At Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C., we dedicate ourselves to safeguarding our clients’ futures at every stage of the federal criminal justice process—from appellate and post-conviction advocacy to comprehensive federal prison consulting. Our unwavering commitment is reflected in the real-world experiences shared below. Whether successfully navigating sentencing, pursuing compassionate release, or helping clients reclaim their lives through post-conviction relief, our goal remains to provide knowledgeable, compassionate counsel and deliver meaningful results. We invite you to explore these testimonials1 and see how our team strives to exceed expectations in even the most challenging cases.
Table of Contents
Appellate & Post-Conviction Victories
At Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C., we understand that a conviction is not the end of the road—it’s often just the beginning of a more complex legal journey. Our dedicated appellate and post-conviction team works tirelessly to uncover new evidence, challenge procedural errors, and fight for justice on behalf of our clients. Our track record speaks to our unwavering commitment and skill in the highest-stakes cases, from pursuing habeas corpus petitions to securing sentence reductions and compassionate release.
Elizabeth Franklin Best is an outstanding attorney… She was honest and direct. She did not over-promise or confuse us. She listened and explained the options. She developed a strategy and followed it through. Elizabeth was thorough and did the legwork necessary to get my Uncle out of prison after serving 19 years of a 480-month sentence. She kept us informed of the progress, and the outcome was Amazing! The motion was granted several weeks later… Thank you, Elizabeth Frankin-Best, you are THE BEST! — Vickie C.
Elizabeth Franklin Best is an outstanding attorney… She was honest and direct. She did not over-promise or confuse us. She listened and explained the options. She developed a strategy and followed it through. Elizabeth was thorough and did the legwork necessary to get my Uncle out of prison after serving 19 years of a 480-month sentence. She kept us informed of the progress, and the outcome was Amazing! The motion was granted several weeks later… Thank you, Elizabeth Frankin-Best, you are THE BEST! — Vickie C.
In 2008, I was convicted of homicide by child abuse and sentenced to 35 years in prison. My case ended up in the appellate defense office. To be quite honest, I felt so hopeless at that time. Can you imagine a 2008 release date being in 2039?
Long story short, Mrs. Best was originally assigned to my case. She did my briefs, and she kept in constant contact with me, sending me letters. She was very encouraging when I spoke with her on the phone while in prison at Camille Griffin Graham in South Carolina
Well, let me tell you something: I have been free since 2013 due to her excellent work. I consider Mrs. Best my angel. If it wasn’t for her and her hard work, there’s no way I would be out of prison right now. The Supreme Court finally reversed my conviction in 2013. I repeat, the Supreme Court, let me go!!!!
I thank God for her. If you’re looking for someone who will fight for you, I highly recommend Mrs. Best. You will not be disappointed. If you don’t believe this, please look my name up. I’m in the wrongfully convicted database. God used her to help me, and I am forever grateful!
Mrs. Best, thank you!!!!! You will be forever in my heart, and I’ll never forget you. — Paris A.
I was sent to federal prison in August of 2022 on a serious drug conviction. I was being denied my FSA credits, so my fiancée looked into lawyers to help, and he found the absolute best. Mrs. Elizabeth’s last name says it all. In the process of looking into FSA credits, my mom passed away, who was watching my 11-year-old son. As soon as Mrs. Best learned about it, she quickly filed for compassionate release. We were told it was a waiting game for the judge’s answer. Because of their hard work, the judge ordered a hearing for a date in February, which is very rare. Since day one, her team has given us hope, even though we thought there wasn’t any. So, if you are looking for a lawyer who will fight for you at a very reasonable cost, please call Mrs. Elizabeth Best’s team.
— Jennifer H.
I would like to say that so far, this has been the best interaction with an attorney’s office. Communication is seamless, and someone is always available to answer questions when they arise. The entire process was explained thoroughly upfront. At times, I thought the fees may have been expensive; however, as a business owner, I believe you get what you pay for. Mrs. Franklin-Best has a ton of experience and knowledge and is the best attorney for this matter.
— Tameisha T.
