Federal Prison Sentence Reduction Programs

Know before you go: Prison Sentence Consulting

2012-01-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

Finding a lawyer or attorney to help fight your case is realitivly easy. A quick google search for Fort Lauderdale Attorney returns a bunch of results. The problem comes when you are actually convicted of a crime and it's time to enter custody. Most attorneys knowledge is prety extensive, however that ends when it comes time for your to enter that jail house. For this, you'll need a federal prison consultant.

If you are worried about what lies beyond those prison walls, you probably should be. Especially when you don't have the proper guidance. Prisons are nasty, foul places. The house rapists, gangs, killers and petty criminals. They have a code, beyond the rules that are set by the warden. It's imperative to have someone that's able to guide you before, during and after your sentence as well as while you're inside. That is where the prison consultant comes in handy.

Initially, most convicted felons are paralyzed with fear. There are many sentence reduction firms that can help ease the pain. They are hired specifically to prepare you for the inside, as well as work on your side to get your sentence reduced.

New Gallup Poll-50% of Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana

2011-10-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

When Gallup first asked about legalizing marijuana, in 1969, 12% of Americans favored it, while 84% were opposed. Support remained in the mid-20s in Gallup measures from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, but has crept up since, passing 30% in 2000 and 40% in 2009 before reaching the 50% level in this year's Oct. 6-9 annual Crime survey.

Now what happens? Sixteen (16) states including California, Alaska, Washington, Michigan, and New Jersey have legal medical marijuana laws and over 50% or U.S. Citizens favor the legalization of marijuana. Yet Federal authorities are cracking down on medical marijuana growers in those states and arresting not only the growers but also the medicinal users who purchase from these legalized growers and outlets.

California's four United States attorneys announced recently at a news conference in Sacramento that they've dailed up efforts to curb marijuana farming and retail sales of pot under the state's 15-year-old law. Federal prosecutors have sent out letters ordering dozens of medical marijuana dispensaries to shut down in 45 days or face criminal charges. They're not going after every shop in the state, but targeting those located close to schools, parks, sports fields and other places where there are a lot of children (which, come on, covers a lot of ground) and what U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner called "significant commercial operations."

But I remember when presidential candidate, Barack Obama said the federal government shouldn't waste its time going after medical marijuana users and dispensaries operating legally under state laws. Likewise, early in President Obama's term, Attorney General Eric Holder indicated that his Justice Department had higher priorities than busting medical pot shops. So ... what's up with the feds announcing a major pot crackdown in California?

"If you ask me", stated Federal Prison Consultant Michael Frantz, "The Obama administration's medical marijuana policies are now being driven by over-zealous prosecutors and the anti-marijuana ideologues who dominated policymaking in past administrations. Instead of encouraging state and local authorities to regulate medical marijuana distribution in the interests of public safety and health, his administration seems determined to re-criminalize as much as possible."

Frantz states that there recently has been a large upturn in federal convictions of marijuana users, whether medical or recreational, and longer prison sentences are being metered out for those offenders. He says, "You may be walking down the street thinking that every thing is fine as a legal user of medical marijuana and the next thing you know, you are arrested and waiting for sentencing on a charge of drug possession. There goes your job, your family, your life!"

Mr. Frantz states there is something you can do and should do. Get a good lawyer and get a good Prison Coach or Prison Consultant. If you have to spend time in prison, a good federal prison consultant knows how to minimize the time you spend in prison by maximizing the sentence reduction you may receive through the sentence reduction programs offered by the Bureau of Prisons, BOP. Two such programs are the 500-Hour Residential Drug Abuse Program and the Second Chance Act Program. These two programs can significantly reduce the amount of time a defendant is incarcerated. Attorneys, unfortunately, do not know all the latest rules, regulations, and criteria involved in being eligible for these two programs. Fortunately, Michael Frantz and Jail Time Consulting do! They can assist a client in both programs and minimize his or her prison stay.

Frantz said, "The federal government currently has a 97% guilty plea rate in federal criminal cases. Federal prosecutors have over a 75% conviction rate following trial, and 91% of federal criminal defendants receive a prison sentence. It's no longer a question of will I go to federal prison, it's a question of which one will I go to and how long will I be there. If you are facing federal incarceration, isn't it time you called a Federal Prison Coach or Consultant that can help you?" Actually, you can't afford not to!

Federal Prison Incarceration—Costs, Reasons, and Alternatives!

