Prison Consultants

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A prison consultant is a professional who provides advisory services to individuals facing criminal charges, sentencing, or incarceration.

Prison consultants offer guidance on navigating the criminal justice system, preparing for imprisonment, and managing life during and after incarceration. Consultants often work alongside criminal defense attorneys, providing complementary expertise focused on the practical realities of incarceration rather than legal strategy.

Becoming a prison consultant requires no formal training or certification, and no agency tracks those in the business. The industry has grown substantially, with consultants providing services that typically include pre-sentencing preparation, guidance on prison designation, advice on navigating institutional rules and social dynamics, family communication strategies, and post-release reintegration planning.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons takes no position on consulting.

Services Provided

Prison consultants offer a diverse array of services designed to help clients navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system, though the scope and focus of these services vary significantly among practitioners. The rates of prison consultants vary significantly, often depending upon their experience and how they package various services. Some consultants provide comprehensive end-to-end support from indictment through release, while others specialize in particular aspects of the incarceration process.

Pre-Sentencing Services

During the pre-sentencing phase, consultants commonly assist with preparation for the presentence investigation. This includes advising clients on how to present themselves during interviews with probation officers, helping to gather documentation that may influence sentencing recommendations, and working with defense attorneys to develop mitigation strategies. The comprehensiveness of a client's personal medical record is critical, as access to optimal care will depend on proper documentation in the presentence report. Consultants may also provide guidance on character reference letters and help clients understand the sentencing guidelines applicable to their cases.

Prison consultants cannot guarantee specific sentencing outcomes or influence judges' decisions. They do not provide legal advice and cannot file motions in court or represent clients in legal proceedings. Their role is advisory and educational, not legal advocacy.

Prison Designation and Placement

One of the most valued services prison consultants provide is guidance on federal prison designation. While the Bureau of Prisons maintains final authority over all placement decisions, consultants can help clients understand the factors that influence designation and prepare formal requests for specific facilities. This includes analyzing a client's security point calculation under the BOP classification system, identifying institutions that may be appropriate based on security level, medical needs, and geographic proximity to family, and preparing comprehensive placement packets for submission to the Bureau of Prisons. Consultants may advise on facilities that may better accommodate specific needs, such as medical care requirements or proximity to family members.

For clients with significant medical needs, specialized consultants can be particularly valuable. Medical professionals who have transitioned into prison consulting bring expertise in navigating the Bureau of Prisons' Care Level system, which categorizes facilities based on the complexity of medical services they can provide. These consultants help ensure that chronic conditions, ongoing treatments, and specialized medical requirements are properly documented and communicated to the Bureau of Prisons during the designation process.

Program Eligibility and Sentence Reduction

Prison consultants frequently advise clients on eligibility for programs that can reduce time served or improve conditions during incarceration. The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is among the most significant, as successful completion can result in up to 12 months of sentence reduction plus up to six months in a halfway house.[1] Consultants help clients understand RDAP eligibility requirements, prepare applications, and navigate the waiting lists at various institutions.

Beyond RDAP, consultants provide information about educational programs, vocational training, and other rehabilitation initiatives available within the federal prison system. They can advise on the First Step Act and how inmates may earn time credits through evidence-based recidivism reduction programming, though consultants cannot guarantee acceptance into any particular program.

Prison Preparation and Orientation

Prison orientation and education programs are designed to acclimatize soon-to-be inmates to life in prison. This preparation typically covers practical matters such as what to bring on self-surrender day, how the intake process works, what to expect during the first days and weeks of incarceration, and how to navigate the informal social rules and hierarchies within prison culture.

Consultants advise clients on behavioral expectations, including maintaining appropriate boundaries with correctional staff and other inmates. They teach clients basic etiquette such as washing hands after using the restroom, not cutting in line at the chow hall, and keeping voices down during phone calls. Common sources of conflict in prison include disputes over phones, television access, and gambling, and consultants typically warn clients to avoid these potential flashpoints.

