Tag Archives: Federal Prison

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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Filed under Criminal Justice, Federal Prison, prepare for jail, prison coaching, Trayvon Martin

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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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Filed under Blago, Federal Prison, prepare for jail, prison coaching, prison preparation, rod blagojevich

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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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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.

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

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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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Filed under child abuse, enron, Federal Prison, Joe Paterno, prepare for jail

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