Tag Archives: county jail

April 13, 2012 · 11:59 AM

Zimmerman is THE high profile case of the moment- AND???

Seminole County JailThe shooting death of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman illustrates everything that is wrong with our criminal justice system. From the looks of it we have a young man who is dead and another being held in Seminole County Florida County Jail. We also have very few facts other than that. It seems that it took an extraordinary long time to arrest Zimmerman. And we have a “special prosecutor” no less.

Now we have a media circus. From lawyers giving press conferences about Zimmerman who never may have represented him to the Special Prosecutor herself giving a lengthy and rather cheerful one. Never a good idea. Then we have Zimmerman’s new lawyer Mark O’Mara who specializes in criminal defense work AND DIVORCE- WHATTTTTTTTTT? That combo is what is wrong here. A case as serious as this needs specialists; not wanna be media stars. As I have stated, every defense lawyer I know wanted to jump in a represent Zimmerman. Not because they were going to be paid a lot but because they wanted their TV Time!

Factually it looks like another over charge just like we had in the Casey Anthony case. This may have been done to answer some political and media pressure. Never a good idea to overcharge if you have a weak case. Friday Zimmerman lawyer O’Mara will ask for bond at a special hearing. He has also asked that judge Jessica Recksiedler be replaced. Should bond be granted we will really see every crazy coming out of the woodwork? Maybe even our favorite bounty hunter! Yikes.

This is obviously a high profile case and we must begin to separate fact from fiction. Who are the key players, did they have records, did they ever encounter each other before and did something else happen that night? Also, we need to keep people away from this case who simply want to turn it into a racial issue. It may be partly racial and it may be fully. We just do not know yet. But, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson mixing up trouble is the worst thing they can be doing right now. Unfortunately, this is their pattern and one that never advances their community very far.

Trayvon Martin’s mother even stated on television that she thought this was an accident. However, moments later she recanted and went on to read an obviously staged statement. Who wrote it? AL Sharpton? My advice to everybody is to keep quiet for now if you really want to see justice done. But, I fear we will see Zimmerman and his team selling interviews and pictures just like we saw Casey Anthony do when she was out on bond. Really media? Just don’t pay for that garbage.

Lastly, I see many “experts” talking about what it is like for Zimmerman right now. Please- here are the facts as I work with people inside prisons and those coming out for a living. I even prep people on how to stand strong during a trial and how their family should behave, as it is a very stressful time. Zimmerman is being held in Protective Custody by the Seminole County Jail. He is inmate 201200004452. Protective Custody is for his own good as he may face harm in the general population. Anthony and others have been held in what we call PC.

So, now it is time to let the system begin to play out while we all watch and draw our own conclusions. I urge everyone to see what the evidence says at trial before rushing to judgment. I will be watching and talking about this case too. Stay tuned…

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, CBS Early Show to Fox News and Nancy Grace. She may be reached at wendy@custodialcoaching.com. 

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Filed under bail, Casey Anthony, Criminal Justice, George Zimmerman, Prison Consulting, Prison conultants, Trayvon Martin

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January 30, 2012 · 11:33 AM

What Now Casey Anthony?

As usual there are numerous stories floating around about Casey Anthony, a book deal and other investigations. Here is what I can tell you:

Anthony has her regular meeting with her probation officer this week. Usually the process is a review of what a person has been up to the past month, any conditions there were supposed to follow and updates. For most, this is a standard process. But, as well all know, Anthony is anything but “normal”. As a true crime INSIDER I smell a rat.

There are the Internet video blogs that contradict her probation statements and there is the fact she is dating a former felon. A big NO NO. Now come rumors that she has indeed received a large sum of money but did not declare that to the Feds or her probation officer. Before I go on, keep in mind that try as I might, much of this is still rumor and can’t be fully confirmed. After all, Casey is shady!

Fact:

The video’s that Anthony released herself state that she PURCHASED the computer with her own money- hmmm- she told in writing her probation officer that she had no money or job and was enrolling in school.

Fact:

Casey has been “dating” a former convicted felon and did not disclose that on her probation report.

Fact:

Hundreds of people have sent letters to the U.S. Attorney and FBI about this case. And thousands have signed a petition through change.org.

Fact:

The financial criminal aspect of this case, aka- where is Anthony getting her money from- is being investigated. Law enforcement will never confirm or deny such early stage investigations, but it looks as if several agencies are in fact looking into various matters.

