Podcasts about First Step Act

In our political climate, it is always nice to have a bit of authentic bipartisanship. The Marshall plan to rebuild Europe following World War 2, the Interstate Highway System under President Eisenhower, and the Apollo Program are all examples of both political parties coming together for a common goal.  The first Trump Administration saw another of these moments in the passage of the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act  or First Step Act in 2018. The bill was designed to reform federal prison policy and reduce the rates of recidivism, meaning criminals returning to incarceration. It had supporters from all over the political spectrum, and in its seven years of life, has indeed lowered recidivism, extended credits to prisoners for good behavior, and allowed some elderly or sick prisoners to return home.  Last week, the Supreme Court handed down decisions on three decisions having to do with criminal justice, two of them having to do with the First Step Act. Here to explain, and to talk about what he's watching for from the land's highest court this term, is Cully Stimson, Senior Legal Fellow here at the Heritage Foundation.     --- Email us with thoughts, questions, or suggestions: HeritageExplains@heritage.org   ---Follow Cully Stimson on X: https://x.com/cullystimson 

In our political climate, it is always nice to have a bit of authentic bipartisanship. The Marshall plan to rebuild Europe following World War 2, the Interstate Highway System under President Eisenhower, and the Apollo Program are all examples of both political parties coming together for a common goal. The first Trump Administration saw another […]

This Day in Legal History: Kennedy Signs the Equal Pay ActOn this day in 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, the first federal statute aimed directly at sex-based wage discrimination. The law took the form of an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which meant that it slid into an existing enforcement framework run by the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor — a deliberate choice that bypassed the need to build new institutional machinery and harnessed thirty years of FLSA caselaw and habits of compliance. The legal hook is the Act's “equal pay for equal work” command: employers may not pay employees of one sex less than employees of the opposite sex for jobs requiring “equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and which are performed under similar working conditions.”Four affirmative defenses are written into the text — a seniority system, a merit system, a system measuring earnings by quantity or quality of production, or “any other factor other than sex” — and that fourth catch-all has done more work in litigation than the other three combined, shaping how courts evaluate market-based, education-based, and prior-salary-based pay differentials decades later. The wage gap at the moment Kennedy signed was about 59 cents on the dollar; six decades on, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics's standard measure, it sits closer to 84 cents. That tells you something about how a clean, structurally well-designed statute can still leave a lot of the work undone, because the gap is and always was about more than identical pairs of jobs at the same employer.The Equal Pay Act is not the whole story of American workplace-equality law; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and a long line of state-law analogues do much of the modern enforcement work. But June 10, 1963 is the day Congress, with the President's signature, said for the first time that paying a woman less than a man for the same work was unlawful, full stop. Everything that has followed in this corner of the law has been built on top of that sentence.The Federal Circuit on Monday affirmed a Delaware district court judgment invalidating four Purdue Pharma patents covering an abuse-deterrent, low-toxicity version of the opioid OxyContin, in a decision the patent bar has been waiting on for months. The case is Purdue Pharma L.P. v. Epic Pharma LLC. The patents covered Purdue's reformulation of OxyContin to make the pills crush-resistant and to reduce a manufacturing impurity, and the asserted innovation grew, the company said, out of its discovery of the source of a particular toxic impurity that had previously eluded chemists at competing labs. Purdue's argument on appeal was, in essence, that the discovery of the impurity's source was itself nonobvious, and that the resulting patents inherited that nonobviousness. The Federal Circuit said no.The panel held that the relevant obviousness inquiry asks whether the claimed reformulation — not the discovery that motivated it — would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention, and that once the prior art is taken into account, the answer is yes. The practical consequence of the ruling is large. It opens the door wider for generic abuse-deterrent OxyContin alternatives and clarifies a doctrinal point pharmaceutical companies have been pressing on for years: a hard-won research insight does not, on its own, automatically save a patent from obviousness if the resulting product was within the prior art's reach. Purdue's options now are a rehearing petition at the Federal Circuit, a cert petition at the Supreme Court (which the company has already pursued in a related case last spring), or quiet acceptance. Expect a cert petition. Expect the cert petition to be denied. Watch the generic-drug filings that follow.Fed. Circ. Panel Backs Invalidation Of OxyContin PatentThe plaintiffs in the Eastern District of Virginia lawsuit over the Trump administration's $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” — a story we covered earlier htis week— went back to Judge Leonie Brinkema on Tuesday and asked for permission to conduct limited discovery into whether the Justice Department's recent representation that it would stop work on the fund is a real commitment or a litigation convenience.The plaintiffs' problem is straightforward: acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has filed papers saying the program is “not going forward,” but President Trump publicly described the fund last week as a “great idea” that many Republicans support, and the executive order that created the fund has not been formally rescinded. From a litigation-strategy standpoint, the plaintiffs do not want to walk away from a live case on the strength of a DOJ filing, accept dismissal as moot, and then find out three months later that the fund has been quietly resurrected under a different name.Judge Brinkema has a hearing scheduled for Friday, June 12, on whether to extend the temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction. The Tuesday filing teed up the broader mootness fight that will dominate Friday's hearing: when does a federal agency's promise to stop doing something actually deprive a court of jurisdiction to enjoin the underlying program, and what discovery, if any, is a plaintiff entitled to before that determination is made. The doctrine here — voluntary cessation, capable of repetition yet evading review, and the heavy burden the Supreme Court has placed on the party claiming mootness — favors the plaintiffs procedurally. Whether Brinkema agrees on Friday is the question to watch.‘Anti-weaponization' fund challengers question its demise – Roll CallSCOTUSblog's John Elwood walked through a useful relist roundup on Tuesday, and the four cases sitting in the relist pile are worth flagging because each of them touches a different load-bearing wall in federal practice. The first is a prolonged-detention challenge to immigration custody under Section 1226(c). The ACLU is asking the Court to clarify that very long mandatory-detention periods trigger procedural due process review under the Mathews v. Eldridge balancing test, picking up on the Second Circuit's willingness to do so. The second is Newberry v. Texas, a case where Texas itself has confessed error — a rare procedural posture in which the State agrees the defendant should win — and the question is what the Court does when the parties on both sides ask for the same remedy. The third is Kian v. Florida, a Sixth Amendment challenge to the use of six-person juries in serious felony cases, on the theory that the historical understanding of “jury” in the founding era assumed twelve and that the Court's mid-twentieth-century cases approving six-person juries were wrong on the originalist analysis. The fourth is Maxwell v. Thomas, a federal habeas case asking whether the First Step Act‘s halfway-house and home-confinement provisions are properly enforceable through 28 U.S.C. § 2241 habeas petitions, an issue with a real circuit split. None of these have been granted yet — they are relists, which means at least one Justice is interested but the Court has not yet decided whether to hear them — but the mix is the part to watch: it tells you what the Justices are circling without committing to. Expect at least one of these to be granted before the term ends.A random assortment of relists: prolonged detention, confessions of error, small juries, and new rules on habeas | SCOTUSblog This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