When I hired Elizabeth Franklin-Best, I received the best experience I’ve ever had with an attorney. Her genuineness, professionalism, and legal expertise are unrivaled. She and her team showed genuine concern with our case and made the greatest effort to use their knowledge of the law to bring forth victory in our situation, and we were victorious because of it.
— John B.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best is passionate about her work, knowledgeable about the law, and compassionate about her clients. She listens and has effective writing skills! She is reasonably priced, and she truly fights for you!! Elizabeth Franklin-Best and everyone within her firm provides step-by-step guidance and timely responses to your questions and concerns.
— Leah K.
Nothing in the court of law is guaranteed in today’s court systems. Still, if you need a firm that will fight for you and knows the system and the laws, then Elizabeth Franklin Best and her team are the ones you need to hire. She has done things we thought impossible and gives you and your family hope that there are still great attorneys who do right by law. You need to contact their firm because you will not hire another attorney who will leave no stone unturned like theirs. That’s why they truly are the BEST. Thank you, Elizabeth. You are the best of the best!
— Jimmy C.
I was very impressed the first time I met Elizabeth Best. Upon my arrival, she already had my son on the phone reviewing the case. She even took the time to drive and see my son face-to-face at the facility. I love the case portal for keeping up with updates.
— Amy B.
Her office is very professional, and she was very energetic during our conversation. The consultation with my relative went great, and he’s in great spirits and looking forward to being home very soon! Thank you! I will be referring anyone inquiring about representation with federal habeas corpus relief!
— Gaddafi O.
I can’t recommend Elizabeth highly enough! She is the go-to appellate lawyer in the State of South Carolina. I refer her clients whenever I can because I know they will be in trusted hands.
— Shealey Law Firm
Elizabeth Franklin-Best is the most professional, honest attorney that I have ever met/spoken to! She is a fighter and will fight for you as hard as possible! Her results speak for themselves. She has accomplished so much for so many people! I wouldn’t recommend any other attorney, period! If you want the best, go for the best: Elizabeth Franklin-Best! Thanks, Elizabeth; we are looking forward to fighting this battle with you on her side! God bless you for all that you do!!!!
— Nicole F.
Elizabeth went to see my son in prison and met with me as well. She is very knowledgeable, and I highly recommend her services.
— Dr. Bunty D.
Elizabeth and her staff are absolutely the best in the business. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for help with a conviction.
— Tyler H.
Amazing, and I can’t recommend them enough. Thank you so much.
— James J.
You were my first choice to call and came highly recommended.
— John C.
Very professional and experience great.
— Carolyn B.
The name speaks volumes…
— Michael C.
Federal Prison & BOP Advocacy
Navigating the Federal Bureau of Prisons can be daunting, whether facing incarceration or already serving time. Our federal prison consulting services are designed to guide clients through every step, from pre-surrender preparation to reentry planning. With firsthand knowledge of BOP policies, RDAP, and sentencing credit programs, we offer clear, actionable strategies prioritizing client well-being and the best possible outcomes.
Chris is knowledgeable and provided specific context for our case. During our initial consultation, he answered all of our questions and was direct and realistic about our options, which I really appreciate.
— Addy G.
I scheduled a consultation with Zoukis Consulting Group regarding the circumstances before me and had a very informative discussion with Christopher Zoukis. I had conducted a significant amount of research about what to expect during incarceration. Mr. Zoukis confirmed the information I had found and provided insight that is unavailable through web searches.
— Jesse S.
Chris has a unique body of knowledge that he is freely willing to share. I consulted him on behalf of my son, and he had answers and recommendations immediately. Any reassurance is valuable when you’re facing the government. Deeply appreciated!
— Cynthia S.
Chris knows what he’s talking about. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s consultant meeting. Knowledgeable people, for sure.
— Vito S.
Chris was very compassionate, professional, and empathetic toward my issue. He was very professional and extremely knowledgeable about the federal prison system. He was compassionate and made it easy for me to understand my situation. I felt completely informed after my initial consultation. What stood out the most was his honesty. He makes it very clear that he will not make promises on issues he feels he can’t deliver on. Excellent quality! I highly recommend Zoukis Consulting Group.