2011-10-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Why are prisons and incarceration in the United States costing the taxpayers over $65 billion dollars a year? Prison overcrowding is excessive in almost every state in the union and federal prisons are bursting at the seams. Three, four, and five inmates are housed in 8' by 10' cells which far exceed the standards and regulations currently in effect. Why does the United States have the largest number of its citizens behind bars than any other country in the world? Is it worth it? Do we really need to tax our citizens and spend $65 billion a year on prisons and incarceration?

There are several factors which contribute to the overcrowded state in prisons in the United States. First, the obsessive view from some lawmakers that the only way to reduce crime is to keep offenders off the streets no matter what the crime. In other words, don’t worry about rehabilitation; just keep the offenders in jail for the rest of their lives and pay the cost of housing, boarding, and punishing them. Their view is that punishment is the deterrent and that we should not waste money on rehabilitation.

Second, certain federal prosecutors have the “win at all costs mentality.” All they care about is getting a conviction. They will withhold critical evidence from the defense team and will resort to immoral if not illegal tactics in their investigation of the offense. Their personal opinion is that they actually do not care if the defendant is guilty or innocent, they just want a conviction. They want to extract their “pound of flesh.”

Third, the crackdown on white collar crime and the new so called corporate crime is a major cause of prison overcrowding. White-collar crime has been defined as "a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation". White-collar crime also overlaps with corporate crime which is defined as “crimes committed either by a corporation, i.e., a business entity having a separate legal personality from the individuals that manage its activities), or by individuals acting on behalf of a corporation or other business entity." This includes fraud, bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, computer crime, copyright infringement, money laundering, identity theft, forgery, and IRS violations. This type of crime is available to the so-called “white-collar” employees.

Fourth, the number of new admissions due to technical parole or probation violations, new court commitments, minor drug violations, and the mentality by federal prosecutors that the only type of incarceration is “behind bars” is a growing concern. Yet there are alternatives to incarceration that may be used as a means of reducing the prison population by sentencing inmates to the alternative in place of prison or jail. Alternatives to incarceration include such items as Electronic Monitoring; Drug Courts; Mental Health Courts; Restorative Justice, Domestic Violence Courts; Day Reporting Centers; Fines; Community Service; Probation; Pre-Trial Diversion, and Parole. There is ample research supporting each one of these sanctions in place of federal incarceration. Contact a reputable prison coach or federal prison consultant to learn about these. Not all of these alternatives are appropriate for every offender, but there are a large number of offenders for whom these alternative sanctions are not only appropriate but also very realistic.

Finally, “mandatory minimums” are a huge problem that is causing prison overcrowding and is a “length of stay” issue. A mandatory minimum sentence is defined as a court decision setting where judicial discretion is limited by law. Typically, defendants convicted of certain crimes must be punished with at least a minimum number of years in prison. In the United States, federal juries are generally not allowed to be informed of the mandatory minimum penalties that may apply if the defendant is convicted, because the jury's role is limited to a determination of guilt or innocence. Research indicates that mandatory minimum sentencing effectively shifts discretion from judges to the prosecutors. Prosecutors decide what charges to bring against a defendant, and they can "stack the deck," which involves over-charging a defendant in order to get them to plead guilty. Since prosecutors are part of the executive branch, and the judicial branch has almost no role in the sentencing, the checks and balances of the democratic system are removed. Opponents of mandatory sentencing argue that it is the proper role of a judge, not a prosecutor, (who only wants a conviction at any cost) to apply discretion given the particular facts of a case (e.g. whether a drug defendant was a kingpin or low-level participant). In addition to fairness arguments, some opponents believe that treatment is more cost-effective than long sentences. They also cite a survey indicating that the public now prefers judicial discretion to mandatory minimums

Adherents of mandatory sentencing believe that it reduces crime, is fair for any criminals and ensures uniformity in sentencing. Potential criminals and repeat offenders are expected to avoid crime because they can be certain of their sentence if they are caught.

Yet opponents of mandatory sentencing point to studies that show criminals are deterred more effectively by increasing the chances of their conviction, rather than increasing the sentence if they are convicted.

Yet one fact is definitely certain as cited in Barbara S. Meierhoefer’s report for the Federal Judicial Center which stated: "The proportion of black offenders grew from under 10% in 1984 to 28% of the mandatory minimum drug offenders by 1990; whites now constitute less than a majority of this group. This is a much more dramatic shift than found in the federal offender population in general."