With the First Step Act of 2018 came the great hope of expanded grounds and use of "Compassionate Release."   Judges were offered the promise of wider discretion to give deserving clients a second look at sentencing. But, the Supreme Court just made compassionate release a whole lot harder to get, because in two back-to-back decisions — Fernandez and Rutherford — the Court slammed the door on two of the most frequently used grounds for eligibility. In this episode, Passon convenes two of the sharpest minds in federal sentencing — regular guest Mark Allenbaugh and returning star Prof. Doug Berman — for a deep-dive reaction.  Together, we break down what each case actually holds, where the majority reasoning goes wrong, why the dissents matter, and — critically — what still works.  Because even though it seems the door is shrinking---  it hasn't closed. If you litigate compassionate release, this episode is required listening!   IN THIS EPISODE: History of compassionate release; (25:12) Discussion of Fernandez; Advice for arguing around these two restrictive opinions; (39:00) Discussion of Rutherford; How both opinions usurp the role of both Congress and the US Sentencing Commission; (56:00)  How two pending cases, Maxwell and Beaird, may impact future compassionate release cases   LINKS: Sentencing Law and Policy – A new home for SL&P  (Berman's Blog) A great substack where Prof. Berman frequently contributes:  Sentencing Matters Substack | DAB | Substack On that note, here's a great SM Substack piece from today on this very issue: https://open.substack.com/pub/sentencing/p/textualism-in-name-policymaking-in?r=1f0z1k&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email Link to Judge Block's Book, A Second Chance: A Federal Judge Decides Who Deserves It, on Amazon:  https://a.co/d/07xJD1zs Drugs on the Docket, Season 3:  Excited for start to Season Three of "Drugs on the Docket" podcast | Sentencing Law and Policy Set for Sentencing is heading to Substack!  We have not officially launched, but by all means, subscribe for future awesomeness coming down the pike: https://substack.com/@dougpassonlaw  

Former Department of Justice pardon attorney Liz Oyer describes being pulled out of a meeting, told to pack up her belongings, and walked out by security the same day. Her offense, she said, was refusing to recommend that the attorney general restore gun rights to a politically connected celebrity without the information she believed was necessary to make that judgment safely. “Once you compromise your integrity, you cannot get it back,” she said. That moment sets the tone for a candid conversation about what it means to serve inside the Department of Justice, and what happens when career lawyers believe the institution they devoted themselves to has changed. Moderated by Stanford Law professor Pam Karlan, this episode brings together Oyer, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Rosen, and former DOJ civil rights lawyer Stacey Young for a discussion of public service, prosecutorial independence, clemency, civil rights, professional ethics, and the difficult questions of when to stay, when to leave, and when to speak out. The panel, recorded at a live law school event and presented by the Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession and the Neukom Center for the Rule of Law, offers a close look at the professional obligations of government lawyers from people who spent years doing the work: Rosen supervising more than 1,000 prosecutions stemming from January 6; Oyer overseeing the federal pardon process and thousands of clemency petitions; and Young working in the Civil Rights Division while also founding the DOJ Gender Equality Network. Karlan, herself a former DOJ official, draws out the deeper questions behind their stories. Links: Former DOJ Lawyers Discuss Duty, Integrity, and Public Service During Stanford Law Panel >>> Stanford Law page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X (00:00:00) Introductions and what drew each panelist to DOJ (00:08:24) Loyalty inside the institution (00:11:19) January 6th pardons: impact on prosecutors and lack of vetting (00:32:04) Liz Oyer's firing over the Mel Gibson gun-rights recommendation (00:43:23) The "stay or go" dilemma and the bifurcated job market (00:47:15) Rebuilding DOJ: norms vs. enforceable laws and the communications problem [00:57:00) Student Q&A: red lines, accountability, and the Epstein files Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chad Marks was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison at 24 years old — and from his cell, he wrote the legal argument that freed thousands.Chad Marks — Rochester native, published author, paralegal, and founder of Blood on the Razor Wire — joins Fitz at ROC Vox to tell the full story: growing up poor on Lyle Avenue, the drug dealing, the 40-year federal sentence, the First Step Act argument that no attorney believed in, and what he's built since walking out — a paralegal practice, a sober living house, a YouTube channel, a book, and a possible Netflix series.In this episode: how federal prison actually works, what a 40-year sentence does to your psychology, 14 months in solitary, the PTSD nobody talks about, what's most broken in the system, and why your worst day on the outside still beats your best day in there.CHAPTERS0:00 Cold Open and Introduction2:10 Growing Up Poor in Rochester: How It Started3:19 The First Step Act and the Argument That Freed Thousands6:26 The Reality of Federal Prison: Big Sandy and the Violence10:18 The 40-Year Sentence and Judge Larimer15:49 Life After Release: Giving Back to the Community19:01 Writing Motions From His Cell and Getting 20 Out24:40 The Mission: Blood on the Razor Wire28:11 What's Most Broken in the Prison System34:24 Misconceptions: What Prison Actually Does to You35:14 PTSD, Counseling, and Relearning Normal Life43:49 The SHU: 14 Months in SolitaryCONNECTBlood on the Razor Wire (book) → https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Razor-Wire-journey-through/dp/B08N9DP62BBlood on the Razor Wire TV → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BfsAN7eb-76zlPmVbetgQFreedom Fighters PC → https://www.freedomfighterspc.comThe First Step Act ruling → https://www.criminallegalnews.org/news/2020/may/15/federal-judge-issues-order-reducing-40-year-stacked-924c-sentence-based-first-step-act-changes-compassionate-release/ROC Vox → https://rocvox.comNew episodes every Tuesday.#BloodOnTheRazorWire #FirstStepAct #FederalPrison #PrisonReform #JailhouseLawyer #CriminalJusticeReform #PositiveBlatherings #ROCVox #PositivePodcast