— Angela B.
Chris has been so helpful with my son’s situation. He is very responsive and diligent in responding to any questions my son or I have. Being incarcerated has been a scary experience for all of us, and knowing Chris is there has been very comforting. He and my son have a good rapport, which has helped him greatly. Thanks, Chris.
— Elise H.
Mr. Zoukis was extremely helpful, informative, knowledgeable, and willing to help like no one I’ve ever consulted. The open communication made me feel secure and trusting in the process. I appreciate the business model Zoukis Consulting Group employs. If you’re considering becoming a client, take my word for it and do it!
— Uber B.
I had my first consultation with the Zoukis Consulting Group today. They provided excellent information and feedback on finding the right path for my wife, a federal inmate. I look forward to continuing correspondence to move things forward. Thank you for an excellent experience.
— Kenneth J.
They are helpful and knowledgeable. They communicated clearly and explained things well, which put my mind at ease. They gave some good tips, and I feel hopeful for my daughter’s situation.
— Kim C.
My consultation with Chris was amazing. My questions were answered, and the experience gave me clarity about my fiancé’s case. I would definitely recommend that family and friends reach out to Zoukis Consulting Group if you or your loved ones are incarcerated and need an attorney who’s caring, compassionate, honest, and ready to help you with your case.
— Tanisha M.
I prayed to God for help, and he answered my prayers and sent Zoukis Consulting Group to me. They fought on my behalf to have the prison staff recognize my COVID-19 vulnerabilities. I was able to come home after 20 months on a 48-month sentence. Zoukis Consulting Group was very professional and handled business regarding me and my situation. Thanks for their work and professionalism.
— Steve A.
Christopher goes above and beyond for his Clients. He is professional and brings an understanding to this very complex end of the Justice System. He takes his clients’ best interests to heart and does not promise things he can’t deliver on. I highly recommend Zoukis Consulting Group.
— Lorri T.
I was very impressed with Ms. Hamilton. She was compassionate, listened attentively, and informative. I found her approach honest and ethical (and also appreciate the transparent/ethical model this firm uses when approaching how they might help with such complex, sensitive matters).
— Kim R.
They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and know their stuff. I have done a lot of research on my own and spoken with advocacy groups, attorneys, and other consultants. This group is by far the best yet.
— Marcie M.
It was such a relief to talk with the Zoukis Consulting Group team! Even though I did my own research, there were things I didn’t understand. After speaking with them, I had so much hope. Knowing we have someone who can help while ensnared in the federal system brings so much peace of mind. Thank you!
— Juli A.
He was very helpful and knowledgeable, providing lots of information about the case as well as programs to enroll in.
— Bernisha W.
I have been very fortunate to come across this information. Their team has been the best in helping us understand what we will be going through. They are so calm and educated about their information. Thanks!
— Dawn B.
Thank you, Chris, for sharing your experience and providing me with a clear picture of the process and an option for the next steps. I enjoyed our conversation, and again, I love that you are offering this service. Free consultation is a way for many people to dismantle systemic barriers.
— Michelle V.
Very helpful and knowledgeable. Explained every step of the process in detail.
— Nay N.
Chris has been extremely helpful and compassionate. From a legal and human perspective, he is very knowledgeable about the federal prison system. He is the perfect person to go to if you or a loved one needs help with the BOP.
— Lauren L.
They are amazing, extremely caring, and helpful! I was on major edge and ready to have a nervous breakdown over my son til I talked with them, and that did put my mind a little more at ease and calmed my nerves enough to make me calmer. They are great people and super caring. Highly recommend!!
— Michelle L.
A knowledgeable group of individuals. Also, made me feel comfortable in asking uncomfortable/difficult questions and gave me peace of mind. I am happy to have connected with the Zoukis Consulting Group
— Alejandra S.
