Case” will go on. Once again we see that people are fascinated with our criminal justice system and how it works.  Now the trick is to continue to raise awareness on how the system works and how it can be made better.

This insider is particularly interested in the Amanda Knox case. Not only did Knox serve time in Italy for a heinous crime, she was eventually acquitted just like Casey Anthony. Yet, as predicted, Knox has had a much nicer and more welcoming reception. Her re-entry has been much easier than that of Anthony. This goes to show you the power of the media and how everybody associated with these trials helped to shape our opinions.

2011 was also a record year for this insider. I had the privilege to work with some amazing clients. Some were very well known and others were not, but their stories and the stories of their families are always similar. Prison is a great equalizer. It is the only employer that does not discriminate. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work on many great media projects that I hope shined a realistic and positive light on our system and the people in it. It is a waste to criticize without offering solutions, and so I always tried to offer solutions while providing my unique take on the case and situation.

2011 also proved to me that re-entry while difficult is possible, and that a free and productive life can be had by all of us. I made many new friends, reconnected with old ones and even built a twitter following! And lastly, I had the support of my children and family. This transition has not been easy but there is nothing more gratifying or worthwhile. I encourage everybody struggling with prison and re-entry to work hard, get honest and embrace freedom.

Here’s a thank you to my best year ever and a wish for a free and happy 2012.

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November 3, 2011 · 10:00 AM

Got Milk? Got Propofol? GOTCHA CONRAD MURRAY…

As predicted Conrad Murray has been convicted and is already off to jail. But, why are TV experts saying he will not serve State Prison time? Yes, California is overcrowded and has started a “realignment.” But, if Murray receives the maximum 4 years he will serve STATE PRISON time. This is not a case that will be first in line for house arrest. Look at the crime and the defendant. There is no doubt that Murray over prescribed dangerous meds and propofol in a home setting. But, he also showed no caring for his patient or other patents. Look, he dropped the other patients like hot potatoes in order to work for Michael Jackson. Murray was more concerned with his many women and cell phone calls. Yep- it’s all about Conrad. Hello EGO. Further evidence of this is on the police interrogation tapes of Murray. It is here that we see Murray trying to manipulate the story while leaving out key elements to the police just as he did with the doctors at the hospital and the 911 responders.

Criminal justice experts understand that there are patterns in criminal thinking and in fact are 8 criminal thinking errors. Three of these spell CONRAD MURRAY- entitlement, grandiosity and mollification. In simple terms, Murray was, and is, oblivious to where his crimes began and where they will end. To support this I would ask people to think about how Murray may still be charged with Federal Crimes like prescription fraud and obstruction of justice. Where is the DEA???

An ironic part of this case is that Murray is facing so little actual prison time. It is the 25th anniversary of the CRACK epidemic and yet prescription drugs are now out of control according to the CDC. SO, are we going to make mandatory minimum prison sentences for doctors and other prescription fraudsters like we have for drug crimes in the Federal system? New York State used to have the Rockefeller Drug Laws. This term is used to denote the statutes dealing with the sale of narcotics like heroin and other illegal street drugs. These laws carried heavy mandatory minimums ranging from 15 years to life for selling as little as 56 grams. In 2009, these laws were revised to remove the mandatory minimum and was made retroactive leading to the release of more than 1000 inmates. Of course, most people convicted under the Rockefeller laws were low-income minorities just like the primary defendants in the Federal system where there are also very heavy mandatory minimum sentences. These sentences however are  for “illegal” drugs. Murray was pushing and trafficking in prescription drugs and is being tried in California State court, so he is not facing any mandatory minimums.

As a person who has worked with many people convicted to long sentences on drug crimes, and as an advocate for Equal Justice, I can tell you that our prisons are packed with low-level drug dealers who also have addiction problems. These people usually do not have the options and advantages of Conrad Murray.