In this episode, Gem sits down with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, to explore what it means to follow Jesus in places that are complex, urgent, and often overlooked. Heather shares how her calling into justice and prison ministry unfolded, from advocacy work that helped shape the First Step Act to her current leadership of one of the most influential prison ministries in the world. But this conversation goes beyond her role and into her life with God. Together, they reflect on what she has learned from those who are incarcerated, how proximity to suffering reshapes our understanding of people and of God, and what Jesus may have meant when he said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” They also explore the tension between urgency and presence, and how an unhurried life is not only possible, but necessary, even in work that carries real weight. If you care deeply about making a difference but feel tired, stretched, or unsure how to keep going, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful way forward. You’ll also hear: The unexpected discovery of joy among the incarcerated. Transformational leadership in the prison system. How slowing down can actually strengthen your leadership. This is a conversation about justice, leadership, and the kind of life that can sustain both. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the show talking about their third and new book. It is ready for purchase and covers the Second Chance Act and halfway housing. It is a very thorough yet easy-to-read guide to help inmates and families navigate the system and build self-efficacy. After spending time going over their new book, they transition to exploring a case, breaking down the steps involved in sentencing and risk assessment for an inmate. A point of emphasis during this episode is goal planning and how to redirect after they have to change their career and lifestyle. This allows Bruce to discuss his counseling background and his vocational training. Families and inmates looking for jobs, this is the episode for you. Bruce and Susan help lay out the path to reintegrate into the workforce and society. Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce can be reached through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

