Legal Handbook for Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Folks in NYC Jails

LEGAL HANDBOOK

FORTRANS& GENDERNONCONFIRMING FOLKSINNYC JAILS

CREATEDBY

PrisonLibrarySupportNetwork

SarahBall

BrooklynGhostCollective

MikKinkead

F2LNetwork

GraceDetravarah

EndingPrisonsatNYULaw

This handbook was made for people who have yet to be sentenced for a pending criminal charge also known as pre-sentence.

Ifyouhavebeensentenced,orifyouareawaitinga paroleviolationhearing:thismightnotbethebest informationforyou.Butyouarestillwelcometoreadit.

Ifyouarepre-sentence:thebestpersontoansweryour questionsaboutyourcaseisyourcriminaldefense attorney.Eachcaseisdifferent,andeachpersonis different.Youcan’tcompareyourcasetodaytoacase fromtenyearsagoortoacasefromanothercounty. Defenseattorneyscanbehardtoworkwithbut remembertheyworkforyou.Itisworthittotryandfigure outthebestwaytoworktogether.Wetalkaboutthisin chapter6.

Thehandbookis dedicatedtoMother LaTraviousCollins, aBlackandTrans activistwhorefused towaitforanyone’s permissiontofight back.

Thisprojectwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithout LaTraviousortheBrooklynGhostProject-theBlack andTransledcommunityorganizationshefounded. Thishandbookisjustonetinypieceoftheepic legacyLaTraviousleavesbehind.Wehopeitisa testamenttothecountlesswaysshefoughttirelessly forthecommunitiessheloved.

NAVIGATINGLEGAL INFORMATION

Legalinformationcanbeverycomplexandhardto navigate.Therearemanyguidesouttheretryingtohelp peoplelearnthelaw.Twogoodguidesspecifictopeople injailorprisonareTheJailhouseLawyer’sManual(JLM) andTheJailhouseLawyer’sHandbook(JLH).Theseare enormousbooks,soyouwillneedtoeitherfindacopyin thelawlibraryoryouwillneedtowritetoanorganization askingthemtosendyouachaptertoreview(seenext page).Ifyouwanttolearnmoreaboutthelawandlegal researchthenyoushouldrequesteitherChapter2ofJLM orChapter7ofJLH.Thesegointomuchmoredetailthan wehavespaceforhere.

Using the Law Library

Whileyouareheldinjailyouhavetherighttoaccessthe lawlibrary.EveryNYCjailfacilityhasalawlibraryexcept thehospitalwards.Ifyouareinanykindofconfined segregationorseparationyoumaynotbeallowedto accessthelawlibrarydirectly,butyoucanrequest specifictextsorprintoutsfromthelibrary.Thesame appliestothehospitalwards.

Ingeneral,youmayusethelawlibraryfortwohoursevery dayTuesdaythroughSaturday.Youmayaskfor additionaltimetousethelibrary,andpeoplewith pressingdeadlineswillbeprioritized.Thelawlibraryhas copiesofsomeimportantresourcesliketheNewYorkCity BoardofCorrectionMinimumStandardsandtheNewYork StateCommissiononCorrectionMinimumStandards.

ThelawlibraryalsohascopiesofConnections(aguidefor currentlyandformerlyincarceratedpeopleinNewYork) andTheCenterforCommunityProblemSolvingReentry Guide.Oftenthelawlibraryisalsowhereyoucanfinda notary.Theyshouldhavecommonblanklegalforms,a photocopymachine,paper,andtypewriters.

Peoplearecalledtothelawlibrarybyhousingareaduring approved“lockout”periods.Youcansignuptheday beforebyaddingyournametothecall-outlist.The schedulecanusuallybefoundinthelawlibraryitself.

REQUESTING JAILHOUSE LAWYER'S MANUAL

ColumbiaHumanRightsLawReview

Attn:JailhouseLawyer’sManual

435West116thStreet

NewYork,NY10027

ThismanualiswritteninbothEnglishandSpanish.

Youcanreceiveuptothreefreechaptersofthemanual. Besuretospecifyifyou'dlikechaptersinEnglishor Spanishalongwiththechapternameandnumberwhen makingyourrequest.Thetableofcontentswithchapter namesandnumbersislocatedattheendofthisguide.

GlossaryofTerms

FortheNewYorkCriminalCourt

AccusatoryInstrument-Awrittenaccusationfiledwith thecourtchargingthedefendantwithoneormore offenses.

Adjournment-Apostponementofacriminalcase.

Arraignment-Thecourtproceedingduringwhicha personisinformedofthechargesagainstthem.

Bailandbailbonds-Bailrefersto"cashbail"ora"bail bond".Cashbailmeansasumofmoney,setbythecourt, postedbythedefendantoranyotherperson,uponthe conditionthatthemoneywillbeforfeitedtothestateifthe defendantdoesnotcomplywiththedirectionsofthe courtrequiringtheirattendanceatthecriminal proceeding.

Bailbondisaformofbailandwhenthistermisusedin theCriminalCourtitalmostalwaysreferstoabailbond issuedbyarecognizedinsurancecompany.Itisa guaranteetothecourtbytheinsurancecompanythat whilethedefendantisatlibertyasaresultoftheposting ofthebailbond,theywillappearincourtinthecriminal actionwhenevertheirattendanceisrequired.Ifthe defendantfailstoappearasrequired,theinsurance companywillpaytotheCourtthespecifiedsumofmoney designatedbythecourtwhichsetthebail.

Benchwarrant-Acourtorderissuedforadefendant's arrestiftheyfailtoappearforacourtproceedingother thananarraignment.

CertificateofDisposition-Anofficialcourtdocumentthat indicatesthecurrentstatusofacaseoritsfinal disposition.