The Zoukis Consulting Group team was amazing and treated me like I never expected to be treated by any law firm. They changed how I look at attorneys: 1) They called me back and said they would look into a few things and get back to me, and they did quickly. 2) They answered everything I asked without a dime. Usually, law firms won’t give the smallest amount of advice without money upfront. 3) They were kind and had no problem listening to my story and the problem I found myself in. Going the extra mile is an understatement; even knowing I probably would be hiring them now gave me more information. This is the one to hire if you need a good, honest attorney. I’ll never forget the compassion she gave.
— Jessica S.
They gave me a lot of helpful information for me to pass on to my loved one who is incarcerated in Federal prison, awaiting a referral to a Residential Reentry Program.
— Victoria M.
Chris Zoukis was patient in answering my questions. He was very pleasant, and I felt very comfortable speaking with him. I look forward to working with him.
— Key Williams Venture Capital
I felt comfortable talking to the Zoukis Consulting Group team and getting the needed information. They were honest and very understanding. Thanks again! They were very professional . . . blessings.
— Porscha W.
They were very helpful and took the time to ensure that they answered all my questions and concerns.
— Sissy A.
Most excellent, I appreciate the truth and honesty.
— Jean K.
They were a great help. Highly recommend.
— Joe Z.
Thank you for your help and explanation. I will keep in touch further!
— NELA
The Zoukis Consulting Group was very helpful and provided useful information regarding my issue. They were empathetic and not judgmental. They were insightful and knowledgeable without being condescending. I am very glad to have contacted and conversed with the Zoukis Consulting Group.
— Saundra S.
I spoke with this law firm, and they were very nice during this challenging time of our lives. They were very helpful and knowledgeable, providing lots of information about the case and programs to enroll in. They made me feel a lot better under the circumstances. Make the phone call to get a consultation.
— Bernisha W.
I have not yet gone through this. Getting another view of what we will be going through gives us the guidance we need. Thanks to them, we are able to prepare. They helped place my son in a facility where he would grow and not deteriorate his quality of life.
— Dawn B.
Legal Industry Accolades
Our commitment to excellence and client-centered advocacy has earned recognition from leading attorneys, respected legal publications, and criminal justice experts nationwide. From influential law professors to seasoned litigators, professionals across the industry have praised our meticulous attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile. We are proud that our approach—rooted in compassion, diligence, and innovation—continues to be acknowledged by peers and clients alike.
Federal Prison Handbook
Christopher Zoukis never ceases to amaze me. His talent for and generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience of the ins and outs of life in federal prison with current inmates, future inmates, their families, and even lawyers is a testament to his desire to make a positive difference. This book, written in a straightforward style, is a true resource for anyone involved with the prison system.
– Alan Ellis, federal criminal defense attorney, past President of the ACLU of Central Pennsylvania, past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, and author of the renowned Federal Prison Guidebook
The Federal Prison Handbook is actually three books in one. First, it’s an encyclopedia of everything that a prisoner’s family needs to know about doing whatever can possibly be done to help a loved one get through the prison experience. Second, it’s a no-holds-barred, how-to guide for a first-time inmate that explains in the plainest of terms what a prisoner must do — and, just as importantly, what not to do — to survive from the first chilling trip on the inmate bus through the many long days and nights ahead in the jungle. Third, for a battle-tested lawyer like myself with 45 years of criminal litigation behind me, it is the go-to reference book for answering all those “good questions” the incarcerated client asks but which the attorney doesn’t know the answer to because they never teach you in law school what everyday life in prison is really like. Family members, first-time inmates, or experienced criminal litigators, this is a book you want in your library.
– Kent A. Russell, J.D., attorney specializing in habeas corpus and author of the California Habeas Handbook
The Federal Prison Handbook is an excellent resource for individuals currently incarcerated or facing incarceration in a federal prison.
– Brandon Sample, J.D., federal-prisoner-turned-attorney, author of The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel and Executive Director of Prisology.
The Federal Prison Handbook, which is far more than one of the many ubiquitous prison “survival guides” available, provides a wealth of useful information and solid advice for those entering the federal prison system as well as those already serving time in BOP facilities. Writing from his own personal experiences, the author has amassed a treasure trove of penal acumen and knowledge. Rather than learn from your own mistakes — which can be dangerous or even fatal behind bars — this title is well worth purchasing and reading cover-to-cover, even if you’re not facing hard time.