Consultants may also advise on maintaining family relationships during incarceration, including how phone and email systems work, visitation procedures, and strategies for staying connected with children and spouses. They provide information about daily life, work assignments, commissary access, and recreational opportunities.

In-Prison Advocacy and Problem Resolution

Once a client is incarcerated, some consultants continue to provide support by serving as advocates for inmates and their families. This can include helping to resolve issues with medical care, advising on the administrative remedy process (the formal grievance system within the Bureau of Prisons), and assisting with transfer requests. Prison disciplinary matters, transfers, medical intervention, and administrative remedies typically fall within this category of services.

Some consultants serve as authorized representatives who can communicate with prison officials on behalf of inmates regarding health care and other matters. They may help families understand prison policies, navigate bureaucratic obstacles, and ensure that inmates' rights are being respected. Consultants can also verify that good time credits and First Step Act time credits are being calculated correctly, though they cannot force corrections in calculations—they can only advise families on how to pursue administrative remedies.

Specialized Consultants

The prison consulting field has developed various specializations. Some consultants focus exclusively on federal cases, while others specialize in particular state systems. Consultants with extensive first-hand knowledge of specific correctional systems, such as the NYC Department of Correction and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, may be particularly valuable for cases within those jurisdictions where rules and procedures differ significantly from the federal system.

Medical specialists bring expertise to clients from healthcare professions or those with complex medical needs. Consultants with medical backgrounds draw upon their clinical training and experiences within the Bureau of Prisons, and may maintain relationships with corrections officials and medical colleagues. These specialists understand both the professional licensing concerns that healthcare workers face when convicted of crimes and the intricacies of securing appropriate medical care within correctional facilities.

Other consultants specialize in particular types of cases, such as white-collar crimes, sex offenses (which require knowledge about protective custody and sex offender management programs), or cases involving elderly defendants.

Limitations

Prison consultants cannot practice law, provide legal advice, file legal motions, or represent clients in court proceedings. They cannot guarantee specific outcomes regarding sentencing, prison placement, program acceptance, or early release. Prison consultants charge varying fees with no promises made regarding results.

Consultants have no authority to influence Bureau of Prisons decisions, modify security classifications, or override institutional policies. They cannot secure special treatment for clients or guarantee transfer to specific facilities. The value of a prison consultant lies in their knowledge, experience, and ability to help clients and their families navigate the correctional system with greater understanding and preparation.

Cost

The services offered by prison consultants are diverse and tailored to the specific needs of their clients, leading to a wide range in cost. Fees typically range from $2,000 for limited, à la carte services to more than $80,000 for comprehensive packages that include extensive pre-sentencing preparation, ongoing support throughout incarceration, and post-release assistance.

Selection Considerations

Finding an appropriate prison consultant requires careful evaluation, particularly given the absence of formal training requirements or professional certification in this field. The unregulated nature of the industry means that the quality and expertise of consultants can vary significantly.

Background Research: Since there is no formal governing body for prison consultants, prospective clients should research a consultant's history, duration of practice, and specific areas of expertise. This may include their own experiences with the prison system, legal knowledge, and documented successes. Past clients of various prison consultants have included Lori Loughlin, Bernard Madoff, Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, Mike Tyson, Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, Martha Stewart, and Leona Helmsley.

Relevant Experience: Consultants should have experience with the specific correctional system relevant to the case—federal or state—as the difference between federal and state systems is substantial, and each state operates under unique rules. The security level of facilities where the consultant has experience should match the likely security level of the client's designation. Experience with the specific facility to which a client may be assigned can be particularly valuable, as practices vary even within the same system.

Demographic factors may also be relevant, as the experience of incarceration differs based on gender, age, and other characteristics. Consultants whose backgrounds and experiences closely match a client's circumstances may be better positioned to provide relevant guidance.

Recency of Experience: Consultants with recent experience in the prison system may have more current knowledge, as correctional facilities, rules, and social dynamics evolve over time.

References: Reputable consultants should be willing to provide references or testimonials from previous clients.