CertificateofGoodConduct-Acertificateissuedbythe StateBoardofParoletoeligiblepersonswhohavetwoor morefelonyconvictionsandanynumberofmisdemeanor convictions.ACertificateofGoodConductremovesbarriers tooccupationallicensingandtherighttoseekpublicoffice imposedbystateormunicipallaw,andisproofof rehabilitationanemployerisrequiredbylawtoconsider whenanindividualappliesforajob.

CertificateofRelieffromCivilDisabilities-ACertificate ofrelieffromCivilDisabilitiesmaybegrantedbytheCourt toadefendantwhohasbeensentencedtoarevocable sentence(probation,conditionaldischarge,etc.)ora sentenceotherthanoneexecutedbycommitmenttoa statecorrectionalfacility.TheCertificaterelievesthe eligibleoffenderofanyforfeitureordisabilityorremoves anybartotheiremploymentautomaticallyimposedbylaw becauseoftheirconvictionsuchaswithstateormunicipal government.Anapplicationforacertificatecanbe obtainedattheclerk'sofficeofthecourtwherethe sentencewasgiven.FormoreinformationseeArticle23of theCorrectionLaw.

CrimeVictimAssistanceFee-A$5.00feeimposedupon convictionofafelony,misdemeanor,orviolation.

DeskAppearanceTicket(DAT)-Awrittennoticegivenbya policeofficertoapersonarrested,requiringthemto appearincourtatalaterdateforarraignment.

Discovery-Alegalprocessbywhichlawyersareentitledto findoutinformationfromtheiradversaryinapendingcase.

DistrictAttorneyalsoknownastheAssistantDistrict AttorneyorthePeopleortheProsecutor- Confusingly, theseareallthesameorganization.TheDistrictAttorneyis anelectedpositionwithineachboroughandeachcounty. TheDistrictAttorneymakesdecisionsaboutwherethey wanttofocusandhowtheywanttoruntheiroffice.The attorneystheyhire,AssistantDistrictAttorneys(orADAs),

aretheattorneyswhoappearincourtandarepressingthe chargesagainstyou.Incorrectly,theyareoftencalled“the people”asin“thePeoplevs.JonesSmith.”Thisissupposed toshowthattheyrepresenttheinterestsofthepublic, whichisoftennotaccurate.

Docketnumber-Aninecharactercourtreferencenumber whichidentifiesacriminalcourtcase.Thefirsttwodigits indicatetheyearinwhichthecasewasfiled.Thethird characterisaletterwhichidentifiesthecountyinwhichto casewasfiled*.

Thefinalsixdigitsidentifythespecificcase.

*N=NewYork(Manhattan);K=Kings(Brooklyn);

Q=Queens;X=Bronx;R=Richmond(StatenIsland); C=MidtownCommunityCourt

Exhibits-Physicalevidenceintroducedatahearingortrial.

Felony-Thewordreferstocriminalizedactivitythathas beendeemedtobeserious.Allfeloniescanbepunishedby morethanoneyearinprison,whichmeansspendingsome timeinthecustodyofNewYorkStateDepartmentof CorrectionsandCommunitySupervision(DOCCS).

Forthepurposeofsentence,feloniesaredividedintofive categoriesorclasses:A,B,C,DandEfelonies.ClassA feloniesaredividedintotwosub-categories:A-IandA-II felonies.ClassAfeloniescarrythelongestjailsentences andclassEfeloniescarrytheshortestjailsentencesfor felonycases.Jailsentencesformisdemeanorand violationsorinfractionsareevenshorter.

GrandJury-Agroupofcitizenswhodecidewhetherthe prosecutorhasenoughevidencetopursuefelony(and perhapsalsomisdemeanor)chargesagainstaperson.

Hearing-Acourtproceedingwheretestimonyisgiven, exhibitsarereviewed,and/orlegalargumentsaremadeto helpajudgedecideanissueinacase.

Indictment-Adocumentthatcontainsthefelony(and perhapsalsomisdemeanor)chargesthatwerevotedby thegrandjury.

Indigent-Apersonfoundbythecourttobeunableto affordtohirealawyerorotherwisemeettheexpenseof defendingacriminalmatter.Ifthedefendantisdetermined tobeindigent,adefensecounselisappointedbythecourt.

Jurisdiction-Thepowertohearanddetermineacase.

MandatorySurcharge-Afeethatisimposedupona defendantwhentheyhavebeenconvictedofanoffense.It isseparateanddistinctfromanyfinewhichthecourtmay haveimposed.

Misdemeanor-Aspecifictypeofoffenseforwhicha personmaybesentencedtomorethan15daysbutnot morethanoneyearinjail.

Motion-Arequestmade,byoneofthepartiestoacriminal action,seekingsomesortofrelief.

Notarize-Toattestoracknowledge.

NotGuilty-Importantly,“notguilty”doesnotmean innocent.Itmeansthatyoudidnotcommitthespecific actiontheADAaccusesyouofdoinginthespecificway theychargeyouandwithallofyourconstitutionalrights observed.Forexample,youmayhavebeencarryingan illegalhandgun,butifofficersusedanillegalsearchto retrievethathandgunthenyouarestillnotguiltyofthe chargesagainstyoubecauseyourrightswerenot preserved.

Orderofprotection-Acourtordersettingforthconditions ofbehaviorwhichmustbecompliedwithbyoneofthe partiesinacriminalaction.Usuallythecomplainant requeststheorderandthedefendantmustabidebythe conditionssetforththerein.

BasicStepsina CriminalCase:

ThefirstencountermostpeoplehavewiththeNewYork CourtSystemontheircriminalcasewillbeattheir arraignments.Ifyouarereadingthis,thenmostlikelyyou havealreadybeenthrougharraignments.