– Alex Friedmann, Managing Editor of Prison Legal News, Associate Director of the Human Rights Defense Center, and President of the anti-private prison Private Corrections Institute.
The Federal Prison Handbook is one of my go-to guides for matters related to the federal prison system. It is an invaluable resource for attorneys like myself, prisoners, and their families.
– Jeremy Gordon, J.D., federal criminal defense and appellate attorney with national practice, former state prosecutor, and General Counsel of Prisology.
This is the most informative, concise prison handbook we’ve ever seen, and we’ve seen them all. The Federal Prison Handbook is an absolute must for lawyers, paralegals, professors, counselors, librarians, prison officials, Members of Congress, and, of course, federal inmates and their families, friends, and associates (past, present, and future). We at FedCURE are overwhelmingly impressed. Hats off to Christopher and Middle Street Publishing for this valuable resource. What a fantastic way to spend your time while incarcerated. We predict hundreds of thousands of folks will benefit from the Federal Prison Handbook.
– Mark A. Varca, J.D., Chairman of FedCURE.
A highly informative and comprehensive overview of the Federal prison system that will prove most valuable to anyone seeking to understand its hidden inner workings.
David Skarbek, King’s College London professor and author of The Social Order of the Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System
Christopher Zoukis has a wealth of experience from which to draw. We worked together on a case, and I was always impressed by how thorough and inquisitive he was. His commitment to helping prisoners knows no bounds. The Federal Prison Handbook will help answer basic questions not addressed or discussed by anyone else but handled here.
– Steven Rosenfield, prisoner civil rights attorney for 40 years, Co-Founder of the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Past President of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association, and Past President of the Board of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
I have never been inclined to recommend prison guidebooks, but Chris really nails this one. I’ve worked with federal inmates for over 30 years, both as a career Federal Bureau of Prisons employee and in private practice, and I can honestly say that the Federal Prison Handbook is a must-read. Chris covers all the bases and provides extensive details on the nuances of federal prison culture
– Jack Donson, nationally awarded retiree of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Director of Case Management & Programs of FedCURE, Chair of the American Bar Association’s standing sub-committee on Federal Bureau of Prisons policy, and Marywood University adjunct professor of criminal justice.
Christopher Zoukis has once again provided an invaluable resource for incarcerated men and women. His newest book, the Federal Prison Handbook, also includes tools and information for friends and families of prisoners, students, attorneys, criminal justice professionals, and anyone who wants to understand what a person goes through who needs to survive and maybe even thrive while incarcerated. From entry into prison to prisoner economy to tips about race and culture behind bars, Zoukis writes a book that is both engaging and highly practical, filled with invaluable experience and research.
– Jean Trounstine, professor, prison activist, and author, whose most recent book is Boy With A Knife: A Story of Murder, Remorse, and a Prisoner’s Fight for Justice
Tips and “cautionary tales” garnered from years of experience by author Christopher Zoukis, incarcerated in the Bureau of Prisons for 10 years, make the carefully researched Federal Prison Handbook a one-of-a-kind resource for men (their loved ones and others) entering and surviving the Federal prison system. What makes Zoukis’ book especially valuable is how it details the mountain of rules, policies, and regulations combined with the insider’s view of how to navigate life in the Federal prison system.
– Lois Ahrens, Director of The Real Cost of Prisons Project and a founding member of The National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls.
Christopher Zoukis’ new book, Federal Prison Handbook, must have been an enormous undertaking. It is an exhaustive attempt to explain the federal prison system, both from an official viewpoint and from a prisoner’s viewpoint. I know that Christopher is a very thorough person because I’ve read his other books on education in prison, and our local volunteer who visits him reports that he is a highly motivated person who has a desire to learn more and enjoys interacting with people. I recommend this book to learn more about the federal prison system.
– Eric Corson, Executive Director of Prisoner Visitation and Support, a nationwide visitation program for federal and military prisoners.
