Category Archives: Federal Prison

June 6, 2012 · 11:49 AM

The Casey Anthony Interview

Rumors abound that Casey Anthony will be on a major TV talk show once her probation is lifted. Of course the end of probation just happens to be right when the new FALL TV season begins. There are many boycotts and petitions going around to try to stop somebody from doing this interview. Most specifically there is a rumor that Katie Couric and People Magazine will do a major splash together.

Here are my thoughts on this or any other interview with Casey Anthony. I believe an interview WILL happen. Will a network pay? Absolutely. This is where Anthony will get into Federal trouble. Watch for her to under report the fee or “launder” it. Additionally, Casey Anthony has a huge I.R.S. lien that must be paid or settled.

There are many ways the interview can be done in a way as to not highlight Anthony, but highlight the crimes she was CONVICTED of including child neglect. Since the interview will happen, I am hopeful that there will be many aspects of the show that will shine a light on child abuse, manipulating the system, re-entry and of course the consequences of this crime.

As I write and comment about often, the Casey Anthony case is unique in that there is so much attention and very strong feelings. A show that shows where the process broke down and what we can do to make sure this never happens again would be a good thing.

The bottom line is that I suggest everybody channel their energy into making the interview only a small component of a BIGGER picture. If this interview is done “correctly” it will not only validate the strong feelings but also help other families and children. And, again, there is no way Casey Anthony will be able to hold on to any of the money. She simply isn’t that smart and she has a criminal mind. There are eight criminal thinking errors including grandiosity and mollification. Anthony actually has all eight and a serious psychopathy.

Is Casey Anthony guilty? That would never be my question. I would ask how many things is she guilty of??? As we all know, I believe that change is possible in most cases. In this case there is no chance of change as there is no remorse, not even for the loss of her child, and the crime itself is too deep and serious in so many ways.

Networks if you are reading this I urge you to consider the bigger picture and not grant a vanity piece but rather use Anthony as she has used the system and society. What comes around goes around…

Wendy Feldman is a criminal justice expert, insider and family legal coach. She is available for private consultation on how to prepare for a successful incarceration, probation and re-entry. She is also available for media commentary and has appeared on shows from Today, CBS Early Show, Fox News and Nancy Grace. She is a weekly featured guest in the syndicated America Now radio program. She may be reached at wendy@custodialcoaching.com. 

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May 12, 2012 · 3:15 PM

What’s prison like on Mother’s Day???

Prison on mother’s day- the busiest place on earth. Certainly not the happiest, but the busiest. Mother’s day is the number one day for visitors in a women’s prison. You see it all. From kids who have not seen their mom’s in a year or more, to every baby daddy on earth trying to do the right thing even if just for a moment.

Mother’s day is also the hardest day if you are in prison and a mom. For many it is the only day of the year they allow themselves to be sad or even remorseful. People in prison all use different coping strategies to deal with the loss, anger and isolation of  their choices. When I was in a Federal Prison camp for mother’s day, it seemed like the only day when everyone got along with each other, or at least tried. In fact, I saw more compassion and empathy in prison on mother’s day than I do on the outside sometimes. It is the ultimate reality check when you find yourself in prison on mother’s day.

I was lucky enough to have my family and my children visit me often. But, for those who don’t, here are some resources. Prisoners with Children is a wonderful organization and has programs to help families. The Girl Scouts also has a program to help children visit their parents as does Get On The Bus. As hard as it may seem to understand, it is only through programs like these that we can stop the cycle and begin the healing.

As I say often, families are the forgotten consequences of crime. We can’t ignore that the best way for a successful re-entry back to society  is through the quality of family relationships. The trend is for prisons to encourage visits and family contact. I not only agree but do whatever I can to raise awareness to this issue. The stigma of an incarcerated parent is a heavy one, yet with the proper tools and understanding, this burden can be dealt with.

Support these and other programs and always remember that change is possible with hard work.