ArraignmentsiswhenyoufirstappearbeforeaJudgeand thechargesagainstyouarereadintotherecord.Atthis pointyoucanpleaguiltyornotguilty.Itisbesttodiscuss thiswithyourdefenseattorneyfirstbecauseaguiltyplea cancarryimplicationsforhousing,employment, immigrationstatus,andmore

Thedefenseattorneyyoumeetatarraignmentsis,most likely,nottheattorneywhowilltakeonyourcase.This attorneyismostinterestedinhelpingensureyoudon’t stayinjailwhileyourcaseprogresses.Arraignmentsisthe firsttimethatbailwillbediscussed,sotheattorneywill wanttoknoweveryargumenttheycanmaketohelpkeep yououtofjail.Theywilltrytocollectinformationfromyou abouttiestothecommunity,volunteering,childorelder care,work,etctoshowthatyoushouldbereleased becauseyouwillturnuptothenextcourtdateonyour own.Thisattorney–generally–isnotworkingonthetruth ofthecharge,theyareworkingongettingyououtofthe holdingcell.IfyourrequesttobeReleasedonYourOwn RecognizanceorReleasedonBailisdenied,youcanreapplyforbailviayourattorneythroughouttheprocess.

IfyoupleadguiltythentheJudgewilldeterminethe sentencing.Thismayhappenatarraignmentsoritmay happenatalaterdate.

Ifthechargesagainstyouarecomplex.Yourattorneymay wanttocompilemitigatingargumentstoshowwhyan alternativesentenceorlessersentenceshouldapply.

Ifyoupleadnotguiltythenafewthingscanhappen.If yourchargeiswhatiscalledafelonythenyoumustgo beforeagrandjury.Ifyourchargeisamisdemeanorthen youwouldeitherbereleasedandtoldtocometothenext courtdateoryouwillbesenttotheNYCjailstowaitfor yournextcourtdate.

AGrandJuryisthenameforaproceedingwherejurors (othercitizens,notnecessarilylawyersorjudges)decide whetherornotyoushouldbeformallycharged.Theydo notdecideifyouareguiltyornot.Theyareonlydecidingif thereisenoughevidencetogoforward.Atthegrandjury theprosecutorpresentsalltheevidencetheyhave gatheredagainstyou.Thegrandjurymaydeterminethere isenoughevidenceforanindictment,maydetermine thereisnotenoughevidenceforanindictment,ormay instructthecourttoreducethechargesormovethecase tofamilycourt.

Mostofacriminalcaseiswaiting.Whatiscalled“pre-trial” iseverythingthathappensafterarraignmentsandbefore sentencing–whichismostoftheprocess.

FormoreonhowajuryworksseetheNewYorkState UnifiedCourtSystemGrandJuror’sHandbook. You cangetacopybywritingtotheLegalAidSociety usingthecontactinformationattheendofthis handbook.

Pre-Trialisthetimewhenbothpartiesareexchanging evidenceandotherinformationcalleddiscovery.

Discoverycanbemanythings.Itcanbeinterviewswith witnesses,photographs,blueprints,recordings,documents createduponarrest,andevenmore.Thiscanbegathered throughdoingadeposition(aninpersoninterviewwitha witnesswhereattorneysarepresent),aninterrogatory(a writtenlistofdocumentdemands),orthroughother means.Thisisalsothetimethatyourattorneyshould sendsocialworkersandinvestigatorstomeetwithyouto tryandlearnasmuchaboutyou,whathappenedonthat day,andifthereisanythingtheycoulduseasmitigating arguments.

Anythingthat“mitigates”issomethingthatreduces.For example,itwouldbeamitigatingargumentthatyoumay havefallenasleepwhiledriving,butyouwereonlydriving becauseyouremployerwouldn’tgiveyoutimeoffandyou wereworkingmorethan12hourshifts.

Formostcases,themitigatingargumentsfocusonwhyyou shouldservetheshortestsentencepossibleorwhyyou shouldbeallowedtodoyoursentencefromanAlternative toIncarcerationProgram.Theseargumentscouldinclude yourobligationstowardsyourfamily,yourworkhistory,any specificmedicaltreatmentyouneed,yourhistoryasa survivorofabuse,yourvolunteerworkorreligiousworkin thecommunity,etc.AllofthesecanadduptowhytheADA andJudgeshouldbelenient.Socialworkers,investigators, andyourattorneywilloftenbeinchargeofwritingthese statementssoitisimportantthatyouareasopentothem asyouarecomfortableaboutwhoyouare.

Duringthispre-trialprocessyoumayreachapleabargain withtheADA.Usuallythismeansthatyouarewillingto pleadguiltytoachargeinexchangefortheADApromising aparticularsentence.Makesureyouhavetalkedtoyour defenseattorneyabouthowapleawillaffectyour immigrationstatus,housing(especiallyprogramslike NYCHA!),employment,childcareandmore.Considerallof thisverycarefully.

IfyouandtheADAcan’treachanagreement,thenyour casewillgototrial.Mostofusareusedtotheideathatour criminallegalprocesshingesuponatrial.It’sthecentral partofshowslike“LawandOrder.”Yetmostpeoplenever gotoatrial.Thereareafewreasonsofthis.Thebiggest reasonisacombinationoffactors:howslowlyourcriminal legalsystemmoves,thefactthatthemajorityofpeopleare heldinjailpendingsentencing–sopeoplewanttocome home.Theywanttogetoutofthejailsandreturnhometo theirfamilies,work,andlives.Somanypeoplepleainorder toreturnhome,andtheydonotgoforwardwithatrial.

Youhavetherighttobeinthecourtroomandwitnessthe entireprocedure,withafewveryrareexceptions.

Sometimeswhenchildrenorcertainvulnerablepeople testifyyouarenotallowedtobeinthecourtroom.