A summary of her report concludes, “Although there are many mandatory minimum statutes, those with the greatest impact on Federal sentencing are for drug trafficking offenses that involve large amounts of drugs and possession or use of a firearm during a drug trafficking felony or a violent crime. This research focuses on sentences for these two types of offenses. The study concludes that mandatory minimum sentence laws contribute to increased sentence length. Mandatory minimum sentences and the sentencing guidelines have also apparently narrowed the difference in the sentences imposed for equally serious offenses that involve marijuana and opiates. Another effect has been a reduction in the importance of age and the distinction between leadership and middleman roles in the sentencing decision. In all instances, the narrowing of differences stems from more severe sentencing of the previously advantaged group. Mandatory minimum sentence laws have not ensured that all of those involved in the proscribed behaviors receive at least the minimum term; just under one-half of those who would apparently be eligible received lesser sentences. Despite the laws' emphasis on offense behavior, sentences still vary by offender characteristics; the least culpable offenders and female offenders continue to receive less severe sentences than others involved in similar offenses. Both black and Hispanic offenders now receive noticeably more severe sentences than their white counterparts.”

Some proponents say that if we lock up criminals they won't be committing crime and therefore society will be safer. This is very naïve and simplistic.

First, there is no supportive relationship between mass incarceration and decreased crime rates. Supporters of mass incarceration tend to look at only one small period of time to support their views. If we use recent studies to determine the relationship between crime rates and incarceration we find, (1) Incarceration rates and crime rates increased together in the late 1970s-1980s; (2) Incarceration rates continued to go up as crime rates went down in the 1990s; and (3) Incarceration rates continued to go up as crime rates leveled in the 2000s.

So what is the answer? How do we deal with the hundreds of thousands of offenders who are unlikely to reoffend but are collectively costing states and taxpayers like you and I billions of dollars each year?

By decreasing the number of inmates who are sent to prison or jail, or by decreasing the amount of time offenders spend in prison or jail, and placing these offenders in alternative sanctions that have been evaluated to produce favorable outcomes in terms of reduced recidivism and decreased costs, jurisdictions can improve public safety and decrease costs.

As stated earlier, there are a number of alternative sanctions for low level or first time offenders. These are both cost effective and have been shown to decrease recidivism rates as opposed to offenders who go through the prison system.

Consider the following facts:

· The prison population in the United States is growing at an alarming rate;

· Prisons and incarceration costs in the United States are costing the taxpayers over $65 billion dollars a year. Don’t we have a better way to spend that money?

· There is no direct correlation that by increasing the length of incarceration you get a corresponding decrease in the crime rate;

· There is no direct correlation that by increasing the number of convictions and the incarceration of low level criminals or first time offenders, you get a corresponding decrease in the crime rate;

· Currently prisons are set up in a punitive and castigatory system and not a rehabilitative system which will actually reduce recidivism;

· The personnel in the Bureau of Prisons system who oversees the inmate population lacks the training, education, skills, and expertise to effectively manage and control the current inmate population;

· Legislators must come to realize that the “law and order mentality and the hard on crime mentality” doesn’t necessarily mean that prisons should be 100% punitive and 0% rehabilitative. They have to get away from the “scare tactics” that they are currently using to maintain public office, get votes, and start facing the real facts.

Prison is a necessary evil. But there are many forms of punishment that can reduce the huge costs associated with incarceration—prison isn't our only option. It is time we start addressing those.

Michael Douglas' son testifies at NYC drug trial

2011-10-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

The imprisoned son of actor Michael Douglas testified Tuesday in a NYC drug trial that he would have been better off staying in jail rather than being freed on bail after he was arrested in New York on drug charges two years ago.

Cameron Douglas, 32, told a federal jury in Manhattan at the NYC trial of his alleged drug supplier, David Escalera, that he learned only when he returned to federal prison that the U.S. Bureau of Prisons treats drug-addicted inmates when they arrive. Instead, he was freed on bail after his arrest in July 2009 for dealing methamphetamine from a high-end Manhattan hotel.

The Bureau of Prisons offers a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program which is available to eligible inmates. This program allows a sentence reduction incentive of up to 12 months plus 6 months of halfway house time for those inmates who successfully complete the program. This could reduce an inmate's stay in federal prison by 18 months. For information on this program go to RDAP Drug Program.

Feds seek closure of medical marijuana dispensaries in California

2011-10-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

In a move that escalated pressure on medical marijuana collectives, federal prosecutors in California sent letters Thursday warning landlords who provide space to the storefront dispensaries that their property could be seized.

The letters, which were sent to property owners in San Diego and others across the state, tell landowners they have 45 days to stop the sale or distribution of marijuana at the properties.