So, why does Murray need an Incarcervention? Simply put, he is out of control and reckless without showing signs of remorse or any acceptance of responsibility. Look, he’s on trial in the death of his patient and yet he is seen out and about in Los Angeles as if he doesn’t have a care in the world getting pedicures and going to Disneyland. This from a man who should have learned his lesson years ago as he ran out on children, wives and debts. An Incarcervention may have helped sobered him up with a reality check years ago and maybe even resulted in the loss of his license. If so, would Michael Jackson be alive? Maybe or maybe he would have utilized one of his other doctor feel good’s. But, we must remember that Jackson and the Jackson family are not on trial here- Conrad Murray is.

Conrad, you need to start preparing for prison. I gave you loads of advice and have made it very clear that your attitude needs to change. Conrad you are simply going to have to learn the hard way that there are consequences for all actions. I would rather spend my time working with somebody who wants to make that change.

CONRAD MURRAY -“Look at the man in the mirror.” Like I always say, change is possible but it takes lots of work. And, when you decide you are ready call a good prison coach 1-866-229-8264.

FOLLOW@INCARCERVENTION

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October 24, 2011 · 11:18 AM

Conrad Murray needs to start preparing for prison…


Hello D.E.A. where are you???

The tapes once again say it all. Sad but true for Michael Jackson and soon to be ex-doctor Conrad Murray. The tapes that Murray made of his loaded patient Jackson are tragic and damning. Why would Murray have taped his patient while he was in a clear state of intoxication? The answer is simple. Murray must have believed that he would need this “evidence” one day in case somethinghappened to Jackson. Yet, they only confirm what we already knew, Michael Jackson was addicted to downers. But, the tapes tell a story about Murray and the myopic way he views things. Yep- it’s all about Conrad. Hello EGO. Further evidence of this is on the police interrogation tapes of Murray. It is here that we see Murray trying to manipulate the story while leaving out key elements to the police just as he did with the doctors at the hospital and the 911 responders.

Criminal justice experts understand that there are patterns in criminal thinking and in fact are 8 criminal thinking errors. Three of these spell CONRAD MURRAY- entitlement, grandiosity and mollification. In simple terms, Murray was and is oblivious to where his crimes began and where they will end. To support this I would ask people to think about how Murray may still be charged with Federal Crimes like prescription fraud and obstruction of justice. Where is the DEA???

An ironic part of this case is that Murray is facing so little actual prison time. In the Federal System there are mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. New York State used to have something called the Rockefeller Drug Laws.”This term is used to denote the statutes dealing with the sale of narcotics like heroin and other illegal street drugs. These laws carried heavy mandatory minimums ranging from 15 years to life for selling as little as 56 grams. In 2009, these laws were revised to remove the mandatory minimum and was made retroactive leading to the release of more than 1000 inmates. Of course, most people convicted under the Rockefeller laws were low-income minorities just like the primary defendants in the Federal system where there are also very heavymandatory minimum sentences. These sentences however are  for “illegal” drugs. Murray was pushing and trafficking in prescription drugs and is being tried in California State court and not facing any minimums. As a person who has worked with many people convicted to long sentences on drug crimes and as an advocate for Equal Justice, I can tell you that our prisons are packed with low-level drug dealers who also have addiction problems. These people usually do not have the options and advantages of Conrad Murray.

So, why does Murray need an Incarcervention? Simply put, he is out of control and reckless without showing signs of remorse or any acceptance of responsibility. Look, he’s on trial in the death of his patient and yet he is seen out and about in Los Angeles as if he doesn’t have a care in the world getting pedicures and going to Disneyland. This from a man who should have learned his lesson years ago as he ran out on children, wives and debts. An Incarcervention may have helped sobered him up with a reality check years ago and maybe even resulted in the loss of his license. If so, would Michael Jackson be alive? Maybe or maybe he would have utilized one of his other doctor feel good’s. But, we must remember that Jackson and the Jackson family are not on trial here- Conrad Murray is.