Fact:

Casey Anthony just can’t keep her mouth shut and will be her own demise!!!

Rumor: NOW CONFIRMED…

Casey has already received several hundred thousand dollars for the video blogs and more.

As this case still captures our thoughts and imaginations, I am sure we will all stay tuned. I know I am looking into this and have stated on various talk shows that I BELIEVE Anthony will violate her probation before the one-year is up. I am sticking to that prediction.

There is also a wealth of information on The Caylee Daily.

In the meantime, take this case on shine the light on the fact that FIVE children die of abuse or neglect everyday in the United States. For more information and where you can help go to www.childhelp.org.

Follow @Incarcervention

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Filed under Casey Anthony, child abuse, Criminal Justice, probation

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November 28, 2011 · 12:41 PM

A tale of three Sheriff’s: Arpaio, Baca and Hennessey…

Recently it was announced by Governor Rick Perry that Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio would be hitting the campaign trail for Perry. This the same Ricky Perry who is running for President and of the “N HEAD” scandal. Well, now having the infamous Sheriff Joe involved makes some sense, right? Or it simply shows the extremely poor judgment Perry and his team have.

For those of you who do not know who Sheriff Joe is read on. Sheriff Joe Arpaio bills himself as the toughest Sheriff in the nation. But tough does not always mean productive, and in the case of Arpaio, there is loads of controversy. He is known for making his inmates wear Pink and Stripes along with having part of his Phoenix, Arizona jail being OUTSIDE in tents. Yes, he brags about the high temperatures, the rats and the tents. What he does not brag about are the two ongoing investigations into his administration including a $100 million dollars in allegedly misspent public funds. This according to the Arizona Republic. He also keeps quiet a recently settled case with the US Justice Department and the large settlements the city has had to pay out to inmates’ families who have been harmed or even died in his custody. Solid choice Ricky Perry?!

Next on the Sheriff hit parade is Los Angeles Sheriff Lee Baca. Baca also inserts himself in to media and politics whenever he can. Baca has been in office since 1998 and is often known as the Sheriff to the stars. This over the handling and press conferences of former inmates Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton and of course Lindsay Lohan. But, now Baca seems to be right where he belongs: under investigation. Baca and his officers are under investigation for the alleged abuse against inmates and the handling of the Mitrice Richardson case. After all of the scandals it may just be the Richardson case that brigs down Lee Baca. In my opinion this is a good thing as there should be no room in law enforcement for illegal activities. Funny I have to write that, but true. Just look at Baca and Arpaio.

But, just when we might think there is not good in law enforcement and the Sheriff’s of America, there is San Francisco Sheriff Mike Hennessey. Sheriff Hennessy has served in that capacity for 32 years and will be retiring this January. Yes, I have saved the best for last, and Mike Hennessey is the Best! California’s Department of Corrections is now known as the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. I know of nobody who has done more for rehabilitation in law enforcement than Hennessey. During his years in San Francisco Sheriff Hennessey has helped to create major prisoner education and rehabilitation programs such as the Five Keys Charter School and the Resolve to Stop The Violence Project(RSVP). These programs have changed lives while most importantly lower the recidivism rates substantially.

So, there you have it. A tale of three very different “leaders” in law enforcement. Why should you care? The fact is that in our incarceration nation if we do not find a way to rehabilitate people, we will never lower crime. These three men have the power to effect change and yet two are leading the way on how to create it. Hey, Sheriff Joe and Sheriff Baca, do not forget about an old friend of yours named Sheriff Mike Corona who is serving time in FEDERAL PRISON. This too can be you. Stop the madness and make a change.

FOLLOW @INCARCERVENTION

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November 17, 2011 · 11:17 AM

HOW TO PREPARE FOR PRISON MATTERS-PREP 101

Here we are in November, the busiest time for criminal cases, and yet there still is a disconnect between what lawyers and judges think happens once convicted and what actually happens. To be clear, I am only talking about non-violent offenders. This is the population I work with and was a part of. This why people who are about to go on trial or enter a guilty plea must be PREPARED. Yet, few are urged to even by their own lawyers. Every day I am faced with clients who are not educated at all as to what they will face once the judge says guilty.

I understand they do not teach much of this in law school, and lawyers and judges have not spent even one night in jail, but there is no excuse to not think about the client and what is going to happen next. There is prison and then there is re-entry and life after. I am going to go over a few major things that I prepare my clients for.

