Federal Prison · Criminal Justice · Federal Defense
News and analysis on the federal prison system, federal criminal defense, and the criminal justice policy that shapes both.
Reported from primary sources — Federal Bureau of Prisons program statements, United States Code, and decisions of the federal courts. Current developments and commentary live here; the firm’s standing reference material sits in our Federal Prison Library and Practice Areas.
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Habeas corpus is one of the most important legal protections in the American justice system. Many people first encounter the term after an arrest, a conviction, or while researching options for appealing a criminal case. Essentially, habeas corpus gives people a way…
Gun ownership rights differ dramatically across the United States. A firearm carried legally in one state can result in criminal charges just across the border, including, in some cases, jail or prison time, and the rules governing purchase, carry, and self-defense shift…
If you are under investigation for, or have been charged with, a federal crime, you may be wondering whether you need a federal criminal defense attorney. Federal criminal cases differ significantly from state criminal cases, and they often involve more complex laws,…
If you’re facing criminal charges, you might wonder if it’s safe to tell your lawyer everything. Maybe you worry about sharing personal details or fear you might make things worse if you’re honest about what happened. Attorney-client privilege is meant to solve…
A restraining order can provide important legal protection for people experiencing harassment, threats, abuse, or stalking. However, courts do not automatically grant restraining orders based solely on allegations. The person requesting the order must typically present evidence that legal protection is necessary.…
Clemency is a form of relief that may reduce criminal penalties or lessen the consequences of a criminal conviction. In federal cases, clemency is granted by the President of the United States and may provide relief to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation…
Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with how the legal process works. A criminal trial follows a structured sequence of steps designed to ensure fairness and protect the rights of the accused. Understanding these stages can help…
Criminal appeals can involve issues of both substantive and procedural law. Though the terms are easily dismissed as legal jargon, it’s worth understanding the differences: whether a law is defined as substantive or procedural can have practical implications for a variety of…
In criminal law, the idea of “dropping charges” is often misunderstood. Many people assume that if an alleged victim no longer wants to move forward, the case will simply go away. In reality, the process is more complex. Most criminal cases are…
Police officers are entrusted with significant authority, and most carry out their duties lawfully and professionally. However, when that authority is misused, it can result in serious violations of individual rights. Police misconduct refers to actions by law enforcement that are illegal,…
Facing false accusations in court is one of the most stressful and life-altering experiences a person can endure. A single allegation, whether rooted in misunderstanding, mistake, or malice, can threaten your reputation, relationships, and even your freedom. False accusations can arise in…
As described in this issue’s cover story, in May 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a final rule adopting national standards pursuant to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The rule was published in the Federal Register and became effective on August…
RAND prison education research proves education reduces recidivism and boosts employment—here’s what the data shows. The RAND Corporation’s landmark research on correctional education has fundamentally reshaped how policymakers, correctional administrators, and federal criminal defense attorneys understand the role of education in reducing recidivism and…
The American immigration detention system faces an unprecedented crisis. Most detained immigrants cannot secure legal representation while facing deportation. Drawing from data by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, government reports, and federal court statistics, this analysis examines a broken system. The dramatic…
Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, has been quietly transferred from her Florida federal prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas, raising significant questions about Bureau of Prisons security classification policies and the potential for her cooperation with federal authorities. The move to Federal…
The Federal Bureau of Prisons faces a mounting crisis as federal prison inmate deaths reach alarming levels, according to a comprehensive Department of Justice Office of Inspector General report released in February 2024. This groundbreaking investigation examined 344 inmate deaths across federal facilities from…
Solitary confinement reform in the United States is at a crossroads. Once considered a necessary tool for prison management, solitary confinement is now widely condemned as a practice that inflicts profound psychological and physical harm, undermines rehabilitation, and, in many cases, violates…
Fascinating case study in federal fraud, land crimes, and the intersection of religious freedom with criminal law. Zzyzx represents more than just an oddly named spot on the map; it embodies a complex legal saga involving federal land violations, mail fraud, and false advertising…
House arrest, also known as home confinement, is an increasingly prevalent alternative sentencing option in today’s criminal justice system, especially in federal cases. Instead of serving time in a traditional prison, eligible individuals complete their sentences at home, subject to strict court-imposed…
The 2024 Legal Resource Guide to the Federal Bureau of Prisons is a crucial document that offers comprehensive and updated information about the federal prison system. Released by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), this guide is essential for legal professionals, families of incarcerated…
The differences between federal prison vs state prison in the U.S. criminal justice system are significant. This article delves into these differences in detail, equipping you with knowledge of the critical aspects of each system. Whether you’re a concerned family member, facing…
Misprision of a felony is a federal crime that occurs when an individual knows about the commission of a felony but fails to report it to authorities. According to 18 U.S.C. 4, anyone who conceals and does not make known the commission…
Looking for information on how to use Western Union for inmates? Want to know how to use Western Union to send money to inmates? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) recognizes the importance of connecting inmates with their loved ones.…
Prison mail policies concerning providing copies of inmate photos are intended to bolster security. Instead, they create significant challenges for inmates and their families. Replacing original photos with photocopied images diminishes the emotional support and connection that family photos can offer. This…
Every post is written by Elizabeth Franklin-Best, Esq. and Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, and reviewed for legal accuracy by Elizabeth Franklin-Best, the firm’s principal attorney. How we verify →
Choosing the right federal defense team can make a difficult situation feel more manageable. At Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C., we take the time to listen, answer questions, and provide the clarity people need to make informed choices about their future.
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