I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! Ecclesiastes 3:16 (NLT)

The recent dismissal of Alec Baldwin's case by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sheds light on a troubling but not uncommon issue within the criminal justice system: the withholding of evidence by prosecutors and police. This misconduct, which happened during my own criminal trial, often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. The Baldwin case, like many others (search prosecutorial misconduct on Google to find thousands of results) highlights the critical need for a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. It is hard to serve any population that you do not understand. 

I believe awareness of the complexities within the criminal justice system is essential for supporting those recently released from prison. It's important to recognize the challenges they face both pre and post release, from securing stable housing and employment to dealing with the stigma of their past. By understanding these obstacles and offering practical support both while incarcerated and upon release —such as mentorship, training, housing, jobs, prayer and financial literacy—we can help facilitate their reintegration into society. Brand 316 is dedicated to this cause, working to provide inmates with the tools and hope they need for a successful future. I encourage you to take some time and read this short write up along with 10 simple steps you could take today to start helping others out immediately. 

 Alec Baldwin case dismissed and why it matters to you?

Evidence being withheld from the defense is common – it happened to me during my criminal trial.   Understanding the full scope of the criminal justice system helps us better understand how to serve and pray for everyone involved, including defendants, prosecutors, defense lawyers and the Judges.  Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case against Mr. Baldwin based on misconduct of police and prosecutors – they withheld evidence from the defense team. 

Prior to my arrest and conviction, I would have been shocked yet relieved that prosecutorial misconduct is rare and that the Judge corrected it.  Unfortunately, it is not a rarity for prosecutors and police to do this – convictions are the most important result no matter what the evidence shows.   Promotions are based on it. Prosecutors and police make their own independent decision about what evidence is or is not important for the defense to see.  Days into my trial, we found out by chance that the prosecution withheld over 200 pieces of evidence – the Judge was “troubled at the -- that the Government didn't turn this over” but the trial moved on. 

They lied but it was okay – if I lied it would equal more charges.  This evidence was entirely separate from what we appealed when they found that “The district Court abused its discretion in excluding all evidence relating to Phillips medical condition as irrelevant and unduly prejudicial” yet found it as a “harmless error.” 

I believe that awareness about our criminal justice system from all sides is pivotal to lowering recidivism for several reasons.  It is important to understand all aspects of what they went through and will go through.  Before I experienced it, I know it would be difficult for me to believe the level of corruption and what life in prison is actually like.  I would not want to believe that!  The food in boxes labeled “not for human consumption” is a real thing.  Correctional Officers bringing drugs and cell phones into the prison is a real thing.  There are people incarcerated that were wrongfully convicted or overcharged. 

There is also a strong desire for a majority of inmates to use the time to make sure they have a real chance once released – many just have no realistic options or programs that will help them do that. 

It would be hard to explain the excitement and fear of being released from prison unless you have experienced that. It is impossible to explain the hopelessness experienced in prison for future success. Brand 316 is focused on preparing inmates for life after prison through personal and professional training for release, mentoring and providing realistic hope for the future.  Every Tuesday we are mentoring and training inmates at El Dorado Prison and every Wednesday at Hutchinson Prison.  We have several inmates being trained in the Federal Prison system through correspondence.  We have one University using our curriculum (The Reintegration Roadmap on Amazon) for their reentry classes they are doing behind the walls. 

How does awareness about the criminal justice system help you better understand people being recently released?  Here are 10 things that come to mind. I would love to hear your thoughts because I know I am missing several. 

1.       Understanding Obstacles: If you better understand the obstacles faced it allows you to better understand the direct and immediate needs.  Examples are housing, transportation, probation terms and most importantly stable employment. 

2.       Do you believe people deserve second chances: Biblically the answer is clear!  The unfortunate reality is we all make mistakes and are running a “red light” away from being on the other side.  What would you hope for if roles were reversed?

3.       If you own a business, hire someone with a record:  You will be shocked how grateful they are for the job, how hard they will work for you and their loyalty to your company.  Interview them, see if they are a good fit but don’t use their record as a reason to not give them a chance. You can also support companies like Say What Marketing & Consulting and Lawn 316 who donate 31.6% of their profits to non profits. 

4.       Volunteer for Reentry Programs: Use your knowledge to volunteer with reentry programs, helping them develop life skills, find jobs, and navigate the challenges of reintegration. You will likely learn as much as they do.

5.       Support Reentry Programs: There are so many options from financial support to prayer, from cooking meals for a group of men just released to mentoring people one on one.  Changing one person’s life can have a generational impact on all family members. 

6.       Provide Stable Housing: If you own property and rent it out, give felons a fair chance. Stable housing is crucial for successful reintegration and one of the largest obstacles they face.

7.       Become a Mentor: Offer your time and experience to mentor someone recently released. Your guidance and support can help them navigate new challenges.

8.       Welcome Them in Your Church: It sounds like a no brainer – many churches are not as welcoming or forgiving as you would think.  Encourage your church community to be welcoming and supportive, providing a safe and accepting space for them to reintegrate.  I would love to personally meet with your pastor because there are so many options to make giant impacts!

9.       Promote Financial Literacy: If you have financial expertise, offer to teach financial literacy classes to help them manage their finances and build a stable post-incarceration life. 

10.   Support Addiction Recovery: If you have experience with addiction recovery programs, offer guidance and support to those struggling with substance abuse issues, which is often a critical aspect of reintegration.