An essential guide to surviving a world of ever-present danger — down to the minutest detail. Has the most scope in the prison genre.
– Shaun Atwood, author of Hard Time Prison Time, Pablo Escobar and American Made
Prison education expert Christopher Zoukis provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of federal prison — from the dreaded intake to details of daily living to preparation for release. The Federal Prison Handbook is a must-have for anyone preparing to serve a term of federal incarceration.
– Terri LeClercq, Ph.D., University of Texas, School of Law retired professor and author of Prison Grievances
While not a panacea for the systemic ills of the criminal justice system, Christopher Zoukis’ Federal Prison Handbook provides an “insider’s” informed and well-researched view of what life is like for the incarcerated. This book is a must-read for anyone engaging in any level of law enforcement, criminal justice, and prison reform. I will certainly be using it in my Juvenile Justice: Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline course next semester.
– Ade Ofunniyin, Ph.D., College of Charleston professor.
Directory of Federal Prisons
As a federal criminal defense attorney for the past 28 years, this is one of the best books out there on federal prisons. It discusses not only each facility and what is available but also the process you go through when entering a federal prison. If you are facing a federal criminal case, working with an attorney familiar with the federal criminal justice system includes knowledge of the information contained in this book. It is an essential tool for lawyers and those who may face federal prison time. Work with a federal lawyer to get the best possible results and to find the best location to serve time should you be subjected to a prison sentence. This book will help ease the process. Knowledge is the key to dealing with these difficult situations.
– Marcia G. Shein, nationally recognized federal criminal defense attorney, Shein and Brandenburg (www.federalcriminallawcenter.com), Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and Past President of Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Once again, Christopher Zoukis demonstrates why his perspective is unique, insightful, and simply different from what is available in print media. This work provides clarity and will help combat the profiteers in the market who prefer to leave one in the dark to capitalize on this very information. You will simply not get this detailed information and analysis from what is currently available in the market. It’s a must-read for advocates, attorneys, and academics to gain a better insight into the BOP.
– Jack Donson, nationally awarded retiree of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Director of Case Management & Programs for FedCURE, Chairman of the American Bar Association’s standing sub-committee on Federal Bureau of Prisons policy, and Marywood University adjunct professor of criminal justice
Going to prison is terrifying, and finding reliable information about what a federal facility is like can be daunting. The Directory of Federal Prisons is a useful source of information that is often otherwise very hard to find. It’s the book you hope you never need, but if you need it, you’ll be grateful it’s there.
– Matthew Kaiser, Partner, KaiserDillon PLLC, 2018 Super Lawyer, Georgetown University Law Center adjunct professor, Past President of the DC Bar Association
With his Directory of Federal Prisons, Christopher Zoukis has provided an invaluable resource to federal criminal defense lawyers, their clients, client families, and federal judges. Holistic counseling requires informing clients who are going to be sentenced to prison about what to expect. Proper advocacy often requires requesting a non-binding — but often-followed — judicial recommendation to the Bureau of Prisons about what prison facility is best suited for a particular individual’s situation. Rich in detail, this Directory helps on both fronts and will ease many minds.
– Subodh Chandra, white collar criminal defense attorney, Former Federal Prosecutor (AUSA), Former Executive Editor of Yale’s Law & Policy Review
Christopher Zoukis has written an invaluable guide to our federal prisons, from security levels to health care information to locations and news items concerning every federal prison facility.
– Brandon L. Garrett, L. Neil Williams Professor of Law, Duke University School of Law and author of Federal Habeas Corpus: Executive Detention and Post-Conviction Litigation
Directory of Federal Prisons is an essential resource for anyone seeking information about the Bureau of Prisons and its facilities. It is detailed, concise, and meticulously researched. This is an invaluable handbook for federal inmates, attorneys, judges, consultants, journalists, or anyone seeking detailed information about the federal prison system.
