Free Prison Advice Blog
Can Wendy’s Husband Serve Time In A Prison Camp?
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 Last week I received a question from Wendy, whose husband was recently sentenced to a five year prison term for conspiracy. He is currently in a county jail while he awaits designation to a federal prison. She wanted to know whether her...
Surviving vs Thriving
Sunday, December 28, 2008 Since committing to a daily blog post, I've begun to receive feedback and questions from total strangers. At least two letters a week since Thanksgiving. I'm glad my blog is achieving its objective on helping others prepare for business,...
Read Your Pre-Sentencing Report
Saturday, December 27, 2008 Read Your Pre-Sentencing Report Today I had breakfast with another prisoner who arrived at Taft Federal Prison Camp three weeks ago. Alex is a witty, balding, corpulent man in his late forties. Like me, he is serving time for fraud,...
Lost In The Mail
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2008 Justin's 12/26/08 blog is apparently lost in the mail. In the event it doesn't turn up soon, it will be rewritten.
Failing To Prepare For Release From Prison
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008 It's December 24th, a Wednesday. It's 6:30 P.M and I'm writing from the large television room. In 30 minutes or so, the weekly bingo tournament will begin. Bingo night is a big deal in prison. For many inmates, it's the highlight of the...
Working At McDonalds
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2008 During dinner tonight, I had a disappointing conversation with my friend, Arthur. Arthur is one year into a four year sentence for wire fraud and honest services fraud. He serves his time without a care in the world. His exercise, reading...
Another Day Closer To Home
Monday, December 22, 2008 Another Day Closer To Home It's 8:00 P.M. Monday, the 22nd. I'm writing from the prison library while listening to inmates sing Christmas carols in the adjacent music room. The last few days have felt like a few weeks. I'm still coming to...
In Memory Of My Dog, Honey
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008 Today I learned a lesson that I would have liked to postpone. I have been in prison for eight months and as of this day, I expect to serve 150 more days. Yet, I struggle with a loss that is surprisingly deep, a loss that hurts to the core of...
It’s OK To Be Forgotten From Federal Prison
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2008 It's OK To Be Forgotten From Federal Prison During mail call my first month at Taft Camp, I felt important. My loved ones mailed torrents of cards, letters, books and magazines. The correctional officer distributing mail hollered "Paperny"...
A Man’s Search For Meaning
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Today, by far, was the coldest day I've experienced at Taft Camp. Temperatures hovered 35 degrees with a steady 15 mile an hour wind. The frigid conditions kept most guys inside. I also considered staying in. I was uncomfortable. I decided...