Warning Signs: Red flags include promises of guaranteed outcomes (such as significantly reduced sentences or special treatment), pressure to make quick decisions, claims of insider connections or ability to influence judges or Bureau of Prisons officials, reluctance to provide detailed contracts or clear explanations of services, and excessive focus on the consultant's own experience rather than the client's specific needs.

Notable Consultants

Sam Mangel

Sam Mangel is a federal prison consultant who has appeared regularly on CNN and CourtTV as a media commentator on criminal justice matters.[2] His client list includes Steve Bannon, Sam Bankman-Fried, Peter Navarro, and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao.[3]

When former Trump adviser Peter Navarro reported to federal prison in March 2024 to serve his four-month sentence for contempt of Congress, Mangel helped him prepare for incarceration at FCI Miami. When I picked him up this morning, he was ready to go, Mangel told CNN. It can be scary and intimidating. But hes going to be perfectly safe."[4] Similarly, Steve Bannon retained Mangel when facing his four-month federal prison sentence for contempt of Congress.[5]

Craig Rothfeld

Craig Rothfeld specializes in New York State cases and has extensive first-hand knowledge of the NYC Department of Correction and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.[6] His clients have included Luigi Mangione, Harvey Weinstein, and NXIVM leader Keith Raniere.

Rothfeld serves as Harvey Weinstein's business liaison and health care representative, facilitating communication between Weinstein's legal team and prison officials.[7] In December 2024, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, retained Rothfeld for his New York State case.[8]

Marc Blatstein

Marc Blatstein, with over 30 years of experience in medicine and surgery, specializes in cases involving medical professionals and clients with complex medical needs.[9] His expertise extends to navigating the Bureau of Prisons' medical care levels and ensuring proper documentation in presentence reports.

Blatstein's approach focuses on embedding medical records into the presentence report, which serves as the primary referral document for Bureau of Prisons medical care and facility placement decisions. His published works include articles in The Federal Lawyer on Availability of Treatment and Rehabilitation in Federal Prison: The Critical Role of the Presentence Report.[10]

Alternative Resources

Advice for navigating the challenges of prison life can be found through resources beyond traditional prison consultants. The White Collar Support Group, founded in 2016 by Jeff Grant, an ordained minister and attorney, provides free peer support for justice-impacted individuals and their families. The group's weekly meetings on Zoom cover topics from preparing for prison to rebuilding careers post-incarceration.

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What does a prison consultant do?

A prison consultant is a professional who provides advisory services to individuals facing criminal charges, sentencing, or incarceration. Their services typically fall into several categories:

Pre-sentencing preparation: Helping clients prepare for the presentence investigation, advising on how to present themselves to probation officers, gathering documentation that may influence sentencing recommendations, and coordinating with defense attorneys on mitigation strategies.

Prison designation guidance: Helping clients understand the BOP classification system, analyzing security point calculations, identifying appropriate facilities based on security level and medical needs, and preparing formal placement requests for the Bureau of Prisons.

Program eligibility advice: Counseling clients on programs that can reduce time served, such as the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), and explaining how to earn time credits under the First Step Act.

Prison preparation: Educating clients on what to expect during self-surrender, intake processing, daily routines, institutional rules, and the informal social dynamics of prison life.

Ongoing support: Some consultants continue working with clients and families during incarceration, helping resolve issues with medical care, advising on the grievance process, and verifying that good time credits are being calculated correctly.

The scope of services varies significantly among consultants—some offer comprehensive packages from indictment through release, while others specialize in particular aspects of the process.[11]



Q: Are prison consultants licensed or regulated?

No. Prison consulting is an entirely unregulated industry. There is no licensing requirement, no certification process, no professional examination (like the bar exam for lawyers), and no governing body that oversees prison consultants. Anyone can call themselves a prison consultant and begin offering services tomorrow.