On Friday, all four U.S. attorneys from California will hold a news conference in Sacramento to “outline actions taken targeting the sale, distribution and cultivation of marijuana” in the state.

The crackdown is the latest move by federal authorities against medical marijuana in California and is sure to open a new front in the federal-state split on the issue.

Although Californians voted in favor of medical marijuana in 1996, its use is illegal under federal law. Federal law also does not recognize the need to use medical marijuana as a defense in criminal cases.

U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy on Thursday sent about a dozen letters to landlords giving them notice that marijuana operations on their property broke federal law.

“Your prompt attention to this matter is strongly advised,” the letter concludes. “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana at the above-referenced location within 45 days of this letter.”

JailTime-What You Need to Know…Before You Go to Federal Prison!-Now Available!

2011-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

There are federal prison guidebooks and there is "The Federal Prison Guidebook". Which ones really help the defendant or inmate? Which prison preparation book tells the whole truth, explains in detail what really goes on in federal prison, and prepares the defendant or inmate for what is really about to happen. Which book is a no holds barred compilation that actually informs, instructs, prepares, and provides the whole truth about federal prison and the criminal justice prosecution process? After reading Jail Time-What You Need to Know…Before You Go to Federal Prison!, my money is on this book. This is the book that will help you transition from the world you now know to the world you are about to enter—the world of the incarcerated inmate? Believe me; those two worlds are drastically different!

Why did the Federal District Judge stop the sale of Jail Time, the Book? You can go to the website http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com to find out. Michael Frantz, federal prison consultant and author of Jail Time, tells it all when he provides an accounting of how screwed up and out of whack this criminal prosecution system really is.

On his website Michael Frantz states, “After three years of writing my book, Jail Time—What you need to Know…Before you go to Federal Prison!, and another year of editing, proofing, and preparing it for publication; it was finally finished. I was exhausted but extremely happy and proud. This was a labor of love for me. Finally, a book that told the real facts about prison and the entire federal prosecution system was in print. It was a no holds barred book, but it was truthful, honest, and based on fact, not fiction. Jail Time was realistic and told the facts as they really are. It wasn't flattering to the Bureau of Prisons or the Federal Justice System, but it was accurate, precise, and straightforward.

I knew prison had been challenging but I soon found out that my three years of supervised release would be even more challenging. After three years of preparation in prison and almost one year of preparation after prison, I was ready to help and assist those individuals facing federal incarceration as a Prison Consultant. Jail Time was published and it sold like hot cakes. The publisher soon ran out of copies and had to print more. I requested permission from my probation officer to be a Prison Consultant and after an examination and interview I was granted permission. Jail Time Consulting started with a boom and continued as I was fielding calls and getting new clients almost daily. Fox News called, ABC’s 20/20 News Program called, and even the Oprah Winfrey television channel called. Then disaster struck. My probation officer was transferred and I was assigned a new probation officer. From day one my new P.O. made it his goal to prevent me from being a prison consultant. I remember to this day his exact quote. He said, "I think criminals need to be punished and they don't need help. I would never have allowed you to do this and I will do everything in my power to stop you." This is the type of moronic and diabolical individual who is lucky he has a job as a probation officer because he could certainly not get a job in the "real world".

Equally moronic and diabolical was the federal district judge who actually shut down Jail Time Consulting, the Jail Time Consulting website, and my book. His bias, prejudice, and slanted views were evident throughout the hearing. He didn't like what I said in my book and objected to my statements that probation officers do have slanted views against defendants when they write PSI's and that judges were not always fair, impartial, and non-discriminatory. He also said that AUSA’s were honest and fair and only wanted to get to the truth. As I sat there in court listening to him rattle on and on I thought, “What a crock of _____!” Needless to say, Jail Time Consulting closed in December 2009 and remained closed until 2011 when I was finally off of supervised release and finally free.

During my hiatus I was forced to shut down the website, find other help for the existing clients, and not accept any new clients. Jail Time, the Book, the Business, the Company, was essentially off the market. I was devastated but used this devastation to create a renewed strength and fortitude. I reviewed JTC's existing programs and made them better. I reviewed the law and created new programs based on the BOP's own policies and procedures and the law. All this was done in anticipation of starting again in 2011. Jail Time Consulting started with a boom again and the rest is history. Now you can once again get Jail Time, the Book and learn what Probation Officers and U. S. District Judges don't want you to know. Now you can find out “What you need to know…Before you go to Federal Prison!”

