Customer Reviews

DownTime: A Guide to Federal Incarceration

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
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For the past six months I have spent pretty much all of my free time researching the federal Bureau of Prisons. I have joined numerous online chat groups, discussed my case with literally dozens of lawyers and downloaded every policy statement available on the BOP website. Although each of these efforts was helpful the most important resource that I discovered was David Novak's book. The book was actually recommended by my United States Pretrial Services Officer. I owe her a debt of gratitude for that. Although I had read pretty much every book offered by Amazon on the subject I found this book, DownTime, to be the best by far. Not only did I find it helpful but once I shared it with my attorney (a very prominent federal criminal defense attorney) he ordered it and claims that he'll do the same for every client he works with. The book is a no-nonsense look at what offenders assigned to federal prison will experience. There are no war stories, no shocking stories. In fact, like it's title, the book is a very well researched and well written handbook. My hat is off to Mr. Novak and I strongly encourage anybody going through federal prosecution to order the book for every family member.

David Novak's book is an excellent guide for those facing time in a federal prison. The book is easy to read and is chock full of valuable informatiom. One very important thing that I need to mention is how accessible Mr. Novak is. I called him and asked him several questions and got immediate, professional advice. He made me aware of things that even my attorney did not know. This book is worth every penney that you pay for it. This is truly a "Must read" if you are facing time in a federal institution. Thank you David Novak.

Thank God and Mr. Novak for this book! My brother was just incarcerated and since reading this book, I am more informed about not only what he will go through, but what our Mother and I will go through as far as visiting, letters and just the general process of it all. This book should be a mandatory read for all people who are going to be incarcerated or families of loved ones who are going to visit/write.

If you're reading this you are probably going to prison, or know someone intimately who is. It is going to happen. This book is a must read for practical, clear, answers to your questions about how will you manage a life once free taken over by a system where you are little more than a number and object. Details may change from place to place but the facts, warnings, and ways to prepare are invaluable. Now, after reading this, the future may not be so scary; you can imagine it will be productive and meaningful.

There are numerous helpful pieces of information in this book, however, you have to realize that much of what is in the book is based on the experiences of a single person who was in a Federal Prison Camp for only 1 year and 1 day. If you're facing significantly more time than that or looking at a higher security institution I believe that a number of the personal observations just don't apply.

In addition, there is some information that is just out of date as the BOP has updated policies. Things such as spending limits, wait times for RDAP or other programs no longer apply as policies have changed and overcrowding has continued to get worse.

Overall a decent book that gives good basic information.