7 Revealing Questions to Ask a Prison Consultant Before You Hire Him

Joel Caldwell, Psy.D.

When someone is faced with the prospect of going to prison, they often look for anyone or anything that can assist them with that transition.  Historically, attorneys were the only ones involved in the legal process.  If the accused had concerns about incarceration, attorneys were the only place to turn.  However, the vast majority of attorneys have no experience with prison either as an inmate or prison official.  As a result, most will refrain from giving guidance as it pertains to incarceration.  They are solely focused on keeping their client out of prison altogether or at least minimizing their time there.

In the early 2000s, the prison consultant industry was born.  It arose out of recognition that people desire some preparation for prison and time away from loved ones.  For someone who has been convicted of a crime and is facing jail time, most prison consultants can provide advice only insofar as it involves incarceration.  Prison consultants require no formal training or certification. Those who engage in this service are typically former inmates who served lengthy prison sentences.  The primary focus of consultation is educating a soon-to-be inmate on prison rules and etiquette.  This can involve anything from getting along with corrections officers to safety considerations with regards to other inmates.

Many prison consultants often present themselves as a "one-stop shop" for the criminal process, but their focus is actually limited to the incarceration experience.  Those with experience as a prison official may be able to offer more extensive advice.  It is important for anyone going through the process to recognize the scope of this industry.  Here are 7 questions that can be revealing regarding the competency of any consultant:

Question #1:  "Do you have any experience other than being an inmate that would help me through the process?"

The honest answer is usually "no".  The majority of prison consultants are former inmates.  They usually have an understanding of prison etiquette and can share their own strategies for staying safe.  The rest of this industry is made up of former prison officials or attorneys who can provide knowledge specifically about legal and administrative hurdles.

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:  

We are unique in that we have a combined 50 years experience as clinical psychologists.  One of us has also worked as both an administrator and clinician in the prison system while also having experienced life as an inmate.  We possess the expertise that comes from experiencing all aspects of the process, and educate you accordingly.  We teach you, from first-hand experience, how to be seen in a positive light by staff and other inmates.  We also guide you through the process of managing the fallout that comes from being charged with a crime and direct you on how to get your life back.  You will not find this type of experience anywhere else.

Question #2:  "Do you provide services to assist my family with the process or help me with family, social, or professional issues that arise from being charged/convicted?"

Prison consultants are made up of former inmates, prison officials, and attorneys.  With a few exceptions, the focus of the industry is limited to prison preparation because the experience of those in the industry is limited to this one area.  Typically, involvement with the family is restricted to answering questions about what they can expect from the prison system.

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

An important way that we differ from prison consultation is that we are professionals who have an extensive understanding of family and social dynamics, and how those dynamics are impacted by the legal process.  With this knowledge we offer a unique, comprehensive approach.  The focus is not on what happens in the courtroom.  Instead, we work with you and your family through every other aspect of the process- including the navigation of social and professional fallout.  

Question #3:  "Do you possess any credentials related to your work?"

There are no credentials related to being a prison consultant.  Any former inmate can create a website and engage in this line of work.  Unless the consultant is an attorney, he is not qualified to give legal advice.  Legal matters are best left to individuals who have been through law school and are well-versed in laws as they apply to your situation.  Also, be leery of any consultant who touts sentence reductions, ability to obtain transfers, or specific prison placements.  No one can consistently deliver on this promise.  

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

By contrast, we are professionals with doctoral degrees in clinical psychology.  Dr. Joel Caldwell has served as an administrator and clinician in the prison system and has also had experience as an inmate.  We never engage in legal advice and, for your own benefit, do not challenge the legal advice given by your attorney.

Question #4:  "If you are an attorney, do you plan to serve as my legal counsel?"

Chances are that the answer to that question will be a resounding "no".  What is the purpose of having legal counsel while also having a prison consultant who is an attorney?  One of their claims is that they will be able to help you obtain the best possible sentence and prison placement.  Isn't that the purpose of having legal counsel?

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

We offer no such overlap with your existing attorney.  Your attorney handles all matters related to courtroom outcomes while we address the rest.  We partner with your legal counsel to provide you comprehensive leadership throughout the process.

Question #5:  "Will you work with my attorney?"

When someone hires a prison consultant, they assume that the consultant and their attorney will work hand in hand to obtain the best possible legal and placement outcome.  Unfortunately, this is rarely true.  Almost all of the prison consultant's clients are self-referred because attorneys will not typically refer to them.  Many prison consultants (usually former inmates) feel that attorneys will not "go to bat" for their client.  This viewpoint is especially true when the attorney advises the client to accept a plea bargain.  As a result, most prison consultants keep a close eye on the actions of the attorney representing their client.  For their part, attorneys do not want a "watchdog" or someone who is questioning the advice they give.

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

We avoid the conflict by offering a service that attorneys find helpful to their practice, as well as beneficial for their clients.  This is possible because we are not focused on sentencing outcomes, but on the impact of the process itself.  We recognize that the practice of law is a specialized area and we do not question the legal advice of your attorney.  Therefore, attorneys enjoy a collegial relationship with us- which is extremely beneficial for you.

Question #6:  "Do you provide services after incarceration?"

Most prison consultants provide services prior to incarceration with ongoing services while you are incarcerated.  With few exceptions, they will offer services such as assisting in obtaining halfway house placement.  Beyond that, you are on your own.

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

We offer a comprehensive post-incarceration service which focuses on family and professional reintegration.  There are often hurdles to overcome in spite of incarceration being completed.  For those who have committed white collar crimes, professional re-establishment or re-invention is a primary task.  We assist in this process by assessing your goals and evaluating strengths and weaknesses in relation to the marketplace landscape.

Question #7:  "Did you have a disciplinary record while you were an inmate?"

This is a very important question to ask.  Some former inmates have had episodes in prison that required discipline.  This usually results in some form of restriction, placement on a special unit, or solitary confinement.  Discipline always occurs as a result of a serious violation of prison rules, including aggression toward staff and other inmates.  A "yes" answer to this question reveals a lack of understanding of how to negotiate prison life without drawing the attention of staff or other inmates.

Here's how Crisis Recovery Specialists is different:

We know how to stay out of trouble in prison.  Dr. Joel Caldwell put his knowledge to the test during his own time of incarceration.  As a result of utilizing the strategies he now teaches, he was permanently transferred to an honor unit after only five days.  This was a unit housing inmates who displayed exemplary behavior.  In addition, multiple inmates sought his advice on how to stay out of trouble with the staff.

When he served as an administrator and clinician in the prison system, he evaluated and counseled inmates who were housed on disciplinary units and also led educational groups with inmates regarding anger management and conflict resolution.  He knows exactly what it takes to stay out of trouble while incarcerated.

As you look at your options for advisement through the legal process, the choice is clear.  Crisis Recovery Specialists offers the most comprehensive, compassionate service in existence.  There is nothing else like it.  Put our experience to work for you and your family.