Many books are written about federal prison that provide generic information about prison and supposedly tell you how to prepare for it. Many of these books are written by current inmates or former federal prison inmates. Everything from prison food recipes to horrible stories about maximum security lockdown is covered. There certainly are prison food recipes available and maximum security lockdown isn’t pleasant, but shouldn’t a book about federal prison and the conditions of federal prison offer much, much more? Some books even tell you how to exercise. If you don’t know that by now, I guess you never will.

Even more ridiculous are the books written by former prison guards. Most prison guards are not educationally capable of writing a guidebook on federal incarceration. Ask any federal inmate, he or she will verify that. These books contain forms, stories, and lists of meaningless items. Is that what you want in a federal prison guidebook? I don’t think so.

A good federal prison guidebook is one that is written by someone who has experienced federal prison firsthand. He should know the Bureau of Prisons’ programs, procedures, policies, and has experienced life in a federal prison. The guidebook should contain facts about federal prison, how to really prepare for the transition to prison life.

An even better federal prison guidebook will be written by a federal prison consultant who has been a former white-collar inmate. He not only can write about what really goes on in prison and what the new inmate can expect, but he can also write about the recent changes in policy, new laws, and new requirements which affect entering defendants. After all, that’s his job. The federal prison guidebook should contain a large question and answer section, an inmate terms or jargon section, a glossary of definitions, and an appendix of needed forms and addresses. There is one such book. That book is—Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to Federal Prison! and it is now available again.

A federal prison guidebook that meets all these qualifications and criteria is available. Its author is a leading national federal prison consultant. The book is Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to federal prison! The federal prison consultant is Michael Frantz. Now, both white-collar defendants and blue-collar defendants can have the best of both worlds. There are generic books on the market. But wouldn’t you rather have the one that sets the standard. The one federal prison guidebook most widely used and recognized that is available in both a paperback and an e-book edition. Too much is at stake. This is your one chance to make the right decision. Make the correct one. Jail Time is sold at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most online bookstores. Click here to purchase Jail Time in paperback. Click here to purchase Jail Time in E-book format and download directly to your computer.

Federal Prison Consultant or Federal Prison Coach-Which Do You Need?

2011-09-08T05:32:00.000-07:00

Some defendants facing federal incarceration think there is a difference between a Federal Prison Consultant or Prison Consultant or Federal Prison Coach or Prison Coach. Actually there is no difference if you pick a knowledgeable individual to fill both shoes. A good Federal Prison Consultant will also be a strong proactive Prison Coach for you. What is more important is the fact that if you are facing federal incarceration, you need one.

White-Collar crime in the United States is escalating at an alarming rate. It is inevitable. White-collar crime happens every day. One in five individuals will be affected by white-collar crime at one time or another in their lives. Today’s white-collar criminals are more adept than in the past. The tremendous growth in the Internet has caused a proliferation of the new sophisticated and talented online scam artists. Coupled with our current economic conditions, loss of jobs, failed financial system, and Wall Street securities and commodities fraud, there has been a recent onslaught of white-collar crime. Who is next—are you?

The federal government is definitely up to meeting the challenge. Currently, the Department of Justice has a 97% guilty plea rate in federal criminal cases. Federal prosecutors have over a 75% conviction rate following trial, and 91% of federal criminal defendants receive a prison sentence. In addition, in an effort to combat this rapid rise in white-collar crime, law enforcement officials including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Customs officials have stepped up their efforts in fighting these crimes by forming white-collar and Internet specific crime centers. Special units such as the National White Collar Crime Center, Internet Fraud Complaint Center, National Cybercrime Training Partnership, and the Coalition for the Prevention of Economic Crime have been formed to specifically fight white-collar crime.

This has certainly stepped up the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crimes and white-collar criminals. White-collar crimes are being aggressively prosecuted at both the state and federal level, depending on whether a state or federal law was broken. If convicted, these crimes usually result in long prison sentences, large fines, and restitution to the victims of the crime. The days of a slap on the wrist, probation, a trip to Club Fed, and/or home confinement are over for white-collar defendants. New laws, stiffer penalties, and more vigorous prosecution of white-collar crimes all combine for longer sentences and higher security level designations for white-collar criminals.

Unfortunately, many lower level corporate employees are getting swept up in the net. Many white-collar offenders are simply ordinary people who got into financial difficulty and tried to get out of it through illegal and fraudulent means. Others are lower level corporate employees who may have unknowingly broken the law by simply following upper management directives and initiatives. Regrettably, they too are getting sentenced to long federal prison terms.