Constitutionallyyouhavetherighttoafairtrial.However theuseoftheword“fair”hereislegal,notthecommon usage. Inthelegalusageitmeansthatyouhaveboth proceduralandsubstantivedueprocess.Proceduraldue processmeansyouhavetherighttobeheard(youhave therightto,viayourattorney,presentyourcase,callyour witnesses,askquestionsandmore).

Substantivedueprocessisevenmorevague.Itmeansthat youhaverightsthatareimplicitintheconceptofordered liberty.

Yourcriminalcourtcaseendsuponsentencing.

Sometimes,aswithapleabargain,sentencingisalready knownanditisjustanadministrativeprocesstofinalize yourcase.Othertimes,iftherehasbeenatrial,then sentencingisthedecisionaswhatpunishmentshouldbe imposedafteryouarefoundguilty.Forexample,youmay havebeenfoundguiltyofburglaryinthe3rddegreebya jury.Butthenthesentencingjudgedecideswhatthe punishmentshouldbewithintheguidelines.

Ofcourse,uponsentencingyoualwayshavetherightto appeal.Thatisbestdescribedinanotherbookletbutifyou areinterestedinappealingthenyoushouldspeaktoyour defenseattorney.

GettingYour PropertyBack fromtheNYPD

Yoursmallpropertywilleventuallybetakenfromthe PrecincttothePropertyClerkOfficeintheboroughinwhich youwerearrested.Thisdoesnotincludeimpoundedcarsor largeritems.

LargeritemsarewarehousedinQueens.TheDistrict Attorneymightalsobeholdingontosomepropertyas evidenceinyourcase.Inthatinstanceyouwillneedtoget aDAreleasewhichyoucangetfromyourdefenseattorney. Besuretoaskaboutthisearlyon!

Callaheadtoconfirmbothopenhoursandifyouhaveall ofthepaperworkyouneedtopickupyourproperty.

Pickinguppropertyfromthe ManhattanPropertyClerk:

1PolicePlazaisoffthe4/5/JBrooklynBridgestopbehind thesummons’courtandCityHall.Togoinsideyoufirst enterthe“visitor’sentrance”whichisatinybuildingbefore 1PolicePlaza.Youwillneedtogothroughastrictmetal detector.Glasses,belts,watchesallcomeoff.Theywillask forphotoIDandwhereyouaregoing–say“propertypick up. "

Youthenenteryournameandhaveyourphototakenata kioskandwalkacrossacourtyardto1PolicePlaza.Enter thefarleft-handdoors.Gotothegateonthefarleftside. Waittobeletinbytheofficerattherounddesk.Show themthereceiptfromthekiosk,aphotoID,andsayyou aregoingtopropertypick-up.Theywillmakeyouabright orangestickerIDwhichyouneedtowear.

Leavethedeskandgothroughtheconnectinggatetothe mainentrance(youcanalsoaskforhelphere).Thereisa stairwellgoingdown,godownandthenfollowthebright orangesignsfor“property.”Propertyisontheleft-hand sidewhenyougettothebasement.EntertheProperty roomandentertheline.

Ifafamilymemberorlovedoneispickinguppropertyfor youthentheymusthaveanoriginalsignedreleaseform fromyouandnotarizedbyathirdparty.Theymusthave2 formsofID.TheirwebsitehasalistofacceptableIDs.For example,acreditcardandaStateissuedphotoIDwould work.Signtheformfirmlysothatitcanbeeasilyidentified thatitisanoriginal.Whoeverispickingupthepropertywill signstatingtheyreceivedthepropertyandtheofficerwill giveyouareceipt.

Ingeneral,allmoneywillbeat1PolicePlaza.Moneywillbe returnedintheformsofchecksmadeouttoyou.Youcan takeittoacheckcashinglocationthatdayortheirbank thenextday.ChecksareissuedbytheNYCPoliceDep’t fromChaseBankandarevalidfor90days.

AccesstoTrans* SpecificCare4 4

HormoneswithinNYCJails

A person might need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for many reasons. This section specifically is about what to do if you are a transgenderperson looking for HRT. If you are cisgender or intersex this section may be interesting, but it probably does not address your specific needs.

In the NYC jails you want to look at Medical Document 24BTransgenderCare. We have not attached a copy because it may get updated and it is best for you to get the most recently updated version!

In order to access trans-specific healthcare, you must have a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria (GD) or have been receiving trans-specific healthcare prior to coming to jail. If you don’t already have a diagnosis or weren’t receiving trans-specific healthcare, then your first step is to get the diagnosis. If you already have a diagnosis or were receiving HRT on the outside, then skip to #2.

1)GettingaDiagnosis

The process of getting this diagnosis can be difficult. It can also bring up lots of emotions. For some people, a diagnosis feels like recognition of a truth they have known for a long time. For other people, it can feel pathologizing – meaning that it feels like their identity is being linked to something purely medical and not a core part of who they are.

Either way, it is important to remember that getting a GD diagnosis is a requirement that almost all insurance companies insist on.

It is not a statement about you. It does not define you. It is not the end of who you are. You are more than a diagnosis. But this diagnosis is needed in order to access certain rights.

You should alert healthcare staff at your facility that you would like to have a diagnosis for GD. You can say this however you want: “I am a woman and want access to hormones”, “I would like to see a gender specialist for transition-related care” – whatever feels appropriate for you and your truth.

Most general practitioners can, after asking you questions and listening to your concerns, diagnose you with GD. Some may not feel they have the knowledge for that. In those instances, they should flag that the Site Medical Director should arrange for an in-person evaluation to happen within the facility.

2)BeingPrescribedHormones

If you already have a diagnosis and were receiving HRT from a medical professional then you should be all set. Your care should continue uninterrupted. The name of the drugs that you take for your hormone therapy may change, but the purpose and dosages of the drugs should remain the same. For example, many people are taken off estrogen shots and take estrogen through a pill form instead. As long as the dosages are similar, this is allowed under the law. Any actual changes to the dosages should only happen after a medical review by someone who specializes in hormones. If your dosage in the community was more than your dosage currently in the jail then that means your community provider needs to verify your dosage with the jail. Sign HIPPA forms or whatever else might be necessary to get these two entities to talk to each other so you can be at your proper dosage.

