Category Archives: women in prison

May 9, 2013 · 11:46 PM

What is State Prison Really Like- Jodie Arias?

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Jodie Arias was just convicted of first degree murder in Arizona. That means she will soon be transferred to Arizona State Prison. And that means Perryville even if she goes to death row. I have known many women who have served time at Perryville and currently have several clients who are still there. Bottom line- Perryville is NO JOKE. It is hard time. They do offer inmate programs for various issues, especially substance abuse, but Arias will no doubt be a lifer and that is a whole different world.

The Perryville complex houses various security levels, but Arias will be in Maximum Security and will have non contact visits and be housed in a cell not a dorm. She will have access to television and like all inmates will be able to buy a radio and various items from the commissary. In fact, high profile cases like Arias, Scott Peterson, Manson and even Casey Anthony often have strangers deposit money on their books for such items. The most popular commissary item is Ice Cream- especially in Arizona in Summer!

But, this prison stay will be no cake walk and contrary to media reports, there is no tweeting or even computers or cell phones. And yes, there are female gangs at Perryville. SO what will life be like for Jodi Arias and her family? ROUTINE. Remember, the family is a victim of Arias also and they will need to decide if they keep in contact with her. No matter what the Arias family has an adjustment period also. I often coach families on how to deal with a loved one’s incarceration. In this case it will be a whole new normal as she is never coming home.

Often the person inside tries to hustle the outsiders and play on their sympathies. I suspect Arias will do this as well. Her family will need to learn boundaries and get over any guilt they may have while showing empathy and compassion for the victim and his family.

As for Jodie Arias she must prepare for long, boring days and lonely nights now that the court drama has ended. Perryville and it’s hard core rules await.

 


Wendy Feldman is a criminal justice expert, crisis manager 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 The Today Show, The CBS Early Show, E! News, People.com, Fox News, NBC News, CNN, NPR and Nancy Grace. She is a weekly featured guest on the syndicated America Now radio program. She may be reached at wendy@wendyfeldman.com

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Filed under death row for women, jail, Jodie Arias, prepare for jail, prison coaching, prison preparation, women in prison

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August 27, 2011 · 3:20 PM

What happens to crime and prison inmates in natural disasters???

As we all know, Irene is on her way to the big city -New York. But, did you ever wonder what happens to both the inmate population and correctional staff and after the storm passes, will crime be on the rise?

First things first,

According to the New York City Department of Corrections’ more than three-quarters of Rikers Island’s 400 acres are built on landfill–Its ten jails have a capacity of close to 17,000 inmates, and normally house at least 12,000, including juveniles and large numbers of prisoners with mental illness–not to mention pre-trial detainees who have yet to be convicted of any crime. There are also hundreds of corrections officers at work on the island.

Rikers Island also houses the first ever baby nursery, and there are children with their mothers at Rikers right now. Many of us remember what happened after Katrina and the horrific conditions endured by inmates at Orleans Parish in New Orleans.

So, why is Mayor Bloomberg making NO plans to evacuate some of the population at Riker’s Island? After all, this will affect State correctional staff as well. Especially if they are left for days like in New Orleans with no food or water. This is a very dangerous situation, not only for the next few days but also for months to come as the fear and anger that will develop from these inmates and their families will increase. Remember, many at Rikers are simply being held for pre-trial and are not yet convicted and others are very mentally disturbed and need the institutional routine they are used to.

Normally what happens in emergency situations is that there is relocation if possible. But, in any case, all inmates will be on what they call lockdown mode. of all inmates. This for their safety and the safety of the staff.

But, what happens after? I can tell you that look for a huge increase in crime along the East Coast in the next few weeks. This is inevitable and will only hurt an already ailing economy. Good for a prison coach like me, but not the way any of us want to generate business. Tough circumstances make for even tougher times. For now, the best we cab do is learn from this and offer assistance where needed. And, it will be needed.

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Filed under Criminal thinking, Hurricane Irene, jail, prison consultant, Rikers Island, women in prison

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August 3, 2011 · 5:40 AM

Can Casey Anthony sue the State of Florida???

 

Surprise, surprise! There are so many twists and turns in the Casey Anthony case that one can barely keep up. As a former Wall Street person I know that timing is everything. So, let’s look at the suspicious timing in this case of late.

First all we must start with the very quick verdict and the timing of the release of Casey Anthony. Originally she was set to be released one day and then the Department of Corrections recalculated the date to one 4 days later. Huh?

Next, Casey is told that her probation for the check fraud convictions is over as she served it in jail? Really??? So, she is free and clear and off to an unknown location.

Then come the fake reports and sightings including one right back at Orlando airport. That is the silliest one of all. Florida is a Felony Register State and Anthony would have to register with the Sherriff’s department if she was there.

Then we have the networks all saying they are bailing, doubt it and so the Anthony team changes course and says Casey is in rehab because she needs treatment for serious mental health issues. Ya think??? This timing is also suspicious. Was the Baez team tipped off that the ex judge was going to amend his order and make Casey reserve her probation the typical way?