It is no longer a question of will these people go to federal prison, it's a question of where will they go and how long will they be there? With longer sentences, more vigorous prosecution of white-collar criminals, and unfavorable prison designations, isn't it only prudent to hire an experienced Federal Prison Consultant or Federal Prison Coach? How can a federal criminal defendant afford not to? Yet what do you ask when hiring a Federal Prison Consultant/Federal Prison Coach? Here are some very useful tips!

A Federal Prison Consultant must be qualified. He must be able to work with the defendant and his family. One top Federal Prison Consultant suggests that you look for these important qualifications and characteristics.

· Has the consultant been through the system? Does he know the “ins” and “outs” of federal incarceration? Is he a judicially recognized BOP expert who has experienced the arduous process of federal incarceration himself? If he is he will lend valuable and practical insight for the client.

· Can you work with him? Don’t pick a Federal Prison Consultant who tries to use scare tactics to get you to enlist his services. You are probably already scared. You need the truth—honest answers to difficult questions.

· Can the consultant/coach work with you immediately, prior to your arrival at prison? It is important to have him aboard at the earliest possible time, prior to sentencing if possible. There are so many factors to consider including the Pre-Sentencing Investigation Interview, the Pre-Sentencing Report examination, sentence reduction strategies, judicial recommendations, facility designation, positioning for Bureau of Prisons’ programs, and consultation with your legal defense team.

· Will the consultant be there while you are in prison? Will he be representing your interests with the many situations that may occur while an inmate is doing his time? Will he help with Administrative Remedy Appeals, Financial Responsibility Program payment information, furloughs, transfers, and Commutation of Sentence requests to name just a few? Is he not only knowledgeable in these areas, but is he an expert in these areas?

· Will he be there after you are released? Newly released inmates need assistance in locating a job, regaining their civil rights, and possible expunging or clearing up of their criminal records. Will your consultant provide assistance and reference materials in these important post-incarceration areas?

· With whom does the consultant work? Who else is on the team? Does the consultant have a partner or partners who can offer the wives and families of incarcerated men the opportunity to talk to someone who has been through it all, from the other side. This person offers a totally different point of view—the family member left behind, the family member remaining on the outside. Vast numbers of wives, girlfriends, sons, and daughters are left behind. This consultant understands the anxiety these individuals face. She can draw on her own experiences as well as her education to provide clear concise answers as well as support to their many questions and concerns.

· Also, is the company professionally recognized? Is this a company you would want representing you in the Pre-Sentencing Investigation Interview, before a judge, or in front of Bureau of Prisons staff members?

· Finally, is the Prison Consultant and the company recognized as an expert federal prison resource who has been contacted by television stations like ABC, the Fox News Network, the Oprah Winfrey channel, and others for expert commentary? You need someone who is nationally recognized and has clients throughout the United States.

America has more people in prison than any other country in the world. People are going to prison at a shocking rate. The prison population is increasing every year. Prisons are overcrowded. Defendants are being sentenced to higher security institutions with longer sentences. Now more than ever, Federal Prison Consultants are needed. You no longer have to be rich to hire a Federal Prison Consultant; you just have to be smart!

About Michael Frantz

Michael Frantz is a leading national Federal Prison Consultant and Director of JailTime Consulting (JTC) located in South Florida. The staff of JTC provides sentence reduction strategies, consultation services, client positioning for all BOP programs, and many pre- and post-sentencing services for their clients. Michael has authored the bestselling book on federal prison titled, “Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to federal prison!” He has also authored over thirty-five JT Special Reports© on various federal prison issues affecting both the inmate and his/her family. They are available on the website. He writes a daily blog on the JTC website http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com answering readers’ questions and comments. He is a nationally recognized authority on federal prison and has published over 40 articles nationwide. He is on face book at Jail Time Consulting. He has been contacted as an expert resource by ABC’s 20/20, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and the Fox News Network, as well as many national radio and TV stations throughout the United States. He can be reached at (954) 522-2254, toll free at (800) 382-0868, or at mike@jailtimeconsulting.com.