This lack of regulation means:

  • No minimum qualifications: Consultants are not required to have any particular education, training, or experience.
  • No oversight body: There is no agency that tracks who is practicing, investigates complaints, or disciplines consultants for misconduct.
  • No standardized practices: Services, fees, and quality vary enormously from one consultant to another.
  • No malpractice framework: Unlike attorneys, consultants cannot be disbarred or have their license revoked for incompetence or ethical violations.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons takes no official position on prison consulting and neither endorses nor prohibits the practice. Because of this lack of regulation, prospective clients must conduct their own due diligence: researching a consultant's background, verifying their claimed experience, requesting references, and being alert to warning signs of fraud or incompetence. The burden is entirely on the consumer to evaluate quality.[12]



Q: How much do prison consultants charge?

Prison consultant fees vary widely depending on the scope of services, the consultant's experience and reputation, and the complexity of the case. Based on industry information:

  • Limited à la carte services: Starting around $2,000–$5,000 for specific, discrete tasks such as reviewing a presentence report, advising on self-surrender preparation, or a single consultation session.
  • Standard packages: Typically $10,000–$25,000 for pre-sentencing preparation, designation guidance, and prison orientation.
  • Comprehensive packages: $25,000–$50,000+ for extensive support including pre-sentencing work, ongoing assistance during incarceration, family support services, and post-release planning.
  • High-profile or complex cases: Can exceed $80,000 for consultants who work with celebrities, executives, or cases requiring specialized expertise (such as medical professionals or sex offense cases).

Payment structures also vary—some consultants charge flat fees for defined services, others bill hourly, and some require retainers with additional charges for specific tasks. Always get a detailed written contract specifying exactly what services are included, what costs extra, and what the total expected expense will be. Be wary of consultants who are vague about pricing or who pressure you to pay large sums upfront without clear deliverables.[13]



Q: Can a prison consultant guarantee me a shorter sentence?

No. Prison consultants cannot guarantee any sentencing outcome, and you should be extremely skeptical of anyone who claims otherwise.

What consultants can do is help you prepare the strongest possible case for mitigation by:

  • Ensuring your presentence report accurately reflects your background, character, and circumstances
  • Helping gather documentation of rehabilitation efforts, community ties, employment history, and other mitigating factors
  • Coordinating with your attorney on character reference letters
  • Advising on how to present yourself during the presentence investigation

However, the sentencing decision rests entirely with the judge, who considers the sentencing guidelines, the nature of the offense, the arguments of both prosecution and defense, and many other factors. A consultant has no ability to influence a judge's decision. Any consultant who promises a specific sentence reduction or claims special influence over judges is misrepresenting their capabilities—and possibly committing fraud.[14]



Q: Can a prison consultant get me into a specific prison?

No. The Bureau of Prisons has sole authority over designation decisions, and no consultant can guarantee placement at any particular facility.

What consultants can do is help you understand the designation process and present the strongest possible case for your preferred facility:

  • Analyzing your security point calculation to determine your likely security level
  • Identifying facilities that match your security level, medical needs, and geographic preferences
  • Preparing a comprehensive placement memorandum or "designation packet" requesting a specific facility
  • Ensuring medical conditions are properly documented so the BOP assigns you to a facility with appropriate care level

The BOP considers these requests but is not bound by them. Factors like bed space availability, security concerns, and institutional needs often override inmate preferences. Many inmates are designated to facilities they did not request. A consultant who guarantees placement at a specific prison is making a promise they cannot keep.[15]



Q: What can prison consultants NOT do?

Prison consultants face significant limitations that prospective clients should understand:

Legal prohibitions:

  • Cannot practice law or provide legal advice
  • Cannot represent you in court or at hearings
  • Cannot file motions, pleadings, or legal documents
  • Cannot negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf
  • Cannot advise you on whether to accept a plea agreement

Lack of authority:

  • Cannot influence judges' sentencing decisions
  • Cannot override Bureau of Prisons designation decisions
  • Cannot modify your security classification
  • Cannot guarantee acceptance into RDAP or other programs
  • Cannot force transfers to different facilities
  • Cannot secure special treatment or privileges for clients
  • Cannot compel prison officials to take any action

No guarantees:

  • Cannot promise specific outcomes of any kind
  • Cannot guarantee sentence reductions
  • Cannot guarantee program acceptance
  • Cannot guarantee early release

The value of a legitimate prison consultant lies in their knowledge, experience, and ability to help you navigate the system with better understanding—not in any special authority or ability to guarantee results. If a consultant claims otherwise, that is a warning sign.[14]



Q: When should I hire a prison consultant?