 President Donald Trump recently criticized CNN commentator Van Jones on Truth Social, asserting that Jones had approached him "crying like a baby" in 2018, seeking assistance to pass the First Step Act, a significant criminal justice reform bill. Jones has often criticized Trump, although he has occasionally praised him for his role in the First Step Act and his appointment of Alice Johnson, a criminal justice advocate who received clemency in 2018 after Kardashian's advocacy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin the program by explaining the services they provide and go over if they would be a good fit for you or your loved one. They also use this time to discuss how they are different from government agencies and how they came into practice in the first place. About halfway through, they transitioned to elaborate on a circuit case that came out in 2025, which sparked many questions and concerns. This time also allows them to tie in their second book and to show how these are things that can be used positively from the case findings. To close the show, they go over a case in Illinois and how it impacts sentencing and assessments. This episode covers multiple cases and provides practical steps and guidelines to follow. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Bruce and Susan discuss the 11th Circuit's decision outlining factors the District Courts should consider when determining whether the incarcerated person is the "only available caregiver" in a Compassion Release request. They also discuss the U.S. Sentencing Commission's Amendment 821 and the required documentation to ensure that criminal history point reductions are applied to custody classification and PATTERN risk assessment. United States v. Robelo-Galo, No. 24-12128 (11th Cir. 2006); USA v. Juan Aguiar Parada, No. 24-12775 (11th Cir. 2026). Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Sean Combs, the hip-hop mogul known as Diddy, continues to dominate headlines as his legal battle takes significant turns. According to reporting from early March 2026, his prison release date was moved up to April 25, 2028, about six weeks earlier than his previous release date of June 4, 2028.However, the situation is far more dynamic than those official numbers suggest. Diddy's legal team recently argued in federal appeals court that his 50-month sentence was overly harsh and based on conduct he was actually acquitted of. The three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan questioned the severity of his roughly four-year prison term during oral arguments. Federal appeals court judges raised serious concerns about whether the sentence properly considered only his Mann Act conviction, particularly since he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have carried a life sentence.Behind the scenes, Diddy's path to freedom may be moving faster than the official release date indicates. According to exclusive reporting, Diddy was accepted into the Residential Drug Abuse Program, known as RDAP, which is considered crucial for federal inmates. If he successfully completes the 500-hour program, federal law allows up to twelve months to be shaved off his sentence. Additionally, under the First Step Act, federal inmates can earn up to 54 days of good time credit per year. Combined with his time already served since his September 2024 arrest and eligibility for home confinement during the final portion of his sentence, legal experts suggest his actual release could come significantly sooner than April 2028.Diddy's legal team is pushing for a sentence of just fourteen months, arguing the current term is the most prison time ever given to someone convicted of similar charges with his criminal history. If that appeal succeeds, he could potentially be released immediately since he's already served nineteen months in custody.Whether through his appeal or through accumulated credits and program participation, observers suggest the music mogul could be free as early as late 2026. The case represents an exceptionally difficult legal matter that raises questions of first impression not only for the appeals court but for the federal judiciary broadly.Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. Check out Quiet Please dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan continue from last week's episode, which covered the First Step Act Law and its issues and details. Bruce and Susan take time to discuss their new book, which will be released soon, and encourage viewers to reach out with any comments or questions. After this, they transition to reviewing the Second Chance Act and Halfway House, and to the high- or low-risk assessment, which affects where inmates are placed. This is a very informative episode and does a great job continuing the topic introduced last week. For more information on these processes, listen to older podcasts for a fuller picture and understanding! Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block is foundational to all the work Bruce and Susan do. Bruce opens by explaining the purpose of their work, then transitions to Susan discussing the cons of the new First Step Act. They also discuss a variety of drugs and how the Law is written pertaining to these substances. Next, Susan goes through the different sections and statutes in the law and helps critique and clarify their meanings. Qualifications for time credits are covered around the halfway point and extend to much of the episode. To conclude the show, Bruce shows their new edition of "The Champion" and goes over their new Federal Time Credit books. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan explore detainers and pending charges. They also go over their green book, which further explains the detainers and chargers. Susan elaborates on the process of going through their sentencing time and the presentence investigation reports. About halfway through the program, Susan explains the different laws and policies within certain states. Such as Louisiana and Mississippi not having the IEDA. After they wrap up the IEDA portion, Bruce brings up immigration and the system and laws in place. Susan goes over the Kate Steinle case, which occurred in 2015 in California, to add context to the federal immigration process. This is an information-dense episode that covers a lot of topics. Feel free to rewatch and join their Facebook group. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan cover a variety of new and old topics. Starting off, they discuss the First Step Act provisions and go over the requirements and reports from 2024 to 2025. Susan discusses inmate trends and how this information can be used to help current inmates and their sentencing. Over halfway through, they review incident reports and assess the risk levels of certain inmates. They also discuss which items can affect an inmate's time served in a high- to low-risk security facility. Towards the end, Susan shares the ethnic population that shows up in the risk level and assessment. This leads Susan to share the implications of these findings. This episode is full of new information and also reviews previous topics explored in previous episodes. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Former drug kingpin George Day was sentenced to one of the harshest punishments imaginable: life in federal prison plus 90 years. What followed was nearly two decades inside some of the toughest federal prisons in America — fighting appeals, navigating prison politics, and trying to survive a sentence that was supposed to mean he would die behind bars. In this episode, George tells the unbelievable story of his time inside the federal system after being convicted in a controversial case built largely on witness testimony rather than physical evidence. Despite multiple trials and legal battles, he was ultimately convicted and given a life sentence plus additional decades, sending him deep into the federal prison system. Behind bars, George faced the brutal reality of a life sentence — violent prison yards, powerful inmates, and the mental weight of knowing he might never see freedom again. At one point he describes himself as a “dead man walking,” preparing for the possibility that prison would be where his life ended. But George refused to give up. While incarcerated, he continued fighting his case, studying the law, filing appeals, and working through the courts for years. Against overwhelming odds, his persistence eventually paid off. After nearly two decades in prison, his case was revisited and he ultimately received clemency in 2021 under the First Step Act, allowing him to finally walk free. In this interview, George shares: • What it's like to receive life plus 90 years in federal court • The psychological toll of serving a life sentence • The dangerous reality of federal prison yards • How inmates survive when they know they may never get out • Fighting appeals from behind bars for nearly two decades • The legal battle that eventually led to his release • The moment he learned he was finally going home This is the story of a man who went from facing life behind bars to walking out of prison nearly 20 years later. A raw, firsthand look at the federal prison system, long sentences, and the fight for freedom. If you missed Part 1 you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/3BcefonEOzs Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening, Recap & George's Prison Time 03:00 George Day's Drug Empire & DC Operations 08:00 Retirement, Passing on the Connect, and Betrayals 21:00 Under Surveillance: Arrests, Planted Evidence & The Indictment 37:00 Indictment Details, Federal Charges & Courtroom Battles 46:00 Being Tried Multiple Times—Hung Juries and Sentencing 56:00 Adapting to Life in Federal Prison 01:00:00 Prison Hustles: Bringing in Contraband & The Heroin Game 01:13:00 Chaos, Friends & Enemies on the Yard 01:23:00 Legal Battles: Studying Law & Fighting the Case 01:35:00 Cracking the Case: Bank Statements & Exculpatory Evidence 01:48:00 Landmark Motions, Sentence Vacated & Road to Release 02:06:00 Winning Clemency: Resentencing & Final Freedom 02:18:00 Returning to Society, Legacy & Helping Others 02:22:00 George's Lawsuit, Lessons & Shoutouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the show, continuing the trend of answering viewer questions on the topic of transferring from maximum security to medium security. This gives Susan the opportunity to explain security levels and how each inmate qualifies for each. Around the halfway point, Bruce emphasizes the importance of the presentence report; this helps the inmate's sentencing process go more smoothly. Susan, during the episode, hints at a third book she and Bruce are working on dedicated to the second care act. To wrap up the episode, Susan summarizes state charges and how they affect the inmate and their federal sentencing. Be sure to look for more updates on their next book! Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Is finding sufficient staffing a challenge for your organization? The U.S. Bureau of Prisons has been in that boat for years, and its staffing shortages have had notable effects on correctional facilities' safety and employees' security, says Gretta Goodwin, director of homeland security and justice at the U.S. Government Accountability Agency (GAO). Corporate security functions are also scrambling to hire and retain enough specialized intelligence analysts to help keep organizations ahead of emerging challenges and geopolitical strife, says senior security specialist and GSOC manager Shane Clymer. But turnover is inevitable; even so, organizations that invest in holistic security system life-cycle management and governance can protect themselves from disruption after key personnel leave, notes security consultant Mohammed Atif Shehzad. Additional Resources Interested in learning more about staffing and screening challenges in correctional facilities? Check back in with Security Management for our deep dive later this month. What else is on the GAO's High-Risk List? Review the full set here: https://www.gao.gov/high-risk-list An annual U.S. Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General report found that understaffing is one of the top challenges the Bureau of Prisons will face in 2026. Read the report here: https://oig.justice.gov/tmpc/challenge-1 Read a September 2025 GAO report about the need to prevent and address employee misconduct in Bureau of Prisons facilities—a challenge that has been exacerbated by staffing mismanagement: https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-25-107339/index.html Take a look at the First Step Act and what it means for corrections facilities here: https://www.bop.gov/inmates/fsa/overview.jsp How can organizations better position themselves to recruit and retain trained intelligence analysts? Shane Clymer explores the subject in his December 2025 Security Management article: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/12/employee-retention/silent_skills_loud_impact_recruiting_and_retaining_intelligence_talent_in_the_private_sector/ Are you transitioning from the public to the private sector? ASIS International has resources for you. Check out Operation Career Change: https://www.asisonline.org/professional-development/operation-career-change/ You could also explore organizations like Hire Heroes USA: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/ Learn more about recruitment and retention in security here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/12/employee-retention/ Explore recent ASIS International research and benchmarking about security and threat intelligence here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/08/research-security-intelligence/ Early risk detection would give their organizations a competitive advantage, said 80 percent of the senior risk decision-makers in a recent survey. But only 20 percent said they are capable of verifying risk information at speed. https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2025/december/dizzying-risk-outlook/ Want to future-proof your security system life-cycle management? Read more from Mohammed Atif Shehzad in his recent Security Management article: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2026/03/security-system-life-cycle-management/holistic-asset-management-framework/

