Facing prison time is a life-altering event, and for many, the process is overwhelming. This is where prison consultants come in – offering guidance, strategies, and support to help individuals navigate their sentence and prepare for life inside. But not all consultants are created equal, and hiring the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Before committing to a consultant, here are 11 crucial things you need to know to make an informed decision.
1. Have They Ever Been to Federal Prison?
One of the most important questions to ask a prison consultant is whether they’ve actually served time in federal prison. Some consultants claim expertise based on secondhand knowledge, such as working in the prison system as a guard or administrator. While this provides insight, it’s not the same as experiencing prison firsthand.
Someone who has actually lived through the system understands the mental, emotional, and logistical challenges that come with incarceration. They can provide practical, experience-based advice that goes beyond just policy knowledge.
2. Have They Ever Violated Probation or Been Sent Back to Prison?
If a consultant violated probation, home confinement, or any post-release conditions and ended up back in prison, this raises serious red flags. It suggests they either didn’t follow their own advice or lacked the discipline to stay out.
If your goal is to serve your time efficiently, avoid trouble, and transition smoothly back into society, why take advice from someone who couldn’t do it themselves? A consultant should have a proven track record of successfully completing their sentence and staying out for good.
3. Do They Have a Structured Program?
Effective prison consultants don’t just offer vague advice or answer questions as they come up – they provide a structured plan. Think of it like preparing for college – you wouldn’t just wing it, you’d follow a curriculum to maximize success.
A quality consultant should have written materials, courses, and lesson plans that walk clients through every step of the process – from surrendering to prison to making the most of their time inside. If a consultant doesn’t have a structured approach, you may be paying for little more than occasional phone calls.
4. Beware of Consultants Who Offer Guarantees
Prison is a bureaucratic system with many moving parts, and anyone who guarantees a specific outcome – such as placement in a certain prison, a guaranteed early release program, or a specific amount of halfway house time – is not being honest.
No consultant has control over the Bureau of Prisons. What they can do is help you present yourself in the best way possible to maximize your chances of favorable decisions. But if someone is offering ironclad guarantees, they’re probably saying whatever it takes to get your money.
5. Do They Try to Scare You Into Hiring Them?
Some consultants use fear-based marketing, painting a dramatic, unrealistic picture of prison life to convince people that they need their services for survival. While prison is certainly challenging, the vast majority of inmates adjust and make it through without serious incidents.
Rather than hiring someone who preys on panic and fear, look for a consultant who provides realistic, practical guidance to help you stay safe, productive, and focused during your sentence.
6. Can They Help You Build a Future, Not Just Survive?
A prison consultant should do more than just prepare you for life inside – they should help you prepare for what comes next. Many people struggle to rebuild their careers after serving time, and having a strategy in place before you get out can make all the difference.
Look for a consultant who offers career planning, business development strategies, or educational opportunities to help you land on your feet after release. Thinking long-term is just as important as managing the present.
7. Can They Help You Build a Business From Prison?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you can’t run or build a business while incarcerated. In reality, many successful former inmates started laying the groundwork for their businesses while serving time.
Some consultants provide guidance on how to structure a business before prison, develop content, and delegate responsibilities while inside. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, this is something to seriously consider.
8. Will They Let You Speak With Former Clients?
One of the best ways to verify a consultant’s effectiveness is to speak with their past clients. If a consultant is hesitant to provide references, that’s a red flag.
A reputable consultant should have a list of former clients who are willing to share their experiences. These conversations can give you insight into the consultant’s approach, effectiveness, and whether they actually deliver on their promises.
9. Are They Authentic and Transparent?
It’s easy to build a flashy website and make big claims, but the real question is can the consultant back it up with real evidence? Look for:
- Proof of their own prison experience
- Documented testimonials from verifiable people
- A track record of successfully helping clients
If their past clients are anonymous or hard to verify, they might be fabricated or misleading. Transparency is key.
10. Can They Help Hold Your Lawyer Accountable?
Many defendants feel powerless in their legal case, assuming their attorney will handle everything. However, not all defense attorneys are proactive in guiding their clients through prison-related concerns.
A good consultant shouldn’t just cater to lawyers for referrals – they should work in the client’s best interest and help ensure the attorney is doing their job effectively. If a consultant sides with the lawyer instead of advocating for you, their priorities may not align with yours.
11. Can They Write Effectively?
Believe it or not, writing skills are one of the most important aspects of prison consulting. A consultant will often help clients draft letters to judges, probation officers, prison officials, and potential employers.
Their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively can play a huge role in shaping how officials perceive you. If they can’t provide examples of their writing or if their emails are poorly structured, they may not be the right person to advocate on your behalf.
Don’t Rush
Hiring a prison consultant can be incredibly helpful, but it’s not something to rush into. Some consultants genuinely help clients prepare for prison and beyond, while others offer little value beyond surface-level advice.
By asking the right questions and doing your due diligence, you can ensure that if you do hire a consultant, you’re getting real expertise – not just empty promises. The goal isn’t just to survive prison, but to come out stronger, more prepared, and ready to move forward.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.