The optimal time to engage a prison consultant depends on your situation, but earlier is generally better:

Immediately after indictment or arrest: If you know federal charges are coming or have already been filed, engaging a consultant early allows maximum time for preparation. The consultant can begin coordinating with your defense attorney, help you understand what to expect, and start gathering documentation for mitigation.

Before the presentence investigation: At minimum, you should engage a consultant before your interview with the probation officer. The presentence investigation heavily influences both sentencing and prison designation, and proper preparation is critical. Medical conditions, in particular, must be thoroughly documented in the presentence report to ensure appropriate facility placement and care.

After sentencing but before surrender: If you've already been sentenced, a consultant can still help with designation requests, self-surrender preparation, and orientation to prison life. This compressed timeline limits what can be accomplished but is better than no preparation.

After incarceration has begun: Some consultants provide ongoing support during incarceration, helping families communicate with prison officials, advising on grievances, and verifying good time calculations. However, many issues are harder to address after the fact.

The worst time to seek help is the day before self-surrender. If you're facing federal charges, begin researching consultants as soon as you have competent legal representation in place.[11]



Q: Do prison consultants have special connections or inside information?

Be skeptical of any consultant who claims special "insider" access or connections.

Some consultants do have legitimate expertise based on:

  • Personal experience serving time in federal or state facilities
  • Professional backgrounds in corrections, law, medicine, or social work
  • Years of working with clients and observing how the system operates
  • Relationships with defense attorneys who handle criminal cases
  • Knowledge of specific facilities from visiting clients or former employment

However, no consultant has the ability to influence Bureau of Prisons decisions through personal connections. The BOP is a large federal bureaucracy that makes designation, transfer, and program decisions based on policy, security considerations, and available resources—not because a consultant made a phone call.

Red flags include consultants who claim:

  • Personal relationships with judges that can influence sentencing
  • Ability to "call in favors" with BOP officials
  • Insider access to information not available through normal channels
  • Special influence that justifies premium fees

Legitimate consultants are knowledgeable about the system but honest about the limits of their influence. Their value comes from expertise and preparation, not from claimed connections.[12]



Q: What should I look for when choosing a prison consultant?

Given the lack of regulation in this industry, careful evaluation is essential:

Relevant experience: The consultant should have experience with your specific system (federal vs. state) and ideally with cases similar to yours. A consultant who specializes in federal white-collar cases may not be the right fit for a state drug offense. Ask about the consultant's background—many former inmates, attorneys, or corrections professionals have become consultants.

Recency: Prison rules, programs, and culture change over time. A consultant whose personal prison experience was 20 years ago may have outdated knowledge. Ask when they last had direct involvement with the system relevant to your case.

Specificity: Be wary of consultants who offer only vague generalities. A good consultant should be able to discuss specifics: the security levels, current RDAP waitlists, recent policy changes, and details relevant to your situation.

References: Reputable consultants should provide references from former clients or attorneys they've worked with.

Clear contracts: Insist on a written agreement specifying services, fees, timelines, and what is not included.

Attorney coordination: A legitimate consultant will want to work alongside your attorney, not replace them or operate independently of your legal team.

Warning signs: Avoid consultants who guarantee outcomes, claim special influence, pressure you to decide quickly, are vague about fees, or focus excessively on their own credentials rather than your specific needs.[12]



Q: Are prison consultants worth the money?

Whether a prison consultant is "worth it" depends on your circumstances, the quality of the consultant, and what you hope to gain. Consider:

Arguments for hiring a consultant:

  • Defense attorneys, even excellent ones, often have limited knowledge of the practical realities of prison life, BOP designation procedures, and institutional programs. A consultant fills that gap.
  • Proper preparation for the presentence investigation can meaningfully affect both sentencing and designation—getting this wrong is costly.
  • For clients with medical needs, ensuring proper documentation can be the difference between adequate care and dangerous neglect.
  • The stress reduction from understanding what to expect may have significant value for you and your family.
  • Mistakes made due to ignorance (violating institutional rules, missing program deadlines, failing to document medical conditions) can extend your incarceration or make it more difficult.