Conrad you need to start preparing for prison. I gave you loads of advice in a previous blog and have made it very clear that your attitude needed to change. But, Conrad you are simply is going to have to learn the hard way that there are consequences for all actions. I would rather spend my time working with somebody who wants to make that change. But, CONRAD MURRAY here is some advice for you- “Look at the man in the mirror.” Like I always say, change is possible but it takes lots of work. And, when you decide you are ready call a good prison coach 1-866-229-8264.

FOLLOW @incarcervention


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October 13, 2011 · 12:22 PM

Conrad Murray needs to start preparing for prison…

Hello D.E.A. where are you???

The tapes once again say it all. Sad but true for Michael Jackson and soon to be ex-doctor Conrad Murray. The tapes that Murray made of his loaded patient Jackson are tragic and damning. Why would Murray have taped his patient while he was in a clear state of intoxication? The answer is simple. Murray must have believed that he would need this “evidence” one day in case something happened to Jackson. Yet, they only confirm what we already knew, Michael Jackson was addicted to downers. But, the tapes tell a story about Murray and the myopic way he views things. Yep- it’s all about Conrad. Hello EGO. Further evidence of this is on the police interrogation tapes of Murray. It is here that we see Murray trying to manipulate the story while leaving out key elements to the police just as he did with the doctors at the hospital and the 911 responders.

Criminal justice experts understand that there are patterns in criminal thinking and in fact are 8 criminal thinking errors. Three of these spell CONRAD MURRAY- entitlement, grandiosity and mollification. In simple terms, Murray was and is oblivious to where his crimes began and where they will end. To support this I would ask people to think about how Murray may still be charged with Federal Crimes like prescription fraud and obstruction of justice. Where is the DEA???

An ironic part of this case is that Murray is facing so little actual prison time. In the Federal System there are mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. New York State used to have something called the Rockefeller Drug Laws.” This term is used to denote the statutes dealing with the sale of narcotics like heroin and other illegal street drugs. These laws carried heavy mandatory minimums ranging from 15 years to life for selling as little as 56 grams. In 2009, these laws were revised to remove the mandatory minimum and was made retroactive leading to the release of more than 1000 inmates. Of course, most people convicted under the Rockefeller laws were low-income minorities just like the primary defendants in the Federal system where there are also very heavy mandatory minimum sentences. These sentences however are  for “illegal” drugs. Murray was pushing and trafficking in prescription drugs and is being tried in California State court and not facing any minimums. As a person who has worked with many people convicted to long sentences on drug crimes and as an advocate for Equal Justice, I can tell you that our prisons are packed with low-level drug dealers who also have addiction problems. These people usually do not have the options and advantages of Conrad Murray.

So, why does Murray need an Incarcervention? Simply put, he is out of control and reckless without showing signs of remorse or any acceptance of responsibility. Look, he’s on trial in the death of his patient and yet he is seen out and about in Los Angeles as if he doesn’t have a care in the world getting pedicures and going to Disneyland. This from a man who should have learned his lesson years ago as he ran out on children, wives and debts. An Incarcervention may have helped sobered him up with a reality check years ago and maybe even resulted in the loss of his license. If so, would Michael Jackson be alive? Maybe or maybe he would have utilized one of his other doctor feel good’s. But, we must remember that Jackson and the Jackson family are not on trial here- Conrad Murray is.

Conrad you need to start preparing for prison. I gave you loads of advice in a previous blog and have made it very clear that your attitude needed to change. But, Conrad you are simply is going to have to learn the hard way that there are consequences for all actions. I would rather spend my time working with somebody who wants to make that change. But, CONRAD MURRAY here is some advice for you- “Look at the man in the mirror.” Like I always say, change is possible but it takes lots of work. And, when you decide you are ready call a good prison coach 1-866-229-8264.

FOLLOW @incarcervention

Leave a Comment

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