Larry Levine

Larry Levine
Born:	1954; Los Angeles, California
Charges:	Drug trafficking, Racketeering
Sentence:	11 years
Facility:	Multiple federal facilities including USP Leavenworth, FCI Terminal Island
Status:	Released

Larry Levine (born 1954) is an American prison consultant and founder of Wall Street Prison Consultants. A former drug trafficker who served more than ten years in federal prison, Levine has become one of the most prominent figures in the prison consulting industry, helping white-collar defendants prepare for incarceration and navigate the federal Bureau of Prisons system.

Early Life

Larry Levine was born in 1954 in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the Los Angeles area during an era when the region was becoming a hub for various illicit activities.

Background

Levine has described growing up in an environment where crime and legitimate business often intersected. He developed street smarts and business acumen that would serve him both in his criminal career and later legitimate endeavors.

Criminal Career

Drug Trafficking

Levine became involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations:

Operated primarily in Southern California
Involved in cocaine distribution networks
Connected to various criminal organizations
Ran substantial drug operations over several years

Arrest and Prosecution

Levine's criminal career ended when federal authorities arrested him on charges including:

Drug trafficking
Racketeering
Related federal offenses

Conviction and Sentencing

Levine was convicted and sentenced to approximately 11 years in federal prison - a substantial sentence reflecting the scale of his criminal activities.

Extensive Prison Experience

Multiple Facilities

During his decade-plus incarceration, Levine was housed at numerous federal facilities:

USP Leavenworth - High-security United States Penitentiary
FCI Terminal Island - Low-security facility in Los Angeles
Various other facilities - Transfers throughout the federal system

Knowledge Gained

His extensive time in federal custody gave Levine deep knowledge of:

How the Bureau of Prisons operates
The realities of daily prison life at different security levels
How inmates navigate the system
The unwritten rules and politics of prison life
Programs, transfers, and release processes

Survival Skills

Levine learned firsthand how to:

Survive in high-security environments
Manage relationships with guards and other inmates
Access programs and privileges
Prepare for release
Handle conflicts and challenges

Release and Career Change

Release from Prison

After serving his full sentence, Levine was released from federal custody. He emerged with extensive knowledge of the federal prison system and a desire to use that experience productively.

Wall Street Prison Consultants

Levine founded Wall Street Prison Consultants, a firm dedicated to helping white-collar defendants prepare for federal incarceration. The company provides:

Pre-Sentencing Services

Consultation on what to expect from sentencing
Guidance on factors that affect facility designation
Advice on how to present to the court

Pre-Surrender Preparation

Detailed explanation of intake procedures
What items to bring (and not bring)
How to arrange personal affairs before surrender
Mental preparation for incarceration

Prison Navigation

Understanding the daily routine
How to stay safe and avoid conflicts
Accessing educational and vocational programs
Managing communication with family
Understanding good time credits and release dates

Facility Designation Assistance

Helping defendants understand the designation process
Advocating for appropriate facility placement
Understanding security level classifications

Industry Pioneer

Levine has been credited as one of the pioneers of the prison consulting industry. While others have entered the field, his extensive firsthand experience - more than ten years in federal custody at various security levels - gives him unique credentials.

Media Presence

Media Appearances

Levine has become a go-to expert for media covering federal prison issues:

Regular appearances on television news programs
Interviews for print and online publications
Documentary appearances
Podcast and radio interviews

High-Profile Cases

Levine has commented on numerous high-profile cases, offering insights about:

What conditions defendants might face
How the Bureau of Prisons makes decisions
What life inside federal facilities is actually like

Online Presence

Through Wall Street Prison Consultants, Levine maintains:

Educational content about the federal prison system
Regular commentary on developments in criminal justice
Resources for defendants and families

Philosophy and Approach

Honest Assessment

Levine is known for providing:

Direct, sometimes blunt assessments of what defendants will face
Realistic expectations rather than false comfort
Practical advice based on real experience

No-Nonsense Style

His approach reflects his background:

Straightforward communication style
Focus on practical survival and navigation
Drawing on years of actual prison experience
Understanding both high and low security environments

Client Focus

Levine works to:

Prepare clients mentally and practically
Reduce fear of the unknown
Help clients serve their time productively
Facilitate smoother reentry to society

Significance

Prison Consulting Industry

Levine helped establish prison consulting as a legitimate industry:

Demonstrated the value of expert guidance
Set standards for the field
Built credibility through extensive experience

Criminal Justice Insight

His work provides:

Public insight into the federal prison system
Commentary on Bureau of Prisons policies
Education about incarceration realities

Second Chance Example

Levine's career represents:

Transformation from criminal to legitimate businessman
Using negative experience productively
Helping others navigate difficult circumstances

Criticism and Controversy

Industry Criticism

Some have questioned:

Whether prison consulting benefits defendants
The ethics of profiting from incarceration
Whether the industry is sufficiently regulated

Defense of the Work

Levine and supporters argue:

Defendants deserve qualified guidance
Knowledge reduces suffering and improves outcomes
The service fills a legitimate need

References

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