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan answer viewer questions on their Facebook page. They open with low-security male and female bed spaces, and they have seen a shortage among male residents. Susan also discusses programs inmates need to complete to expedite the process and ensure they aren't wasting time. A little later, they answered a Facebook question about credit timing and the application process. Bruce also discusses the importance of having a case manager or having them help with the case to speed up sentence processing. This episode is viewer-focused and emphasizes the credits and eligibility process. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

GAO found the Bureau of Prisons struggling with timely assessments and unreliable program data, making it harder to know whether incarcerated people are getting the programming the First Step Act requires. Add in delays applying earned time credits, and the whole recidivism‑reduction strategy wobbles. GAO's Gretta Goodwin joins me to talk about the risks and the fixes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The episode begins with a discussion regarding a video shared in our Facebook group featuring Rick Stover. Bruce and Susan analyze the video's content and broader impact, covering key information on time credits, the First Step Act (FSA), and the Second Chance Act (SCA). Susan provides a detailed overview of the various levels of halfway house placements, with a specific focus on the current placement system. This leads to a discussion of the federal consulting market, where Bruce emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy for inmates and their families. This episode highlights the process of securing a room in a halfway house and explores the primary differences between prison facilities and halfway housing. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin this week by discussing proposed changes by the Sentencing Commission. The public can weigh in on how defendants can have lower points on their pre-sentence report. This could shave years off the sentence. They also use this time to tie it back to time credits and sentencing. One prerequisite, Susan emphasizes the advantages of getting a GED and how it helps during pre-trial. There is a federal Prison group on Facebook where Bruce and Susan encourage listeners and group members to participate, discuss, and ask questions. To conclude, Susan notes that the bureau is posting podcasts to inform inmates and the general public. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Cups Up to Season Four in 2026!  Between stretches of absolutely nothing in West Texas and questionable taquito choices, ⁠Mandy Matney⁠⁠ celebrates LUNASHARK's new travel podcast "Wherever It Leads…"—because apparently investigating corruption wasn't enough of an adventure. Stay tuned for details on the premiere. Then Mandy, ⁠⁠Liz Farrell⁠⁠ and Eric Bland dive into serious updates: Russell Laffitte finally reported to federal prison on December 30th, Cory Fleming might be headed home to Beaufort in what seems like shenanigans, and JP Miller heads to his arraignment in federal court on January 12th.  Then the team dives deeper into Lee Gilley's upcoming capital murder trial in Houston scheduled for February 23rd. Accused of strangling his pregnant wife Christa to death and killing their unborn child, Gilley has been booping about on bond—attending mega churches and allegedly dating—while Christa's friends fight tirelessly for justice. The audacity is stunning, the hypocrisy infuriating, and the need for accountability is more dire than ever.  ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References Follow Mandy & David's travel adventures on Facebook

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan spend the first few minutes covering he capture of the Venezuelan president and his detention center process. After exploring this new development, they pivot back to the first step and time credit topics. Susan continues from last week to explore the concept of statutory eligibility. Susan defines statutory eligibility and explores the applicable laws. She also reviews some flaws in how the laws were written and clarifies the different eligibility levels. Future episodes will continue to explore the book's chapters in greater detail. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Happy New Year! As 2025 comes to a close, the team looks back on the stories from the True Sunlight Podcast that defined the year, and the systems that made them possible. In this special year-end episode, Mandy provides an update on Cory Fleming's ‘Early Release' and LUNASHARK's digital librarian Kate Thomas takes listeners on a journey through twelve audio clips, one from each month, highlighting the investigations, interviews, and turning points that shaped LUNASHARK's work in 2025. From Pastor JP Miller's lawsuit warfare and eventual federal indictment, to the corruption exposed in Scott Spivey's killing, to Karl Stoller's silencing in the Bowen Turner case—this episode traces the patterns of corruption, the protection of powerful men, and the systemic failures that continue to plague America's justice systems. But we also celebrate the wins: Lee Gilley's indictment in Texas, the charging of former Deputy Billy Squires, the federal cyberstalking charges brought against JP Miller, and federal Child Sexual Abuse Material charges for former SC state rep RJ May and former long-time magistrate judge James Gosnell. Gosnell has pleaded not guilty. This isn't just a recap—it's a reminder of why sunlight matters, why this work must continue, and why your support makes accountability possible. As we look toward 2026, one truth remains clear: the work is far from over, but together, we're making a difference…. And That Is A Big Deal!