If your HRT was not from a medical professional (i.e. you borrowed from a friend, bought them online, etc) you still might be able to continue your care uninterrupted.

Let the CHS staff know that you were using hormones and need to continue. They should (but do not have to) continue your care at the same dosage while they seek to provide you with a diagnosis, do necessary lab work, and get you set up for ongoing care.

3)OngoingCheckups

Whether you are in the community or in the jails regular check-ups are an important part of staying healthy. It is recommended that you have regular laboratory blood readings every 3 months for your first year on HRT, and then as often as your doctor recommends. This should continue while incarcerated.

4)Surgeries

There is almost nothing in writing about access to surgeries. But you do have the right to request and pursue gender affirming surgeries while in the NYC jails! All requests must be coordinated with the Site Medical Director. If this is important to you, do reach out to an attorney.

If you are considering accessing surgeries to affirm your gender while you are incarcerated, it is important to remember that almost all gender-affirming surgeries are very intensive and require long recovery periods and specific attention to aftercare. Jails and prisons are often difficult places for any kind of surgical recovery. If you believe you are going home in under a year then you may want to wait until you are in the community and have more control. If you believe you are going to be spending time in an upstate NYS DOCCS prison then definitely talk to an attorney.

It is important to know that having a gender-affirming surgery will not automatically secure your move to appropriate housing. Approval of a surgery should trigger an additional review of your housing by the PREA Coordinator, but this will not mean that you are moved.

BailinNewYork City5 5

WhatisBail?

Bailreferstotheamountofmoneythatthecourt chargespeoplesothattheycanbereleasedfromjail. Afteryouarearrested,youwillbebroughtbeforea judgeinthecriminalcourtoftheboroughyouwere arrestedin.Thereajudgewilldetermineifbailshould besetinyourcase.Bailisonlysupposedtobeset whenthejudgedeterminesthatthepersoncharged withacrimeisa‘flightrisk’andmaynotreturnto court.Bailmoneywillbereturnedwhenthecaseis completedandallconditionssetbythecourt compliedwith.Apersoncanforfeittheirbailiftheydo notappearincourtorcomplywiththeconditionsof release.Thejudgemayalsoissueabenchwarrantfor yourarrest.

Thereare9differenttypesofbailandthejudgeis requiredbylawtooffereachdefendantatleast2 waysofpostingbail.Themostcommontypesofbail arecashandinsurancecompanybondswhichare securedthroughabailagentalsoknownasabail bondsman.Othertypesofbailareunsecuredbonds andpartiallysecuredbondsalthoughtheseareless common.Cashbailcanbepaidtothecourt,atany correctionalfacility,andonlinebygoingtotheNew YorkCityDepartmentCorrectionsInmateLookup Servicewebsite.Cashbailcanbepaidincash, cashier’scheck,moneyorder,debitorcreditcard. Thereisanadditional8%processingfeeforbailby debitorcreditcard.Ifadefendantpleadsguiltyoris foundguiltya3%feewillbedeductedbeforethefunds arereturned.

MotionforBailReduction

Ifthebailamountthathasbeensetistoohighforyou topayit,youcanrequestforittobelowered.Thisis calledaMotionforBailReduction.Thisrequestmust bemadethroughyourlegalcounsel.Thelawyerwill needtoprovetothecourtthatthebailamountsetis excessivelyhigh,thatyouarenotaflightrisk,andthat youarenotlikelytoreoffend.

Someevidencetosupportyourrequestforbail reductioncouldbetheamountofmoneyyoumake, expensesrelatedtoyourphysicalormentalhealth,the amountofdependentsofwhichyouaretheprovider, andanyothermitigatingfactorsthatwouldprevent youfrompayingthebailamount.Yourabilitytopayis nottheonlythingthattheJudgeislookingat.Youmay alsowanttodiscussyourtiestothecommunity, employment,medicalappointments,anypasthistory ofcourtcompliance,andotherinformationrelatedto whyyouarenotaflightriskoratriskofreoffending.

WhatisaSecuredSuretyBond?

Asecuredsuretybond(akaabailbond)canbeused topayanyamountofbail.Wheneverafriendor relativebailssomeoneout,theyareusingasecured suretybond.Abailagentorbondsmanmakesalegal commitmenttothecourttopaythebondonyour behalfifthepersonwhosebehalfthebondisfordoes notreturntocourt.Thebondsmanisinsuredthrough aninsuranceagencycalledasuretycompany.The UnitedStatesistheonlycountryintheworldthathasa privatefor-profitbondsmansystem

WhatisaBailBondsman?

Abailbondsmanfrontsthebailmoneyonbehalfofa defendantforanon-refundablefee.Thebail bondsmanisaprivatefor-profitentity.Thisfeeis legallynotallowedtobemorethan10%forabondof 3,000orless.Forabondofmorethan3,000,thebail bondsmancancharge10%forthefirst3,000,8%for anyamountbetween3,000&10,000,and6%for anythinggreaterthan10,000.Forinstance,ifyouare attemptingtosecureabondfor20,000thenthe maximumamountchargedwouldbe$1460.The calculationsarebasedonthefollowingformula:10%of thefirst$3,000;8%ofthenext$7,000;6%ofthe amountabove$10,000.Abailbondsmanislegallynot allowedtochargeyoumorethanthisandthereshould benootheradditionalfeesforthingslikecourtmandatedchecksinsorothercourtrequirements.

WhatistheBailEliminationAct?

