My pp is thinking of writing a book. I was wondering if anyone knew about the obstacles, legal challenges, prison challenges, etc. facing someone trying to write a book from prison.

Her main concern is CO's reading her stuff and putting disciplinary pressure on her.

I was thinking about the legal issue of the state holding up the book to make sure that the author and her family don't make money from it, and the money goes to a victim services fund or something.

But any knowledge tips or other materials regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Is the book concerning the crime that put them in prison???? If so...then they shouldn't be making money from that and there will be alot of legal issues to deal with.

On the other hand.....if it's has nothing to do with their crime then they can get something published......I have a penpal that is in the process of getting his book of poetry published....he will be sending all profits to support his children.

Bosses probably will not bother her much about writing a book . It takes a lot to get one published any ways . Bosses can search their cell or cubicle, day room and prisoners property at any time . They are superposed to be doing this every day not as through as a Shakedown or Lockdown but a careful search . .If they see a what looks like a book being written I doubt very much they will write her a case . They have much more serious things to be dealing with .


As long as it is not about her crime the state should not take any monay from any sales . The state can potentially go to court and request part of the sales go to fines or restitution if that is part of a sentence . usualy it is done in scheduled payments .

If she is serious she should seek legal assistance in getting something published .

__________________
The Constitution is not a Technicality!

Me

If you never have dreams they will never come true.

Somethings are worth fighting for !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Ngn...eature=related


Money Talks !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgL8qqjOnlg

Thanks for the advice.

She claims to be innocent and the book will be about what she has put up with in terms of a faulty investigation and trial. So as much as it could be about a crime, I suppose they would say it is about the crime.

I think her concern was that if a CO were to read something that was critical of the legal system or criminal justice system, they would "have it out" for her.

If she were to write in that manner it could lead to problems , more so with the prosecution than a boss . No one is supposed to make money off their crime . Until she is exonerated or a court dismisses with prejudice , meaning the state cannot appeal . she would have to be very careful . her best bet is to send out what she writes in letters as soon as she writes them unless she is tagged as a STG her mail is simply scanned and not read. That way they can be palced in a safe location and when the time is right she can compile them in ot a
manuscript .

It is not a good idea to go into detail about a case unless you are legal counsel IE lawyer, paralegal a investigator for that lawyer. They have privilege as it is called and cannot be forced to talk about it to the prosecution a PP can .

I know of a woman in TDCJ who is factually innocent . She is very careful about what she says and does regarding that as it can affect her appeals . She stays case free takes required and college courses spends time in the law library among other things . It is very important to be a model prisoner if you want to win appeals or get exonerated .

The bosses usualy do not take the time to read things they just make a mess usually the just leave all your stuff on your bunk, sometimes floor of your cell or cubicle though some are neat and do not do this .Most of the time they look for contraband and STG kows most gang related matrial

In regards to the woman I am talking about
Hopefully since the states "star " witness has now in court at a hearing admitted to actions she during this woman trail attributed to the woman I am talking about but in other trials involving this case the "star witnesses has stated other people did were in the same exact place and did things in perjured testimony attributed it the woman I am mentioning .

She was given a near unheard of sweetheart deal in exchange for her lies though this was not told to the defense or jury . This is Constitutional question it is called a Brady violation. A important reason for President Obama to appoint more judges .

It was found out when she bragged to others including JCOs about it while in a minimum security TYC unit . She is now on a adult unit .

She had to do this in order to have the hearing thankfully she lost and now has to do more time though she will be reviewed for parole in June 2009 as in next month !

I know others who read this will know or have an idea who the woman is . So I'm a being vague for legal reasons . She sure could use some more help . She does not want or need store money .

Your friend might want to seek legal advise on how to do this . Seeing she is writing about a alleged crime and claims of innocence . Anything she makes public can be used against her . This is why I do not suggest making sites fro people who allege innocence it usually hurts their cause . A legal ad or short statement is sufficient . If legal ads did not work prisoners would not place them .

She could look to a law or journalism school for help in this also . Some times law students look into cases they have the same attorney client privlege and work under the supervision of a practicing attorney

If you truly want to help and have a very solid friendship / relationship with her you can take paralegal courses and become a licensed paralegal in her state in many instances . Though in TX you cannot technically be a paralegal in TX ( if you have a felony, not saying you do ) though you can be a paralegal working for a out of state attorney who is licensed to practice law in TX. TX cannot tell that state what to do .

I strongly suggest seeking legal advise in this matter .

Please look into the innocence Project even if it is not DNA related there are resources you can use or look into . Also the Justice Project .

Hope this helped you

__________________
The Constitution is not a Technicality!

Me

If you never have dreams they will never come true.

Somethings are worth fighting for !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Ngn...eature=related


Money Talks !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgL8qqjOnlg

OK, thanks a bunch.

From what I've read, I thought bribing cellmates for perjury was standard faire.

She's actually past the appeals process now and is hoping for new evidence.

Innocence projects have already said they cannot help her.