Arguments against:

  • The $10,000–$50,000+ cost is substantial and may be better spent on legal fees, family support, or savings for post-release.
  • Much information is available for free through resources like the White Collar Support Group, online forums, and publications.
  • The unregulated nature of the industry means you may pay significant money for poor-quality advice.
  • No consultant can guarantee any outcome—you may pay thousands and receive little tangible benefit.

For high-stakes cases involving substantial sentences, complex medical needs, or significant assets to protect, many clients find consultants valuable. For shorter sentences or straightforward cases, self-education and free resources may be sufficient. The key is realistic expectations about what a consultant can and cannot deliver.[13]



Q: Can prison consultants help with state cases or only federal?

Prison consultants exist for both federal and state cases, but you must find one with experience in the specific system relevant to your case. The differences between federal and state systems are substantial:

Federal system: The Bureau of Prisons operates under uniform national policies. A consultant experienced with federal prisons can advise on any federal facility because the rules, designation process, and programs (like RDAP) are standardized. Many of the most prominent consultants, such as Sam Mangel, specialize in federal cases.

State systems: Each of the 50 states operates its own prison system with unique rules, classification methods, facilities, and programs. A consultant must have specific experience with the state where you'll be incarcerated. For example, Craig Rothfeld specializes in New York cases and has extensive knowledge of both the NYC Department of Correction (jails) and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (prisons)—but that expertise wouldn't transfer to California or Texas.

When evaluating consultants, verify that their experience matches your jurisdiction. A consultant who worked in federal prison has no special insight into state prison systems, and vice versa. State cases may require more specialized consultants who are harder to find and may be more expensive due to the smaller market.[16]



Q: What's the difference between a prison consultant and a sentencing mitigation specialist?

There is overlap, but these roles have different focuses:

Sentencing mitigation specialists (also called mitigation consultants or sentencing advocates) focus specifically on the sentencing phase. They investigate the defendant's background, identify mitigating factors, gather documentation, interview family members and others who can speak to the defendant's character, and help the defense team present a compelling case for leniency. Their work product is typically used by attorneys in sentencing memoranda and arguments to the court. Many mitigation specialists have backgrounds in social work, psychology, or investigations.

Prison consultants have a broader scope that extends beyond sentencing to include prison designation, institutional life, programs, family communication, and sometimes post-release planning. While many consultants assist with presentence preparation (which overlaps with mitigation work), their expertise extends to what happens after the sentence is imposed.

In practice, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and individual practitioners may offer services in both areas. Some defense teams hire both a mitigation specialist (focused intensively on the sentencing argument) and a prison consultant (focused on what comes next). When evaluating providers, focus on the specific services offered rather than the title they use.[11]



Q: Can a prison consultant help if I'm already incarcerated?

Yes, though options are more limited once you're inside. Services consultants provide to currently incarcerated individuals include:

Credit verification: Reviewing calculations of good conduct time and First Step Act earned time credits to ensure they're accurate. Errors do occur, and catching them early can affect release dates.

Transfer assistance: Advising on how to request transfers to different facilities, though the BOP has sole authority over transfers and denies most requests.

Medical advocacy: Some consultants, particularly those with medical backgrounds like Marc Blatstein, serve as authorized health care representatives who can communicate with prison medical staff on behalf of inmates.

Grievance guidance: Advising inmates and families on how to navigate the administrative remedy process to address problems with conditions, medical care, or staff conduct.

Family support: Helping family members understand prison policies, navigate visitation procedures, and communicate effectively with prison officials.

Program applications: Advising on applications for RDAP, educational programs, or other initiatives the inmate may not have pursued initially.

