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Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA.

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Subject: Sentencing questions

This is a serious charge, and the fact that bond was denied is a strong sign the court sees it as high risk. Strangulation in a domestic situation is treated very seriously in most states. In many places it is charged as a felony because it can easily lead to death, even if that was not the stated intent. Prosecutors and judges tend to take a hard line on these cases. A few factors working against your son:

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Subject: Relationship issues

The hard truth is this, real change has to come from him. You can support it, encourage it, and help create a better environment, but you cannot make it happen for him. What you can do is set things up in a way that gives him the best chance to succeed. What actually helps someone change: Accountability: He takes responsibility for what got him there, no excuses New environment: Staying away from the same people, places, and habits

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Subject: Prison violence

How does a guy with a double assault charge allow ANYONE to take from him without getting a little crazy?If he allows another inmate to take his stuff, then he can expect more of this to happen. We are not advocating that he get into fights, but the predators that he's locked up with will see this as weakness, him an easy mark and they will continue taking from him until there is nothing left to take. He can be

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Subject: Relationship issues

When someone who has always stayed in contact suddenly goes quiet, it is usually not because they do not want to talk. There are a number of common reasons this happens, especially early in a case. Here are the most likely possibilities: Intake or housing changes If he was recently moved, in classification, or placed in a different housing unit, phone access can be limited or temporarily shut off. Phone or account issues Even if money is

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Subject: Bail & bond questions

Probably not. But, without knowing all the facts it is just a guess. If he has violated three times, maybe he wants to be in there?

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Subject: Send inmate mail

As long as it takes for the inmate to correspond. Writing back is on the inmate, right?

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Subject: Visitation

You should not assume you can just show up and be admitted, even though you were already approved before. Most facilities, including GEO facilities, re-screen visitors periodically or at check-in, and a recent arrest, even for something minor like a traffic warrant, can show up. Being out on bail means your case is still active, and that is what can trigger a denial at the door. Here is the smart way to handle it: Contact the facility first Call

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Subject: Law & court questions - legal terms

Yes, it is possible, but it depends entirely on the judge and coordination with the facility. A federal inmate at USP Lompoc will not be physically transported to a divorce trial. Courts do not require inmates to appear in person for civil matters like divorce unless there are very unusual circumstances. What usually happens instead is one of these options: Telephonic appearance If the judge wants to hear directly from the inmate, they can issue an order allowing the

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Subject: Release questions

He needs to wake up and go see the counselor himself. If there is a hold, he HAS to be informed. We would be surprised if he didn't know already (and maybe doesn't want to tell you). The way it works is when you are so close to the door (8 months is short time), your counselor is meeting with you at least twice a month. They are gathering information to position the release, approve the next residence, etc. If

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Subject: Relationship issues

It's hard to give the advice that we want to give versus the advice you want to hear. Inmates that go in and out of jail are not going to be easy to live with. The incarceration process definitely changes a person but the ones that are going to succeed after release are the ones that have made the conscious decision to change their ways, habits and people they associate with. Justin is not in that category yet. If you

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