TheBailEliminationActof2019isaNewYorkStatelaw thatwasenactedonJanuary1,2020,andfollowedup withsomechangesonApril1,2020.Thislawwas designedtoaddressthediscriminatorypracticeof pretrialdetentionandcashbail.

Theoriginalbaillawallowedcashbailformost offensesbutwasamendedtoexcludecertainsex traffickingoffenses,promotinganobscenesexual performancebyachild,burglary,certaintypesof assaultincludingvehicularassault,andanycharge relatingtoadeathofaperson.Thesechangesalso allowforaJudgetosetacashbailtopeoplewho wouldnothavebeeneligibleforcashbailbefore.Such aspeoplewhoareonprobationorpost-release supervisionevenifthecrimethatiscommittedis similartoapreviouscrime.

WhatisaBailFund?

Abailfundisanorganizationthatcollectsmoneywith thepurposeofpayingbailonbehalfofpeoplewho cannotaffordthebailsetintheircase.Hereareafew BailFundsthatarelocaltoNYC:

EmergencyReleaseFund

EmergencyReleaseprovidesinterest-freeloansto qualifiedindividualswhichcanbeusedtopostbailor asadepositforpartially-securedbonds(PSB).Please answer(orhavesomeoneanswer)thequestionsin theironlinepre-applicationformtodetermine eligibility.Onceeligible,youwillbeprovidedwiththe fullapplication.https://www.emergencyrelease.org

TheLibertyFund

TheLibertyFundisNewYorkCity'sfirstcity-wide charitablebailfund.Nooneshouldbeincarcerated becausetheycannotpostbail.Ifyouorafamily memberhavebeenarrestedinNewYorkCity,please speakwithyourattorneyorapublicdefenderabout contactingTheLibertyFundonyourbehalf. https://www.libertyfund.org

EnvisionFreedomFund

IfyouoralovedoneareinimmigrationdetentionAND youhavebeengrantedabondthatyoucannotafford, youareeligibleforassistance.

Askalovedonetofillouttheonlineapplicationat: https://envisionfreedom.org/get-support

Note:EnvisionFreedomFunddoesnotassistwith bondsinthecriminaljusticesystem;onlyimmigration detention.

Workingwitha PublicDefender6 6

WhatisaPublicDefender?

Youhavetherighttoanattorneyandifyoucannot affordtohireaprivateattorney,thecourtwillappoint apublicdefenderforyou.Thismeansthecityhasto makearrangementstoprovidesuchlawyers,through thepublicdefender’sofficethatservesyourborough. Thereisalsoasystemforsupplyinglawyerswhenthe publicdefender’sofficehastoomanycasesora conflictofinterest.Inthissituation,thecourtwill typicallyappointaprivatelawyer,calledan18b attorney.The18battorneyisrequiredtoserveyouthe wayanypublicdefenderwould,buttheremaybe differencesinthewaytheycommunicatewithyou.

Animportantdifferencebetweenpublicdefendersand hiredprivateattorneysisthenumberofclientsthey handle.Publicdefendershavelargecaseloads,usually largerthanthatofprivatecriminaldefenseattorneys. Also,publicdefenders’officeshaverelativelylimited budgetsforhiringinvestigatorsandexpertwitnesses. Mostpublicdefendersdon’thavesufficienttimeto givetheirclientsalotofpersonalattention,whichis whycommunicatingwithyourattorneyeffectivelyisso important.Ifyou’vebeenassignedapublicdefender, letthemknowyouwanttoworkwiththemtofightthe casebycontributingthetimeandeffortthatmaybe needed.

CommunicatingwithyourLawyer

Mostpeoplefeelstressedandafraidwhenthey’vejust beenarrested,spentthenightinjail,arefacing criminalcharges,andarestuckwithalawyerthey didn’tgettochoose.

It’scommontofindthelawyertobenotwhatyouwant orneedinyourinitialinteractionswiththem.The systemisdesignedinawaywherepublicdefenders mustassesseachnewcaseveryquickly.Inyourfirst interactionwithyourlawyer,focusongood communicationandwhatyou’dliketoaccomplish together.Ifyouareableto,takenotesonthesituation andhowyouthinktheyaredoingwellorwherethey arefailingtomeetyourexpectations.

It’susefultoknowthatthelawyermaynothaveallthe necessaryinformationaboutthecaserightaway.It willtakesometimeforthemtogathertherelevant documents,togetinformationfromthejudgeorDA, andtocommunicatethosethingswithyou.Itwillbe necessarytohavepatience,butdon’tbeafraidtoask aboutthetimeline,lettingyourlawyerknowthatyou’d likethemtosharenewinformationastheyreceiveit. It’snormaltofeeleitheroverwhelmedornumb throughouttheprocesssoletthelawyersknowwhen youneedthemtoslowdownandexplainthingsmore carefullyorwhenyouneedcertaininformation urgently.

Courtculture&expectations

Ifyou'reacriminaldefendant,thecourtroomcanbe hostileground.Unfortunately,peopleinthecourtroom willmakeassumptionsaboutyoubasedonyour clothing,yourdemeanor,andyourcommunication, includingyourlawyer.Ifyouarecomingtocourtfrom home,insteadofjail,itcanhelptodress conservatively.

Thereareacoupleoforganizationsthatprovidefree businessclothesifyoudon’thavethefundstobuy somethingnew.Checkoutwww.careergear.org newyork.dressforsuccess.org.

Thecourtroomisaplacewhereeveryoneisspeaking aboutthedefendant,butthedefendantcannotspeak freely.

Thiscanbeafrustratinganddisheartening experience.Youcanspeaktoandthroughyourlawyer, andit’simportanttoaskthemtopauseandexplain theproceedingswheneveryouneedtobetter understandwhatishappening.

Courthearingsandmeetingswithlawyersare stressful,sosometimespeopletaketheedgeofftheir anxietybyself-medicating,butit’simportanttonot attendmeetingsaftertakingdrugsoralcoholbecause itcouldbeusedagainstyou.