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan wrap up 2025 by thanking listeners and LATalkRadio for providing a platform to support families and explain the Federal prison system. Bruce and Susan also discuss the commencement of sentences and time credits. All of this can be found and presented in their time credit book. About halfway through the episode, Susan reviews different policies and a concept called "rules language"; these are in place to help inform and interpret policies for everyone. A point of clarification Bruce and Susan emphasize is how inmates should turn themselves in and how to reach a bureau location as soon as possible to expedite their sentence process. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this Christmas holiday episode, Bruce has a special guest, Dr. Carl Gacono. Dr. Gacono begins the episode by discussing his clinical background and experience in the BOP system. Dr. Gacono has worked with an extensive background in severe mental health patients and severe forensic cases. Building on prior experiences, Bruce offers a brief overview of his upbringing in psychology and federal prison. Towards the middle of the program, Dr. Gacono and Bruce help define the major personality disorders and explore psychopathic tendencies and behaviors. Both emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the DSM-5 provides criteria for diagnosing disorders. One clarification Dr. Gacono makes is the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath, and how we commonly mix them up. Many new topics were explored, but Bruce and Dr. Gacono work through each one, and both can be contacted via multiple channels. Dr. Gacono can be reached through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-gacono-0b5b1810/ Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan explore a new topic, the financial responsibility program (FRP), a part of earning FSA credits. Susan sets the stage for this topic by discussing its history and outlining how funds are collected based on the established criteria. They also explore how courts and the federal prison system work together to collect those funds. Susan also clarifies which funding sources are permitted and may be used to pay the dues required by the financial program. Examples include employment and family. Halfway through the program, Bruce and Susan discuss the limitations of the current system and explore potential changes to improve efficiency. Susan explains how system factors can affect time credits and how inmates may not receive them due to missed payments. This is an information-dense episode, but it is full of crucial insights to help navigate the financial responsibility program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan review several concepts related to the First Step Act and explain the finer details of the act. This is a section they explore in their books, which are shared below. One branch of the First Step Act they review is Risk Level Assessment and how it has changed since 2019 and during COVID-19. Bruce further explains the difference between static and dynamic risk factors and how they impact inmates and their assessment level. Halfway through the program, Susan outlines specific criteria used to filter inmates and explains factors that increase or reduce risk. This episode is full of finer details that are crucial to Risk Assessment and very helpful for navigating this portion of the First Step Act. More information is available from Bruce and Susan's Federal Prison Books. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Full audio of the Supreme Court oral argument in Rutherford v. United States (No. 24-820), argued November 12, 2025. In this case, the Justices consider whether federal judges may treat nonretroactive sentencing changes in the First Step Act—including the end of mandatory "stacking" under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)—as "extraordinary and compelling reasons" to grant compassionate release under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i). Listen as the Court presses both sides on sentencing disparities, the Sentencing Commission's new policy statement, and what fairness looks like for people serving decades-long terms under outdated law. Check out the official Crime Talk merch at the Crime Talk Store: scottreisch.com/crime-talk-store #RutherfordvUnitedStates #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt #FirstStepAct #SentencingReform #CrimeTalk        

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open with Susan's recent interview with CNN, the context of what she spoke about, and why understanding the entire story is important. Next, they go over time credits and the steps to ensure inmates receive them and don't miss out due to not understanding the process. Susan and Bruce also elaborate on the sentencing process and when it starts and ends. A point discussed throughout the 2nd half of the program is conspiracy cases and how they differ from regular cases. Towards the end, Bruce and Susan promote a new book they are releasing early next year and hope to help inmates and their families during the 5-factor review. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

A case in which the Court will decide whether district courts may consider sentencing disparities created by the First Step Act's nonretroactive reduction of mandatory minimum penalties—which can result in defendants serving sentences decades longer than those imposed for identical conduct today—when determining whether "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warrant a sentence reduction under the compassionate release statute, 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i).

A case in which the Court will decide whether district courts may consider sentencing disparities created by the First Step Act's nonretroactive reduction of mandatory minimum penalties—which can result in defendants serving sentences decades longer than those imposed for identical conduct today—when determining whether "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warrant a sentence reduction under the compassionate release statute, 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i).

Criminal Procedure: May a district court consider disparities created by the First Step Act's prospective changes in sentencing law when deciding if "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warrant a sentence reduction? - Argued: Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:8:8 EDT

Rutherford v. United States | 11/12/25 | Docket #: 24-820 24-820 RUTHERFORD V. UNITED STATES DECISION BELOW: 120 F.4th 360 CONSOLIDATED FOR ONE HOUR ORAL ARGUMENT WITH 24-860 CERT. GRANTED 6/6/2025 QUESTION PRESENTED: The compassionate-release statute permits courts to reduce a prisoner's sentence if the court finds that "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warrant relief. 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A). Congress placed only two limits on what can count as an "extraordinary and compelling reason": (1) it must be "consistent with" "applicable policy statements" from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, id .; and (2) "[r]ehabilitation of the defendant alone shall not be considered an extra- ordinary and compelling reason," 28 U.S.C. § 994(t). Sections 401 and 403 of the First Step Act of 2018 reduced penalties for certain drug and firearm offenses going forward. Because of these changes, individuals sentenced today for these offenses often face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment decades shorter than they would have received before the First Step Act. The question presented is: Whether, as four circuits permit but six others prohibit, a district court may consider disparities created by the First Step Act's prospective changes in sentencing law when deciding if "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warrant a sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i). LOWER COURT CASE NUMBER: 23-1904

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan delve into topics that have not been previously covered on the show. The first topic on the show is release procedures for inmates. Bruce and Susan go through the details and rules that must be followed for an inmate to be released. Side note: Prisons will provide release clothing for the inmate. Susan also reviews the transportation and financial aspects of being released, as well as what inmates and their families need to know about these aspects of their release. Towards the second half of the episode, Susan reviews medical issues and the policies associated with transportation in a halfway house, as well as those related to being released. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Each month, a panel of constitutional experts convenes to discuss the Court’s upcoming docket sitting by sitting. The cases covered in this preview are listed below.Rico v. U.S. (November 3) - Fugitive-Tolling; Issue(s): Whether the fugitive-tolling doctrine applies in the context of supervised release.Hencely v. Fluor Corporation (November 4) - Federal Tort Claims Act;Issue(s): Whether Boyle v. United Technologies Corp. should be extended to allow federal interests emanating from the Federal Tort Claims Act’s combatant-activities exception to preempt state tort claims against a government contractor for conduct that breached its contract and violated military orders.The Hain Celestial Group v. Palmquist (November 4) - Civil Procedure; Issue(s): Whether a district court's final judgment as to completely diverse parties must be vacated when an appellate court later determines that it erred by dismissing a non-diverse party at the time of removal.Coney Island Auto Parts Unlimited v. Burton (November 5) - Civil Procedure; Issue(s): Whether Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(c)(1) imposes any time limit to set aside a void default judgment for lack of personal jurisdiction.Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (November 5) - Tariffs, IEEPA; Issue (s): Whether the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authorizes the president to impose tariffs.The GEO Group v. Menocal (November 10) - Sovereign Immunity; Issue(s): Whether an order denying a government contractor’s claim of derivative sovereign immunity is immediately appealable under the collateral-order doctrine.Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety (November 10) - Civil Rights; Issue(s): Whether an individual may sue a government official in his individual capacity for damages for violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000.Rutherford v. U.S. (November 12) - First Step Act; Issue(s): Whether a district court may consider disparities created by the First Step Act’s prospective changes in sentencing law when deciding if “extraordinary and compelling reasons” warrant a sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(i).Fernandez v. U.S. (November 12) - Compassionate Release; Issue(s): Whether a combination of “extraordinary and compelling reasons” that may warrant a discretionary sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A) can include reasons that may also be alleged as grounds for vacatur of a sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255.Featuring:Prof. Thomas C. Berg, James L. Oberstar Professor of Law and Public Policy, University of St. Thomas School of LawZac Morgan, Senior Litigation Counsel, Washington Legal FoundationProf. Jacob Schuman, Associate Professor of Law, Temple University Beasley School of LawProf. Erica Zunkel, Director of Clinical and Experiential Learning, Clinical Professor of Law, & Director of the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic, University of Chicago Law School(Moderator) Logan Spena, Legal Counsel, Center for Free Speech, Alliance Defending Freedom

