Legal Work and Appeals in the Federal Prison Camp
Jan 6th, 2009 by Rickey
I was impressed with a number of inmates who did not let the bonds of prison stop them from pursuing their innocents and wrongful injustice with appeals and other legal work. It was actually encouraging to me for my own case, especially to here of some inmates going home earlier with sentence reduction and others having their restitutions reduced.
The law library was satisfactory equipped for research and studying of law cases. It also provided the basic needs to make copies, typing letters and mailing documents, sort of like a temporary field office that would get the job done.
There was always conversation regarding the latest court cases handed down by the Supreme, Circuit and District Courts. All inmates were interested to hear breaking news but the problem with all those conversations was that it would begin to get distorted and before you know it rumors developed. The caution was being sure to see it in writing, hear it from a reliable source or have it confirmed by a loved one back home with a little research.
Most inmates who did not appeal their case still have a chance to do so while incarcerated. However this ray of hope needs to take place within the first year of prison time. It’s called a 2255, a form that inmates fill out stating any wrongs that may have taken place in their trial. The response to this document varies with the different court in the United States, some get answered quickly and some are never heard of or seen again.
Legal work of all sorts, whether it be an appeal or law suit the process is alive in the prison system. Again, it was encouraging to witnesses it first hand and sometimes justice prevailed for the innocent.
Rickey,
I’m an ex-lawyer getting ready to report for a 25 month sentence for mortgage fraud conspiracy. Thanks for having the site — it’s answered a ton of my questions and eased a lot of anxiety.
I have a couple of questions I didn’t see answered in your posts. Are ex-lawyers pretty much automatically assigned to the law library? I have no criminal law experience and don’t necessarily want to be put in the position of having to help someone on their case and not know what I’m doing. Should I try to hide that I’m an ex-lawyer from the other inmates for that reason?
Also, with 25 months, am I pretty assured of getting assigned to the camp instead of Low Security if there’s room?
Also, I’d like to make things for my kids while I’m in. What kind of art supplies can be ordered, and is wood working or sculpturing a possibility?
Thanks for all the information.
People with high level education are usually assigned work in the education department or clerk type positions. The law library is just one position that is available but not a mandatory one for ex-lawyers.
Eventually the inmates will find out somehow that you were once a lawyer and they may ask your opinion on law matters. Just be honest with them by saying you never practice criminal law. Only give brief answers to inmates question and don’t volunteer any information because some will still ask for your opinion about law.
Yes, a camp but if space is not available to a camp close by your home they will send you to the next closest one with possible transfer later.
Yes, you can get art supplies, takes some extra paper work and order forms to fill out but worth it. I ordered a sketch pad, colored pencils and a calligraphy pen and I considered it an easy process. Art and creating things for children is one thing I saw a lot of inmates do.