To everyone, Happy Mother’s Day and may you find peace and freedom in the future.

Wendy Feldman is a criminal justice expert, insider and family legal coach. She is available for private consultation on how to prepare for a successful incarceration, probation and re-entry. She is also available for media commentary and has appeared on shows from Today, CBS Early Show, Fox News and Nancy Grace. She is a weekly featured guest in the syndicated America Now radio program. She may be reached at wendy@custodialcoaching.com. 

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April 8, 2012 · 11:25 AM

Judgment is a tale as old as time. And it KILLS…

Yes, we live in a world of pre-conceived notions. We judge people and we are judged. This is not a politically correct thing to say, but it is true. SO what??? Get over this and learn from it. This is why I work in criminal justice and why it works for me. When I work with clients, speak at youth groups or appear in media, people are still shocked that I speak the PRISON LINGO.

The truth of the matter is that I have a platform in part because I do not look like what we expect prison and crime to look like. In fact, often when I speak I must remind people that I was actually Federal Prison property at one time. Do they forget because I speak well, have a sense of humor or because I have blonde hair? All of the above. Judgment is a fact of life that if we accept we can learn from and use to our advantage. I like nothing more than to flip the switch and drop the “P” bomb on people when they least expect it. That is one way I know what is motivating them to be around me.

Judgment- Yes, we all do it…the key is to make it work for you. I use my access to shine the light on our incarceration nation and to offer solutions. This is not always an easy task and more often than not I am met with skepticism and denial. We can make a difference and we can change lives. But, we must acknowledge reality.

The current case of Trayvon Martin illustrates this all to well. It is the saddest of sad and all that is wrong with our criminal justice system, and why we must confront these issues and take a stand. Are the police wrong? The District Attorney? Are we ready to change our gun laws? Is racism really at play here? Probably a little of all of this and more. What I do know is that nothing is gained by pretending that the judgments in this case are not significant.

I challenge anybody who is using this case and others solely for their own media “ego” to think about the most important word in criminal justice- CONSEQUENCES.  I teach my clients this everyday, and I also live it. Crime is ugly- judgment is ugly, yet we are stalled. Stalled by stigma and stalled by what to do with people who are a part of our criminal justice system. Stalled by judgment. Let’s all try a little harder to understand fact from fiction and leave the judges to those who are paid to do it.

If we take a stand with conviction than we are making a difference. The fact of the matter is that much is wrong with our criminal justice system.  What system actually? We have a Hodge podge of laws and punishments. Some states now call their Department of Corrections- Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. That’s a start. Now we need the rehabilitation component. That will come when we understand the judgments, offer programs and job assistance. For now remember that change is possible. What you may think about a situation may not be accurate. Take time to understand all sides and then reconsider.

Wendy Feldman is a criminal justice expert and legal coach. She is available for private consultation on how to prepare for a successful incarceration, probation and re-entry. She is also available for media commentary and has appeared on shows from Today to Fox News. She may be reached at wendy@custodialcoaching.com. 

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March 8, 2012 · 12:30 PM

Blagojevich-the first night is the toughest…

That’s it! Rod Blagojevich has reported to Federal Prison to serve his 14 year term. Yes- 14 years! The sentence seems as absurd as Blago himself. As a prison coach and criminal justice expert I see all kinds of cases and people. Really, I have seen it all and then there is Blago. Now he will be known by his infamous last name and hi inmate number. What did he do last night? He probably watched American Idol like everybody else did! I am sure we will be getting Blago updates but he will fade from view as the rest of the infamous unmates do.

To keep the 14 years in perspective we must remember that Blagojevich had many bites at the apple. His first trial ended in only one conviction and he could have accepted responsibility and cut a sweet deal at that point. But, no- Blago had to prove he was innocent, the wiretaps were fakes and he was destined to be a reality star and media darling. Vintage client profile of mine and somebody who is grandiose, narcissistic and full of entitlement. Remember the 8 patterns of criminal thinking I have written about??? There are 3 right there.