Choosinganadvocate

Ifyouarethedefendantandfeellikeyouhavethe timeandenergytobetheonewhoconsistentlytalks withyourlawyer,makesuretovoicethistothem.If youarefightingyourcasewhileincarcerated,itmay bedifficulttostayintouchwiththem.Ifyouarenot incarceratedwhilethecaseisgoingon,itmaystillbe emotionallyexhaustingtokeeptrackofwhat’s happening.Ifyouhavesomeonewhoiswillingand abletohelpyouadvocateforyourself,talktothem aboutwhatyouwantandaskthemhowmuchtheyare capableofdoing.It’salwaysbesttochooseonepoint persontohelpyoucommunicatewithyourlawyer.It’s easiestforyourlawyertospeaktoonepersononly,so they’renotrepeatinginformationtodifferentpeopleat differenttimes,andpossiblymissingsomething crucial.Chooseafamilymemberorfriendwhoisable tomakeandtakephonecallsatdifferenttimesinthe day.It’sidealtochoosesomeonewhoisorganized, patient,andwhotrulycaresaboutyourcase.

Howtoparticipateinyourowndefense

Sometimeslawyersexplainhowyoucanworkonthe casewiththem.Ifyourlawyerhasn’talreadyaskedfor thefollowinginformation,askthemwhetherthey’dlike youtotakeonanyofthefollowingtasks:

Set up an appointment to sit down with your lawyer and go over the police report page by page, looking for contradictions and lies.

Create a list of potential witnesses (eye witnesses and character witnesses). Supply complete addresses, phone numbers, and background information about each individual, with good notes about what the witness can say on your behalf.

Make a timeline of what happened, with dates and times of day, as appropriate.

Draw diagrams of the scene of the incident, with actual measurements, if possible.

If drug or alcohol treatment would be useful to you, research local programs and interview with the ones that seem best. A letter of acceptance from a treatment center may be of great value in getting a good plea bargain. The Connections guidebook uses an icon to denote which programs can be official alternatives-to-incarceration placements.

If you anticipate pleading guilty, especially to misdemeanor charges, there are specific community organizations where you could do court-appointed community service. Get in contact with them and ask for a letter saying that they’d appreciate your help with a particular project or task. Check the Connections book for resources.

Get letters from community members advocating for you by attesting to your character and if you went to school or college, your accomplishments at those places. It would also be a good idea, if you have or have had any co-workers, to ask them if they can write about your character at work.

NOTE: It’s important to never discuss the details of your case with anyone but your lawyer or trusted people supporting you in some significant manner.

Deliveringneworreviseddocumentstotheattorneyat leastonceaweekifyoucanisagoodwaytokeep themfocusedonyourcase.It’spreferabletohaveyour notesforthelawyertypedupinsteadofhand-written. Courtprocedurescanbeoverwhelming.

Oneofthewaysit’spossibletomaketheprocessa littleeasieristokeepthepaperworkrelatedtoyour caseorganized.Ifyouaresomeonewhofindsliststo behelpful,it’sagoodideatokeepalist(likeanindex) ofyourpaperssoyoucaneasilyaccessthem.Ifyou comeacrossanypaperworkthatyouthinkyourlawyer doesn’thave,makesuretoprovideacopyofitto them.

Alloftheabovesuggestionsapplyevenifyouhavea privateattorney.

Howtohaveaproductive meetingwithyourlawyer

Askquestionsandtakenoteswhenyou’remeetingwith thelawyerand,attheend,gobackoverthekeypoints withthem.Thisisalsousefulfeedbackforlawyers, becauseittellsthemwhetherthey’recommunicating clearlywithyou.Ifyourlawyerdoesn’tthinkthe questionsarerelevant,findoutwhattheyfeelyou shouldbeconcentratingon.

Thefollowingarequestionsthatmayberelevant duringyourinitialmeetingswithacriminaldefense attorney:

Whatarethechargesagainstmeatthispoint?Is theprosecutorlikelytochangethecharges?

What’sthemaximumsentenceI’mfacing(the worst-casescenario)?Whatwouldbetheaverage sentenceforsomeonewhowenttotrialandwere convictedonthesecharges?

Has the prosecutor offered a plea bargain? If there hasn’t been an offer yet, what sort of plea bargain do think you I’m likely to get?

At a maximum, if I want to be very involved in my case, what are the best ways for me to contact you and how often do you prefer to be contacted?

Who is my judge and what can we expect from them? Are we going to have this judge for the whole case, or will we switch judges at some point? In some court systems, you have the same judge from your very first appearance all the way through. In other court systems, you have separate judges for different stages of the case (an arraignment judge, a motions judge, a trial judge, etc.) It may also be possible to "challenge" the judge, that is, get a different judge for your particular case.

Are there co-defendants in my case? If so, who are they?

Which elements of each charge do you think would be hard for the prosecutor to prove and why?

Besides attacking the elements of the charges, what are some of the other defenses available to me?

What items of potential evidence are you asking the prosecution to give us, as part of the “discovery process?”

What kinds of potential evidence does the defense need to locate? How can my friends and I help with the investigation?

Whom are you thinking of calling as witnesses? I may be able to remember witnesses to the incident who would be helpful. And I may be able to find character witnesses for myself. How can I best help?

What kinds of exhibits will we need in court? Photos, maps, diagrams? Is there anything my friends and I can do to help?

What motions have you made so far? What motions are you planning to make? Has the prosecutor made any motions? Has the judge ruled on any of the motions?

Have any dates been set for filing or arguing [more] motions? How do I get copies of written motions in my case? Which motions do you think will be granted?

If I want to look at some of the potential evidence in my case, such as police reports, when would be a good time?