If you or a loved one is already incarcerated and experiencing problems, a consultant may be able to help—but be realistic that many issues are difficult or impossible to resolve from outside the system. The consultant's role is to advise and assist, not to compel the BOP to take action.[17]



Q: Are there free alternatives to hiring a prison consultant?

Yes. While paid consultants offer personalized guidance, free resources exist for those who cannot afford fees or prefer to research independently:

White Collar Support Group: Founded by Jeff Grant, this organization provides free weekly Zoom meetings where justice-impacted individuals and families can ask questions and receive peer support from others who have navigated the system. Topics include preparing for prison, surviving incarceration, and rebuilding afterward.

Online communities: Forums and social media groups where current and former inmates share experiences. Quality varies, but these can provide practical insights about specific facilities.

BOP website and policy statements: The Bureau of Prisons publishes program statements, facility information, and inmate resources at bop.gov. These documents are dense but contain official policies.

Defense attorneys: Your attorney may have experience with sentencing preparation and can refer you to resources. Some public defender offices have social workers or mitigation specialists on staff.

The tradeoff with free resources is that you must invest significant time in research and may not receive guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. For complex cases or those with substantial resources, professional guidance may be worth the investment. For straightforward situations, self-education may be sufficient.[18]


See Also

Prison Consultants

References

  1. Federal Bureau of Prisons. Substance Abuse Treatment. https://www.bop.gov/inmates/custody_and_care/substance_abuse_treatment.jsp
  2. CNN. Hear consultant for Bannon and Navarro explain what he tells clients before prison. June 9, 2024. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/09/politics/video/prison-bannon-navarro-consultant-sam-mangel-nr-digvid
  3. Semafor. Prison consultant Sam Mangel helps ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro navigate life behind bars. May 21, 2024. https://www.semafor.com/article/05/21/2024/prison-consultant-sam-mangel-helps-ex-trump-adviser-peter-navarro-navigate-life-behind-bars
  4. CNN. "Peter Navarro begins serving prison sentence after historic contempt prosecution." March 19, 2024. https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/19/politics/peter-navarro-jail-contempt-of-congress
  5. CNN. "Steve Bannon wont be spending his prison term in a Club Fed as he had hoped, sources say. June 17, 2024. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/politics/steve-bannon-danbury-prison-contempt-of-congress
  6. NBC News. Well-known inmates hire this consultant to help them navigate life behind bars. October 2024. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/prison-consultant-craig-rothfeld-high-profile-celebrities-diddy-rcna234930
  7. The Hollywood Reporter. Harvey Weinsteins Life in Prison (Exclusive)." https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/exclusive-harvey-weinstein-life-in-prison-1236196701/
  8. Fox News. "Luigi Mangione hires Harvey Weinsteins prison consultant Craig Rothfeld. January 29, 2025. https://www.foxnews.com/us/luigi-mangione-hires-harvey-weinstein-prison-consultant-craig-rothfeld-report
  9. Physician Presentence Report Service. About Dr. Marc Blatstein. https://pprsus.com/about-dr-marc-blatstein/
  10. Blatstein, Marc et al. Availability of Treatment and Rehabilitation in Federal Prison: The Critical Role of the Presentence Report. The Federal Lawyer, January/February 2021.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Prison Consultants page, "Services Provided" section.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Prison Consultants page, "Selection Considerations" section.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Prison Consultants page, "Cost" section.
  14. 14.0 14.1 See "Limitations" section on this page.
  15. Prison Consultants page, "Prison Designation and Placement" section.
  16. Prison Consultants page, "Specialized Consultants" section.
  17. Prison Consultants page, "In-Prison Advocacy and Problem Resolution" section.
  18. Prison Consultants page, "Alternative Resources" section.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a prison consultant?

A prison consultant is a professional who helps individuals facing federal incarceration prepare for their sentence, navigate the BOP system, and plan for reentry.


Q: What services do prison consultants offer?

Services typically include facility recommendation analysis, self-surrender preparation, family guidance, program eligibility assessment, and reentry planning.


Q: How much do prison consultants cost?

Fees vary widely based on services, ranging from a few hundred dollars for basic consultations to several thousand for comprehensive packages.