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the episode on a slightly different note. They explore the topic of client self-efficacy, which is a form of client empowerment. There are numerous people involved and countless moving parts in the Federal Prison System, and Bruce and Susan explore how keeping the client educated and empowered is essential. However, they do examine the limitations of what clients can and can't do within the system. Susan shares a story of a client who was able to speed up the process by educating themselves and not relying solely on others. After exploring what a client can do, Susan shifts to discussing what impacts eligibility and pursuing remedies towards the end of the program. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the story of Todd Crisley, who has navigated the federal prison system and is now an advocate for families and inmates. He has been featured on podcasts discussing his story and how he came to do the work he does today. Bruce and Susan also delve into recent updates to the FSA and home confinement, examining the BOP's new video on the FSA calculation process. Towards the end of the show, Susan reviews a new article released by the director of the FSA about classification practices, which aims to assist both staff and inmates within the system. This episode highlights the benefits that come with the change in the FSA and also raises additional topics that warrant further exploration in the future. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

Welcome back to Chrisley Confessions 2.0 with Todd and Julie Chrisley! From managing hectic schedules to preparing for a big Parents Weekend in Tuscaloosa with Grayson, the couple shares their thoughts on the joys and challenges of family life.Todd opens up about his commitment to helping his friend Melvin Williams, who has recently been released from prison, and discusses the ongoing issues within the Bureau of Prisons. They also touch on the importance of second chances and the impact of the First Step Act.Plus, hear about Chase's journey to sobriety and how Savannah's tough love played a crucial role in his recovery.Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe!Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!- Creatone: Get 20% OFF when you enter code CHRISLEY at https://www.tonetoday.com!- Home Title Lock: Go to https://www.hometitlelock.com/chrisley and use promo code CHRISLEY to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty- Clean Safe Products: Go to https://www.cleansafeproducts.com/CHRISLEY today to get $15 OFF the Green Mitt Kit, the world's easiest soft surface cleaning solution!- Just Thrive: Go to https://www.justthrivehealth.com/CONFESSIONS to save 20%! Take the 90-Day Just Thrive Challenge today because when your gut thrives, you thrive!- Genesis Gold Group: Visit https://www.chrisleylovesgold.com today for your FREE Family Wealth Protection Gold Guide and join thousands of Americans who've protected their legacy with real assets!FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toddchrisley)Julie Chrisley:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/juliechrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/JulieChrisley)Chrisley Confessions 2.0:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisleyconfessions2.0)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisleyconfessions2.0)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisleyConfessions)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Episode 427 of the Immigration Lawyers Toolbox® Podcast, host John Q. Khosravi, Esq. welcomes back Kevin A. Gregg, Esq. for the monthly federal court and BIA decision roundup. Together, they dive into the September 2025 cases shaping U.S. immigration law — from the Fourth Circuit's major ruling redefining “material support” for terrorism, to the impact of Loper Bright on Chevron deference, and what these shifts mean for practitioners handling removal defense, asylum, and appellate work. They also explore key developments in CAT protection, vacated convictions, and the importance of Article I immigration judges in a time of judicial upheaval.

In this episode of Chrisley Confessions 2.0, Todd and Julie Chrisley open up about what it's been like to process the ongoing fallout from their case and the way it has affected their family. From Savannah and Chase's struggles to their own attempts to stay grounded, they reflect on the weight of reliving painful moments and why honesty is often the only way to move forward.They also talk through what's next for the ongoing documentary series, including the release of documents and the website where viewers can see things for themselves. Todd shares updates on legal developments, the referral to the FBI regarding false testimony, and why transparency is the only way to cut through the noise. Julie discusses the fallout between Savannah and her grandfather and how people process pain differently.They discuss the backlash surrounding their pardon, the divided reactions it stirred up, and their gratitude for the people who supported them despite political differences. From stories of strangers in airports to moments of conflict inside their own home, Todd and Julie reflect on the power of compassion, the dangers of bitterness, and their determination to choose healing over hate. They close with updates on prison reform, the First Step Act, and why their work to help others reenter society has become part of their purpose going forward.Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe!Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!- MORGAN & MORGAN: If you are injured, you can check out Morgan & Morgan, America's Largest Injury Law Firm, at https://www.forthepeople.com/chrisley or dial #LAW (#529) on your cell phone.- Clean Safe Products: Go to https://www.cleansafeproducts.com/CHRISLEY today to get $15 OFF the Green Mitt Kit, the world's easiest soft surface cleaning solution!- Genesis Gold Group: Visit https://www.chrisleylovesgold.com today for your FREE Family Wealth Protection Gold Guide and join thousands of Americans who've protected their legacy with real assets!FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toddchrisley)Julie Chrisley:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/juliechrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/JulieChrisley)Chrisley Confessions 2.0:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisleyconfessions2.0)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisleyconfessions2.0)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisleyConfessions)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/thecastcollective)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by discussing the changing season from summer to fall and introduce a new topic: the designation process for inmates. Through the first half of the episode, Susan works through the details and requirements set up by the Bureau. To help wrap up the show, Susan goes over the transfer process for inmates. This is an information-heavy episode on a new topic, but Bruce and Susan have a collection of books listeners can check out after listening to each episode. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin by answering viewer questions, ensuring a thorough response while keeping the explanation clear and understandable. The main topic explored through viewer questions is the qualifications for a halfway house during the transition. After spending some time on this topic, Susan and Bruce transition to case management and suggest ways for inmates and their families to help themselves, as well as behaviors to avoid. They also explain the differences between halfway housing and home confinement. To wrap up the episode, Bruce and Susan explore court and case processing, which can have specific requirements for inmates in a particular state/city. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