There is an Alternative to Federal Incarceration—It is called Pretrial Diversion

2011-08-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

Pretrial diversion (PTD) also called pretrial intervention is an alternative sentencing mechanism which may divert certain eligible offenders from traditional criminal justice prison sentencing and federal incarceration. Pretrial diversion candidates (offenders) are processed into a program of supervision and services administered by the U.S. Probation Service. Pretrial diversion allows first-time offenders a second chance at life, avoids federal prosecution, avoids a prison sentence, and avoids having a felony conviction on his record. It also allows the offender to not be labeled as a felon or ex-con which helps him in securing employment and does not close many of the doors that the label of a “felon” does. In the majority of cases, offenders are diverted at the pre-charge stage. An eligible defendant for pretrial diversion that successfully completes the program will not be charged or, if charged, will have the charges against him dismissed. If the defendant does not successfully complete the program, he will be returned for prosecution.

Although the details of the pretrial diversion program may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, individuals arrested for the first time are given an option of keeping the crime off of their record without having to go to trial. Pretrial diversion is a program for certain first-time offenders to avoid being marked by a felony conviction for the rest of their lives. Pretrial diversion is known by a multiplicity of names, such as pretrial intervention, good behavior, withheld adjudication, and deferred prosecution.

The program works something like this. A first time offender who is charged with a criminal offense of a relatively minor nature and who appears to be an individual who is not likely to be a repeat offender may be given the option of pretrial diversion. If the defendant accepts the offer, he will enter a plea of guilty to the criminal offense. The judge however will not enter an order of guilty in the case. The defendant is not guilty until the judge actually issues an order finding him guilty. At this point the defendant is in limbo between pleading guilty and being convicted.

Rather than find the person guilty, the judge will withhold his order of guilt initially and place the defendant under certain restrictions similar to probation or supervised release. If the defendant complies with the terms and conditions of the pretrial diversion agreement, he will have the charges dismissed. He will not be convicted of the crime and will not go to federal prison. This enables someone who made a one-time foolish mistake to get another chance at life with a clean record and not be scarred by a term in a federal prison. Pretrial diversion offers first time offenders hope without prison incarceration.

The pretrial diversion program is a benefit for both the government and the defendant. PTD accomplishes certain goals for both the defendant and the prosecution. First, it provides a vehicle for more expedient restitution to the victims of the crime. If the defendant serves time in prison his hourly wage is $0.12 per hour and the payment of restitution or fines is a long, painful process. Secondly, it deters future criminal behavior by diverting first time offenders from a traditional prison term to community supervision and the performance of services or even home detention. The defendant realizes that he was very close to federal incarceration, being labeled as a felon and will act more responsibly in the future by getting his second chance. Finally, it allows federal prosecutors to concentrate on major cases and those high profile cases that advance their careers, which by the way the way they all want. In most cases, the period of supervision or probation does not exceed eighteen (18) months.

A defendant, in order to get into the pretrial diversion program must meet certain criteria. A good Federal Prison Consultant knows the criteria and can prepare an initial evaluation or review for a defendant to determine his eligibility. If the defendant is eligible, the Consultant will prepare a comprehensive report documenting pretrial diversion as an alternative sentencing mechanism for the defendant for presenting to the Court.

In times when the Department of Justice has a 97% guilty plea rate in federal criminal cases and federal prosecutors have over a 75% conviction rate following trial and 91% of federal criminal defendants receive a prison sentence, isn’t it in a federal defendants best interest to call a reputable Federal Prison Consultant and determine if he is eligible for Pretrial Diversion or an alternative sentencing mechanism. I know if I was facing federal prison, I would!

More information on this subject and other forms of alternative sentencing can be found by calling Michael Frantz at 954-522-2254 or going to the JailTime Consulting website, http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com.

Michael Frantz is a leading Federal Prison Consultant and Prison Coach with Jail Time Consulting (JTC) in South Florida. The staff of JTC provides sentence reduction strategies, research, and many pre- and post-sentencing services for their clients. Michael has authored a bestselling book on federal prison titled, “Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to federal prison!” He has also authored over thirty-five JT Special Reports© on various federal prison issues affecting both the inmate and his/her family. They are available on the website. He writes a daily blog on the JTC website http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com answering readers’ questions and comments. New updates on current sentence reduction legislation and articles can be followed at Blogger at http://jailtimeconsulting.blogspot.com/. He is a nationally recognized authority on federal prison and has published over 40 articles nationwide. He is on Facebook at Jail Time Consulting, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jail-Time-Consulting/251197811579744. He has been contacted by ABC’s 20/20, the Oprah Winfrey network, and the Fox News Network, as well as many radio and TV stations nationwide as an expert resource on federal prison. He can be reached at 954-522-2254, 800-804-4686, or at mike@jailtimeconsulting.com.

The Quality of Medical Care in Federal Prison—Learn the Real Truth!