– Chris Geel, federal criminal defense attorney, former Trial Attorney for Charleston County Public Defender’s Office, and former Appellate Division Attorney for Georgia Public Defender’s Office
I have been a prison and sentencing consultant for over 19 years and have relied on countless sources of information about particular federal prisons so as to properly advise my clients. Most third-party sources are either inaccurate or outdated — until now. Christopher Zoukis’ Directory of Federal Prisons: The Unofficial Guide to Bureau of Prisons Institutions is thorough, comprehensive, and accurate. Every federal criminal defense lawyer should have a copy on their desk when their client is facing a federal prison sentence.
– John B. Webster, Managing Director, National Prison & Sentencing Consultants
Christopher Zoukis has put together a very useful compendium of federal prisons across the United States. The Directory of Federal Prisons contains useful and hard-to-find information on each facility. It will be a valuable resource to researchers interested in following federal prison conditions, family members trying to stay involved with loved ones, and individuals who may be preparing for a prison stay themselves.
– Marc Morjé Howard, Professor of Government and Law, Director of Prisons and Justice Initiative, Georgetown University Law Center
With the Directory of Federal Prisons, Zoukis has built an incredible resource for prisoners, their families, advocates, and researchers alike. This book is a model of how to systematically analyze institutions, incorporating official statistics and policies, government and media reports, and firsthand experiences of those within every single federal prison institution across the United States. It provides a strong foundation for maintaining this important information going forward, as well as an important framework for rendering our prisons more transparent.
– Keramet Reiter, Associate Professor of Law, University of California Irvine, and author of 23/7: Pelican Bay Prison and the Rise of Long-Term Solitary Confinement and Mass Incarceration
The Directory of Federal Prisons is a remarkable achievement. Zoukis provides a wealth of important, detailed information about the facilities in the Bureau of Prisons, including demographics, security levels, and the availability of programming and services such as education, vocational training, and medical and mental health care. Zoukis also interviewed inmates in many of the prisons to assess aspects like levels of violence, prison politics, gang activity, and vulnerability of certain inmates. The interviews provide invaluable insight into prison cultures. The combination of exhaustive profile information and the inside perspective from inmates themselves makes the Directory a must-read for attorneys, inmates, their families, and anyone interested in learning about the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
– William R. Kelly, Professor of Law, University of Texas at Austin, and author of five books on criminal justice reform
The Directory of Federal Prisons is an important resource for federal criminal defense attorneys, as well as their incarcerated clients. The book starts by providing an overview of federal prison operations and policies and then delves into detailed profiles of every institution. These profiles contain everything from basic information (e.g., contact information, security level, visitation information, etc.) to detailed information concerning programs available at each facility (e.g., medical care, psychological care, substance abuse treatment, education, recreation, etc.). One element of this book that is not seen elsewhere is the cultural information. Zoukis interviewed federal inmates at many facilities to discern the level of prison politics and violence amongst the inmate population, as well as whether it is safe for sex offenders, informants, and LGBT inmates to remain at each prison. Whether you have a client or loved one in federal prison or are in federal prison yourself, this book is helpful in navigating a difficult situation.
– Mark Godsey, Daniel P. and Judith L. Carmichael Professor of Law, University of Cincinnati College of Law and Director of the Rosenthal Institute of Justice/Ohio Innocence Project
Although titled ‘an unofficial guide’ to the Bureau of Prisons, this latest 628-page book by Christopher Zoukis should more properly be called ‘the definitive guide’ to federal prisons. It builds on his earlier work, the Federal Prison Handbook, to provide an even more comprehensive examination of the BOP. Have questions about medical care, mental health services, educational, job, and programming opportunities in federal prisons? This book has the answers. What are the guidelines for getting into RDAP, DRUG-ED, or NR-DAP? What programs are available for sex offenders? Where can I find BOP facility addresses, phone numbers, available programs (including UNICOR), reviews, and recent news reports? In this book. Questions about security points and classification? Same. Basically, the Directory of Federal Prisons is an exhaustive compilation of everything you could possibly want to know – and more – about the BOP, including things even federal prison officials likely don’t know.
– Alex Friedmann, Managing Editor of Prison Legal News, Associate Director of the Human Rights Defense Center, and President of the anti-private prison Private Corrections Institute
This is essential reading for anyone who comes in contact with the federal prison system. Christopher Zoukis is not only an insider who spent time and learned the system from experience, but he shares federal prison information from the perspective of a writer dedicated to prisoners’ rights advocacy.
