Sam Mangel: The Difference Between a Decent Consultant and a Great Consultant: Empathy.

Hiring a Federal Prison Consultant can complement the services provided by an attorney in several ways. While attorneys are trained in legal representation, a Federal Prison Consultant typically has expertise in the specific nuances of the federal prison system, often based on firsthand experience. Remember that even the best attorney has never been in prison. They rarely, if ever have any understanding of what occurs after sentencing. Nor is that their job.
To that point, without taking away anything from attorneys, remember that their only job is to try and give you the best defense possible, not to help you navigate the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) bureaucracy, or assist with ways to reduce your sentence once you are in federal prison.
There are many “consultants” promising the best results for you and your loved ones. Interviewing them and learning their history, work ethic and overall strategies is the key to finding the right one for you. Here are some of the reasons why someone should consider hiring a Federal Prison Consultant in addition to their attorney:
1. Firsthand Experience: Many prison consultants are former inmates who have firsthand experience with the challenges of federal prison life. They can provide insights, strategies, and advice based on their own experiences.
2. Preparation for Incarceration: A prison consultant can help a defendant prepare mentally and emotionally for prison life, offering advice on what to expect and how to navigate the challenges of incarceration.
3. Safety and Prison Politics: Prison consultants can educate clients about the unwritten rules and dynamics of prison culture, potentially helping them avoid conflicts and navigate their sentences safely.
4. Program Recommendations: Consultants often have knowledge about available programs within the prison system, such as educational or vocational training, substance abuse programs, or other opportunities that might help inmates reduce their sentence or improve their prospects upon release.
5. Facility Recommendations: They can provide guidance on which facilities might be more suitable or comfortable for a defendant based on their security level, location, available programs, and other factors.
6. Sentence Reduction Strategies: Beyond the legal strategies an attorney might employ, a prison consultant might be familiar with other ways to reduce a sentence, like the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which offers sentence reductions for qualified participants.
7. Post-Release Planning: A consultant can advise on strategies for successful reintegration into society, including finding employment, understanding supervised release conditions, and more.
8. Family Support: Families of those incarcerated also face challenges. While an attorney will usually see their job as over after sentencing, a good consultant will remain available to your loved ones, able to offer advice and support, helping them understand visitation rules, and communication methods.
9. Advocacy: While attorneys advocate in court, prison consultants can advocate for clients within the Bureau of Prisons, helping with issues like medical needs, facility transfers, or participation in specific programs.
10.Emotional Support: Facing incarceration can be emotionally challenging. Having someone to talk to who understands the process and what lies ahead can be reassuring.
With this information in mind, it's essential to do thorough research before hiring a Federal Prison Consultant. The quality and qualifications of consultants can vary widely, so please ask for references, and understand the services offered.
Working with a Federal Prison Consultant can not only help you to get a better outcome at sentencing, but also make sure that you spend the least amount of time in prison and away from your family and loved ones.
An experienced and reputable consultant can be a valuable asset, but it's crucial to ensure you're working with someone trustworthy and knowledgeable. A really good consultant will not only complement your legal strategy but will be with you and your loved ones throughout the whole journey and not just for a few calls or a single project for which they were retained.


Sam Mangel
[e-mail]
561-490-4544
www.sam-mangel.com
Member: American Bar Association