First of all, in many cases there is the option of self-surrender. That is a date is picked by the judge where the defendant is told to show up at the prison or jail .It’s like checking into a hotel. That simple until you get inside. Once inside there will be the standard search, cough and squat and other things you must prepare for. If eligible, I urge all clients to ask for this. Last week I had a high-profile client and the lawyer was refusing to ask and said she could just go through the regular county jail transfer process. Really?? My answer to the lawyer was “You do it. It’s awful.” And so they lawyer asked and was GRANTED a self-surrender directly to the prison. This, in State prison is known as a GATE surrender. That way one can avoid county time and the awful process of being transferred in a chain gang.

Next, I make sure that all of my clients have learned a little humility before they go. This way it will not be such a shock and the staff and other inmates will be able to relate to them easier no matter who they are. Right now there are many rumors about how Conrad Murray’s stay in county jail is going poorly. Much of that could have been avoided had he been properly prepared for both a guilty verdict and jail.

Lastly, make sure that you understand what the prison is like, what the rules are. You can get these online or through a good prison coach, and what will come after. That means halfway house, probation or maybe community service. EDUCATE yourself and your family. Remember that when a defendant goes to jail, so does their family. It is a difficult time.

PRISON is a different world. Once lawyers and judges understand this, their clients will understand it too and things will go more smoothly. And, yes, the better the prison experience the better the chance for a successful re-entry. Once again, over 95% of everyone in prison is getting out and most within 5 years. We all need to be prepared and better educated. This problem is not going away, but a good prison consultant can help. Ask any of my clients, but maybe not their lawyers! Change IS possible for everyone, even lawyers!

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 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

Follow @thewendyfeldman

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October 19, 2011 · 12:04 PM

Lindsay Lohan and why she has the system by the balls…

Today Lindsay Lohan had the strangest of moments in a Los Angeles courtroom. Lohan appeared before Judge Stephanie Sautner for what was to be a regular probation review. It was anything but! As we all knew, Lohan had not been showing up for her community service or therapy sessions. But, the probation office put forth a report that Lohan WAS in compliance and yet the DA sought that the probation be revoked and Lohan go to jail.

Needless to say this is all not the way it usually works. To complicate matters, the Judge was furious and indeed sided with the DA and has revoked Loan’s probation. As most people in criminal justice know, it is highly unusual for a judge to be at odds with the probation department. After all, judges look to the reporting of the probation department to be accurate. It seems that judge Sautner doubts some aspects of the report as well as disagrees with others. For example, Lohan apparently “phoned” in some therapy sessions and yet her probation officer approved that. The Judge also stated that probation was wrong to allow Lohan to transfer her community service to the Red Cross. The transfer was made because Lohan was kicked out of the program at the women’s shelter after failing to appear for the mandated time. Believe it or not, I have several people I coach through community service because they do not see it as important. But, once they become immersed and see the benefits for them, they thrive.

Further, Judge Sautner was furious with the poor attitude that Lohan has shown, especially where Lohan has stated that her community service at a woman’s shelter was “unfulfilling.” Yikes! The judge has now ordered Lohan to perform 16 hours of community service at the Los Angeles Morgue! In addition Sautner also stated that the probation-approved travel to Europe was supposed to be a work related matter and yet there are numerous pictures of Lohan partying the night away. At this point Judge Sautner has revoked the probation and ordered Lohan to jail. Don’t worry, Lohan will be bailed out quickly and she will then face a full probation violation hearing November 2.

So, what’s a judge to do? Well, community service is supposed to be rehabilitative not solely punitive. But, in this case there are few options. She could order Lohan to jail for 18 months but as the judge pointed out in court, California is overcrowded and going through a realignment process that would lead to a very short actual jail time for Lohan. The bottom line is how to get Lohan and others the message that there are consequences to actions.

This case is one big frustration for the judge and one big bill for the taxpayers. My advice is to have Lohan serve two types of community service, one that is punitive and one where she can actually begin to give back! What a concept right? Lindsay, you might actual enjoy giving back and helping people. It is never too late to start practicing Restorative Justice. And, while you are at it, get some quality therapy.

FOLLOW@INCARCERVENTION

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Filed under prison consultant, Lindsay Lohan, Restoratice Justice, jail, Los Angeles District Attorney

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