In this interview from December of 2018, David Gornoski talks with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at the Student Action Summit 2018 in West Palm Beach, Florida. David and Charlie discuss criminal justice reform, the liberty case for nonviolence, Trump's First Step Act, and how to tell stories that defend individuals from collective violence. Visit aneighborschoice.com for more

What makes someone go from "I can't" to "I can" mindset. Pamela Winn's mindset change came from having a conversation with a friend after returning home from a 78 month Federal Prison Sentence. Pamela Winn earned a scholarship to college and later became a registered nurse before her world came crashing down with a charge of mortgage fraud. She had a miscarriage in custody being shackled with a hard fall. Her journey is one of courage, advocacy, and unshakable resolve. After experiencing firsthand the devastating gaps in our criminal justice system, Pamela turned her pain into purpose, founding RestoreHER, a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ending the mass incarceration of women and addressing the unique challenges justice-impacted women face. Honored with numerous awards for her leadership, including The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact List, and PBS Short Film Festival Winner "Winn Movie" to name a few. Pamela has become a powerful national voice for dignity, health, and human rights. She added language for women incarcerated in the the First Step Act.In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with Pamela to explore her personal story, the systemic barriers she's fighting to dismantle, and the hope she's building for women across the country. Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They'll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

Ryan Kamada was a respected judge in Colorado—until one decision destroyed everything. In this exclusive interview, Kamada opens up about growing up with a solid upbringing, becoming a lawyer and judge, and the crime he committed while sitting on the bench that led to a federal prison sentence. Sentenced to a year and a day behind bars, he shares what it was like going from authority figure to inmate, the lessons he learned inside, and how he's working to rebuild his life after losing it all. #RyanKamada #ExJudge #FederalPrison #TrueCrimeStory #FallFromGrace #JudicialCorruption #PrisonRedemption #lockedinpodcast Thank you to RIDGE for sponsoring today's episode: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.Ridge.com/LOCKEDIN #Ridgepod #sponsored Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collections/convict-clothing-x-ian-bick Timestamps: 00:00:00 The Downfall of Judge Ryan Kamada 00:08:06 Reflecting on Interracial Marriage Challenges 00:16:03 From Engineering to Law School: A Career Transition 00:24:01 The Journey to Representing Parents in Court 00:32:40 Becoming a Magistrate in Colorado 00:40:49 The Challenges of Representing Foster Kids and Abused Children 00:49:00 The Role of Judges in the Criminal Justice System 00:58:07 Warning a Friend About Legal Trouble 01:05:45 Facing an FBI Investigation 01:14:20 The FBI Profer Experience 01:22:46 Navigating the Legal System and Facing Conviction 01:31:37 The First Step Act and Ankle Monitors 01:39:45 Life Inside: Unexpected Realities of Prison 01:47:52 Favorite Commissary Foods and Prison Burritos 01:55:39 Life Lessons Learned in Prison 02:04:29 Overcoming Personal Struggles through Community Support 02:12:55 The Value of Sharing Personal Stories Online Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for this exciting and hilarious episode of Unlocked as Savannah Chrisley welcomes her dear friend, Lynne Patton, the Deputy Assistant to the President and White House director of minority outreach. They dive deep into the unique dynamics of their friendship and how God helped their roads converge. Plus... the one and only, Todd Chrisley, surprises Lynne and Savannah on the podcast and it's clear he hasn't missed a beat.Lynne opens up about her nearly 18-year journey working with Donald Trump and his family, shedding light on the intense scrutiny they face and the misconceptions surrounding their relationships. The duo tackles the media's tendency to twist narratives and the importance of advocating for criminal justice reform, highlighting Lynn's commitment to making a difference in the Bureau of Prisons.As they reflect on their experiences, they also touch on the significance of representation and the impact of policies like the First Step Act. With humor and honesty, Savannah and Lynne discuss the challenges of navigating political identities and the importance of unity in advocating for change.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting our show!- SHADY RAYS: Head to https://www.shadyrays.com today and use code "Unlocked35" for 35% OFF polarized sunglasses!- QUINCE: Give your summer closet an upgrade — with Quince. Go to https://www.Quince.com/unlocked for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order.- NUTRAFOL: This summer, stop worrying about your hair and start making memories. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to https://www.nutrafol.com and enter the promo code UNLOCKED.- PROGRESSIVE: Join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive. Visit us at https://www.progressive.com! Thank you to Progressive for sponsoring the show! (Restrictions apply. Not available in all states and situations.)About Lynne Patton:Lynne Patton is the Deputy Assistant to the President and White House director of minority outreach. She previously worked in United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the first Trump administration.LET'S BE SOCIAL:Follow Savannah Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/SavannahChrisley)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@SavannahChrisley)X: (https://www.x.com/_itssavannah_)Follow Lynne Patton:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/lynnepatton)X: (https://www.x.com/lynnepatton)Follow Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Follow The Unlocked Podcast:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/UnlockedWithSavannah)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@UnlockedWithSav)Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!Visit us today at https://www.thecastcollective.comEmail: erin@thecastcollective.comInstagram: (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)YouTube: ( @TheCastCollective)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Newt talks with Jessica Jackson, a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and CEO of REFORM Alliance. They discuss REFORM’s mission to transform the criminal justice system, particularly probation and parole, to reduce incarceration rates and improve reentry into society. Jessica shares her personal journey, which began with her former husband's incarceration, and highlights the systemic failures she witnessed. REFORM Alliance, founded with the support of high-profile figures like Meek Mill, Jay-Z, and Robert Kraft, aims to implement common-sense solutions that enhance public safety and support individuals transitioning from supervision to productive lives. They discuss the success of the First Step Act, which significantly reduced recidivism rates, and the upcoming Safer Supervision Act, designed to modernize federal supervision practices. Jessica introduces the "You Belong" initiative, encouraging community integration for those on supervision, and emphasizes the importance of Second Chance Month in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.