Last but not least, Judge Strickland’s timing? After all, he has had almost 3 weeks to figure this error of HIS out. But, he signs an order and goes on vacation?! Timing anyone?

So, now we are left with a huge legal fight and that means bill for the State, as Anthony has been declared indigent. Plus all of the court costs that have been rung up and get ready…

Casey Anthony may be in a good position to now SUE the State of Florida for unjust prosecution, discrimination and more. You name it. Casey Anthony, who needs a network gig, you’ve got Florida???

See what happens when even judges are looking for their fifteen miinutes. Errors and money, money, money. Same thing happened in the Lindsay Lohan case when the judge made an error and the probation department tried to violate Lohan and send her to jail. Well, surprise, surprise, the original judge had made an error and not ordered drug and alcohol testing past a certain date.

This week I discussed all that is Casey Anthony and more on Issues with Jane Valez Mitchell and Nancy Grace. But, there is so much more to tell!

The big question. Will Casey Anthony have to go back to Florida and serve probation, will she transfer her probation to where she is now or will the order be vacated? If so, watch for the Baez team to file a complaint and then a lawsuit perhaps?

And, did the State check to see where the $200,000 Casey received went before they declared her indigent? One thing is clear. Our criminal justice system is a mess and we can spell is Casey Anthony. Finally she is the poster child for something!

Stay tuned…

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Filed under casey anthony. jose baez, Criminal Justice, Criminal thinking, George Anthony, jail, Jane Velez Mitchell, Nancy Grace, prison coaching, prison preparation, prison re entry, restorative justice, Tot mom, women in prison

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July 29, 2011 · 10:09 AM

Why Casey Anthony will never get that million bucks…

Rumors are running rampant that Casey Anthony will get over a million dollars for an interview and maybe even a book. But look at the obvious. Anthony has a slew of legal troubles including IRS liens, her felony convictions, the appeal of her most recent convictions for lying and various civil suits. Even if she were to receive money, she would either not be able to keep it or she would lose her indigent status and therefore her defense in the criminal matter that is on appeal would have to be funded by her and not the state.

Add all of this to the fact that Casey Anthony cannot file bankruptcy easily and cannot make herself judgment proof. She simply will have to take this slowly and continue to accept the help others are giving her. Yes, others are funding her life now and her parent’s lives as well. How else do you think they are all living the life?

Certainly a network has not already paid cash directly to any of them, so who is?

The benefactors are front end paying the bills for their own reasons. Then, a network deal can come later after Casey cleans up and has proper coaching. Believe me, she is in therapy and coaching and maybe even having media prep.

And, at the end of the day if she does receive a money deal, she will have to pay her debts and then make a long term plan. Even a million dollars will NOT last forever and this high school dropout needs forever.

As for the parents, Cindy and George, who is funding them? Somebody is and we will soon learn. Expect them to do an interview before Casey.

No doubt Casey Anthony needs cash, but she also needs therapy and long term planning. Where she gets this or if she gets this is anybody’s guess. But, first Casey Anthony must stop playing the victim and start doing something for somebody else. How about donating a portion of any proceeds to charity? That could start what is truly needed here-some Restorative Justice.

Stay tuned. Change is possible. Maybe!

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Filed under Casey Anthony, CBS Early Show, child abuse, community service, Criminal Justice, George Anthony, incarcervention, jail, Jose Baez, Nancy Grace, Prison Consulting, prison re entry, Tot mom, women in prison

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July 18, 2011 · 11:17 AM

Do we care where in the world Casey Anthony is???

At this point the mystery of how Casey Anthony would be released is over. Truth be told it was never a mystery. As I said on The CBS EARLY SHOW Saturday, all inmates have a similar release protocol. No, the Sheriff does not have to provide 24/7 protection and let us keep in mind that high profile people are released everyday.

The questions still abound for many about her re-entry into society. I also addressed this on the Early Show. Re-entry is the single hardest part of the incarceration process. Anybody can do time. But, many people have a hard time coming back into mainstream society. As with anybody I work with, I advise Casey Anthony to get help.

Celebrities in high profile cases often re- offend because of the enablers and takers around them. This case is not likely to be any different. After all, change takes work and admitting you NEED to change. How can Casey Anthony expect society to forgive her until she does the work? Maybe she should practice some restorative justice? Probably not, that takes work too.

Will Casey Anthony write a book? Can she write a book? That takes work too. Lying does not make somebody a murderer, but her lack of attachment and empathy do make her an unlikely candidate for change.

So, how long until Jose Baez looses interest and they too split? Criminal thinking is done in patterns. There are eight patterns of criminal thinking. Most people in prison exhibit at least a few of these. Number one pattern of criminal thinking- ENTITLEMENT.

Casey Anthony may never realize that there is a difference between FAME and INFAMY. Or, she may not care until she lands in jail again.

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Filed under bail, Casey Anthony, CBS Early Show, celebrities, Criminal Justice, Criminal thinking, incarcervention, jail, Jose Baez, Nancy Grace, prison coaching, prison consultant, prison re entry, restorative justice, success after prison, women in prison

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