2011-08-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

A recent editorial in the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel was titled, "Inmate deaths: Lengthy appeals process the real problem". The author of the editorial, Al Ortenzo, was the Assistant Chief of Police for the city of Fort Lauderdale. In this article he stated that the level of healthcare in federal prison is far better than the inmates received in the outside world before coming to prison. Mr. Ortenzo, respectfully, you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about!

        I do agree that the appeal process is in the federal court system is overly burdensome. I also agree that Death Row should be a short term holding facility but only after all exhaustive attempts have been made to ensure that real justice has been afforded each prisoner. After reading Mr. Ortenzo’s article I assume that he is a proponent for the death penalty. I myself, am not against the death penalty, but only when it is clearly determined that the individual who is about to die really did the crime.

        In his editorial, Assistant Chief of Police Ortenzo stated, "Each and every case, no matter how egregious the crime, certainly deserves several layers of careful and exhaustive reviews." Well Mr. Ortenzo, this is not happening in Fort Lauderdale, or in the State of Florida, or in the entire United States. This is not how our criminal justice process works. With the advent of DNA testing, many wrongfully incarcerated individuals are being proven innocent and being released from federal incarceration. The Innocence Project alone on April 23, 2007 exonerated its 200th inmate who was wrongfully convicted based on eyewitness identification through misidentification. Mr. Jerry Miller was exonerated through DNA testing and DNA evidence. He had always maintained his innocence but to no avail. Fortunately, he was released after serving 24 years in federal prison. Jerry Miller lost nearly his entire adult life because of a wrongful conviction. He didn't go to the death chamber, he didn't lose his life. Yet how many innocent individuals have gone to the death chamber before DNA testing could prove them innocent? We will never know, but even one is too many.

        In cases where the accused admits guilt to the crime and there can be no possible mistake as evidenced by DNA testing, the death penalty may be warranted. But until that happens, we cannot say that several layers of careful and exhaustive reviews have taken place.

        Mr. Ortenzo also stated, "Studies show that all prisoners, including those on death row, typically receive a far better level of medical care from taxpayers than they would otherwise have provided for themselves outside the prison walls." I have no idea what studies you have been reading Mr. Ortenzo, but I can certainly tell you they are not accurate, correct, or truthful. Mr. Ortenzo, your statement is just not correct. I doubt that you have ever been incarcerated in a federal prison. I have. You apparently believe what people tell you. I have been there, I experienced it, and I know the truth!

After nearly 36 months in both a Federal Prison Camp and Federal Correctional Institution in Miami, Florida, I can assure you that the medical care in the Bureau of Prisons is pathetic, appalling and inexcusable. There are many federal prisoners serving sentences far less than death row inmates. Many have been convicted of crimes much less severe than those of Death Row inmates. I had far better medical care before my imprisonment and after my imprisonment as did many of the other white-collar inmates who were there during my incarceration. Studies can be made to say anything the author directs or distorts them to say. Although this is unfortunate, it is true.

The federal government recently spent billions and billions of taxpayer dollars to bail out the banks, auto manufacturers, investment firms, and Wall Street companies in a matter of weeks if not days. The executives of these companies are not even in federal prison for their egregious mismanagement and crimes. Yet, the federal government and the Bureau of Prisons cannot see to it that individuals incarcerated in federal prison, regardless if they are on death row or not, are provided even minimal standards of healthcare. Mr. Ortenzo, instead of reading reports, go see for yourself!

For more information on the current state of medical care in prison go to the website www.jailtimeconsulting.com and also go to the following article Michael Frantz has written: http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com/shop/medical-care-prison-pathetic-appalling-inexcusable-p-51.html.

Michael Frantz is a leading Federal Prison Consultant and Director of Jail Time Consulting (JTC) located in South Florida. The staff of JTC provides sentence reduction strategies, Bureau of Prisons’ programs, research, and many pre- and post-sentencing services for their clients. Michael has authored the bestselling book on federal prison titled, “Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to federal prison!” He has also authored over thirty-five JT Special Reports© on various federal prison issues affecting both the inmate and his/her family. They are available on the website. He writes a daily blog on the JTC website http://www.jailtimeconsulting.com answering readers’ questions and comments. He is a nationally recognized authority on federal prison and has published over 40 articles nationwide. He is on face book at Jail Time Consulting. He has been contacted as an expert resource by ABC’s 20/20, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and the Fox News Network, as well as many national radio and TV stations throughout the United States. He can be reached at 954-522-2254, 800-382-0868, or at mike@jailtimeconsulting.com.