The reason Blago received the 14 years is that his case has cost the rest of us millions of dollars to prosecute and DEFEND. Yes, defend. After the first trial, Blagojevich claimed he could no longer afford his defense and so as with any defendant, some of his legal bills were picked up by the same government trying to put him in prison. Now it will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep him in prison.

And, we have not even talked about the most important part of this case. The VICTIMS- aka the wife and daughters of Rob Blagojevich. Families are the forgotten consequences of crime. We have seen very little of Patti Blagojevich except when she took her husband’s place on the reality show “I’m a Celebrity Get me Out of Here” and in a few recent interviews. We have also heard nothing about the children and the fact that they will now grow up without their father and with the stigma and shame he has left them. This is the sad part of the story and makes one wonder why Blago didn’t think of this. I understand that when he was on his crime spree of calls, the family got lost in the mess of his mind. I have been there. But, when the jig was up and he had the opportunity to accept his role and do a small prison stunt he just could not do it. Not even for his family.

It seems that even now Rod Blagojevich will not go away quietly. He will have one last press conference. Sorry Rod- no more reality shows, no more memoir, no more talk shows just inmate number 40892-424 and a lot of time to grow up. Even for you change is possible.

As for Patti Balgojevich and her girls. They need lots of support and professional therapy. They also need to be involved in their community and show that it was not them who committed the crime and that they are going to learn and grow from this experience. This can be done and even while they stand by Rod and support him. After all, sometimes prison can be a transformative experience and maybe they will become closer in a more authentic way.

Wendy Feldman is a prison consultant and criminal justice expert. She is available as a media commentator and for private clients and speaking events. To contact Wendy visit www.custodialcoaching.com or email Wendy@custodialcoaching.com

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January 23, 2012 · 9:42 AM

Joe Paterno and true change- Time ran out!!!

A CONSPIRATOR IS A PERSON WHO TAKES PART IN A CONSPIRACY–AKA COVER-UP.

Why is this so confusing to people? I am not happy Joe Paterno passed away. Now he will be held accountable to the ultimate authority. Whatever your religious beliefs we must now all look at the issues Paterno and his silence and now his death bring up. There seems little doubt that he was in some way part of a cover-up. That could mean a true cover-up where information is hidden or a cover-up by OMISSION. That is a handshake not to disclose what he knew and when. Maybe it even meant urging others not to go to the police.

The actual facts regarding Paterno will never be known. We do know that for over 10 years various Penn State officials knew about a child RAPE, a criminal complaint and massive inappropriate behavior.

SO, what now? Joe Paterno the legendary coach of Penn State football has died at age 85. Did he do a KEN LEY? Yes, I did just say that!!! Who was Ken Lay? He was the CEO of ENRON. Lay died of a heart attack just as he was facing massive criminal charges and public scrutiny. Remember???

I am not comparing the actual crimes of Lay to the alleged poor behavior of Paterno. I am comparing their misguided moral compass, their grandiosity and their narcissism. The fact of the matter is that both had created what looked to be amazing legacies that in the end were tarnished by their poor choices. That is called CONSEQUENCES. Unfortunately neither had the time to make changes and reinvent themselves. Neither accepted responsibility for certain actions and both left their families with more than a mixed bag of public opinion and outrage.

I know that this may be a controversial opinion. That is the great thing about having been the person who made poor choices and has been lucky enough to have the time to flip the switch and make positive changes. The point is whether your name is Stewart, Lay, Feldman or Paterno- there are consequences and prices to be paid.

Here is hoping that people remember the good and the bad about Joe Paterno so we can all learn a lesson. After all, many believe that it takes a catastrophic event to make true change. In this case, I do hope that Paterno rests in peace. I also hope that all of us learn that there is NO excuse for child abuse. We must hold each other accountable and take action.

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