– Jean Trounstine, professor, prison activist, and author, whose latest book is Boy With a Knife: A Story of Murder, Remorse, and a Prisoner’s Fight for Justice
This Directory is slam-bang essential for anyone entering federal prison or anyone whose loved one is entering. The book should be on the desktop of any attorney who counsels and represents citizens entering the criminal ‘justice’ system to educate them and prepare them for the realities. It’s extensive, it’s exhausting, and it’s essential.
– Terri LeClercq, Ph.D., retired Professor of English Emerita, University of Texas at Austin and author of Prison Grievances: When to Write, How to Write
What makes the Directory of Federal Prisons so impressive is how comprehensive it is. The first section is a detailed overview of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A must-read for anyone (or the loved ones of anyone) about to enter the federal prison system. Even people incarcerated for years, as well as attorneys, will find this section informative. The bulk of the book provides descriptions of every prison within the Bureau of Prisons. Each prison profile provides official information. Policies, procedures, and what to expect are covered. Most importantly and uniquely, insights from the women and men serving time in every prison were gathered through interviews and questionnaires answered by hundreds of prisoners. This is an important one-of-a-kind resource. Congratulations to Christopher Zoukis and all whose dedication made it all possible.
– Lois Ahrens, Director of The Real Cost of Prisons Project and founding member of The National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls
Directory of Federal Prisons: The Unofficial Guide to Bureau of Prison Institutions is an invaluable resource for attorneys, families of inmates, and inmates themselves. The scope of this project is impressive, profiling every prison within the Bureau of Prisons from not only a programs and directory information perspective but also from an inmate’s perspective. Going beyond published information alone, incorporating experiences from inmates themselves makes this directory a one-of-a-kind resource.
– Dr. Marieke Liem, Associate Professor, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University and author of After Life Imprisonment
This is a must-have for anyone working with federal defendants and federal inmates. It is a comprehensive source of pertinent information addressing the key questions of defendants, inmates, and their families regarding the federal prison system. This information will alleviate many of the concerns and much of the anxiety experienced by those facing incarceration.
– Richard Zaranek, President of Executive Prison Consultants
The federal prison system is a confusing and labyrinthian archipelago of prisons, camps, and private institutions. In this excellent book, Christopher Zoukis provides a detailed guide to this system. He supplies general information about it and material about individual prisons throughout the United States. Importantly, Zoukis also includes the testimony of inmates who have experienced different institutions. This volume will be useful to policymakers and scholars studying the federal prison system. It will also be helpful to inmates and their families who are navigating a complex environment. I commend and admire Zoukis for his painstaking research and his deep knowledge of our penal system.
– Derek S. Jeffreys, Professor, Humanities and Religion, University of Wisconsin and author of America’s Jails: The Search for Human Dignity in an Age of Mass Incarceration
Directory of Federal Prisons is a resource that people in fed prisons and their loved ones need. As we know, the BOP transfers people to over 100 prisons throughout the country. This Directory will give you a heads-up to get to know yourself before transferring as well as share it with your family and friends.
– Charles Sullivan, President of International CURE
Your Federal Criminal Defense, Post-Conviction, and Prison Consulting Team
If you or your loved one is navigating a federal criminal matter—whether it’s an appeal, post-conviction relief, or guidance through the Federal Bureau of Prisons—our team at Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. is ready to stand by your side. The success stories above highlight the profound impact our comprehensive legal representation and federal prison consulting services can have, even in the most complex cases. From sentence reductions to compassionate release and detailed BOP advocacy, we focus on personalized strategies that seek meaningful outcomes. Let us help you write your own success story. Book a one-hour initial consultation with our team to get started.
- Testimonials are reproduced from public reviews on Yelp, Avvo, Google, and Trustpilot. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Reviews have been edited for clarity and brevity. ↩︎
Published Nov 3, 2024 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on May 16, 2025 at 3:17 pm