At a minimum, when do I have to be in town and in court?

MOREHELPFULINFO

DiscoveryLaw:In 2020, New York State replaced its discovery law with a new statute that requires evidence sharing between the prosecution and defense on an accelerated timeline. Three months later, the statute was amended, relaxing the timeline and limiting disclosure of certain witnesses’ identifying information.

Even under the less stringent guidelines, the reform may shrink case processing times by facilitating the defendant’s ability to prepare a defense, and potentially removing incentive to accept an unfavorable plea deal.

More information is available at www.courtinnovation.org/publications/discoveryNYS.

LocatingSomeoneinCustody

FEDERALBUREAUOFPRISONS(BOP)

Telephone:202.307.3198 www.bop.gov/locations

Callorvisitthewebsiteforacomprehensivelistingof federaldetentioncentersthroughouttheUnitedStates, alongwithinformationaboutanincarceratedperson.

U.S.IMMIGRATIONANDCUSTOMSENFORCEMENT(ICE)

Telephone:888.351.4024

https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/index

Callorvisitthewebsiteforinformationaboutpeople heldinICEcustody.CallMon–Fri8AM-8PMEasternTime (excludingholidays).Languageassistanceisavailable.

NYSDEPARTMENTOFCORRECTIONSANDCOMMUNITY SUPERVISION(DOCCS)

Telephone:518.457.5000 www.doccs.ny.gov

CallorvisitthewebsiteforalistofNYSprisons,their addressesandphonenumbers,informationtolocate someonewhoisinprison,andresearchdocuments.

NYCCENTRALBOOKING

Telephone:311

Callforinformationtolocatesomeonewhohasbeen arrested.Providesinformationaboutpeoplewhowere arrestedinthelast24–48hoursandwhohavenotyet seenajudge.

NYCDEPARTMENTOFCORRECTION(DOC)

Telephone:311 www.nyc.gov/doc

Callorvisitthewebsiteforinformationaboutpeoplein jailheldbytheNYCDOC.Thewebsiteprovidesalistof thecity’sjails,informationonhowandwhenaperson canbevisited,howandwheretopaybail,andhowto placemoneyinsomeone’saccount.

WEBCRIMS(NYSCOURTS)

https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcrim_attorney/Attor neyWelcome

UsetheCaseIdentifiertogetmoreinformationabout aperson’scase,theirlawyer,andtheirupcomingcourt dates.

OrganizingforYourDefense SystemsSupport&CourtSupport

Systemssupportisatermthatencompassesdifferent typesofcommunity-basedtacticsthathavethegoal ofminimizingyoursentenceand/orkeepingyououtof statecustody.Courtsupportfocusesspecificallyon whathappensinthecourtroom.Thesearenon-legal waysthatordinarypeople(includingyourfriendsand lovedones)canadvocateforyourfreedomalongside you.

Youmayhavebeenpracticingcourtorsystemsupport alreadywithoutrealizingit.Forinstance,bringinga familymemberorfriendalongwithyoutoacourt hearingisanexampleofcourtsupport.Bringinga familymemberorfriendtoameetingwithalawyeris anexampleofsystemssupport.Thesesupporttactics showyourlawyer,theJudge,andtheprosecutorthat youarenotalone,thatyouhavetiestoacommunity, andthiscanpositivelyaffectyourcase.Belowisa descriptionofthreeimportanttactics:Packingthe Court(courtsupport),LettersofSupport(court& systemssupport),andPress&Journalism(systems support)

Pack(ing)thecourt

Ifpossible,nevergotothecourthousealone.Having someonewithyoushowsyourlawyeryouhave someoneinyourcornerakacommunityties.This personcanalsoreportbacktothepeopleinyourlife, yoursupporters,socialworker,communitygroup,etc. inthechancethatyouaretakenintocustodyata courtdate.‘Packingthecourt’canbeusefulforafew differentreasons.

ItdemonstratestotheJudgethatthereis communitysupportforyou

Itcanbackupanaskthatchargesbedroppedor anaskforlenientsentencing

It can raise awareness about the specific issues in your case and it gives people in the larger community the opportunity to support you

If there is media reporting on your case it can be strategic in shaping the messaging around your case

Determining whattoaskfor

This is a strategic decision that you, the person facing charges, must make. It’s helpful to consider the evidence a prosecutor has against you. Maybe they have footage of you doing the alleged crime and the footage clearly shows that it was you. In that situation, you may be asking for lenient sentencing. That doesn’t mean that we agree with the criminal statue you are being charged with. Arguing against a law may very well be what you want to do but it may not be the most strategic thing to do if the end goal is a reduced sentence.

Inourexperiencepackingthecourtismoreuseful pre-conviction. While the Judge is not supposed to be influenced by the public when interpreting the law, they often are and there are points at which they can consider your community ties and the effect that prosecuting you may have the larger community.

Howtoorganizeapackthecourtforyourself:

You may be thinking I don’t have enough people to organize my own packthecourt. But you almost always have more community support than you think.

Askforcommunitysupport

Think about what issues are at play in your case. For instance, what you are being charged with may have to do with self defense, sex work, being profiled for being Black, Indigenous, Latinx, queer and/or trans. Think about what larger societal issues are at play in your case. You may be surprised that there is community

support for you even if you are technically guilty of whatever crime you are being accused of.

UseSocialMedia

Twitter,Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites are a good way to connect with others locally who could support your case. Don’t forget to use hashtags to find out about similar efforts going on in your networks.

BeDiscreetandProtectYourself

It is crucial that the lawyer, the Judge, and the court system be unaware that the targeted person is driving the outside advocacy around their case. This information, if known, can be used by the prosecutor against the targeted person. See if the people who support you are willing to form a collective that can publish information about your case without publishing material under your name. Alternatively, they could create a Facebook page or other social media profile where information and updates about your case can be posted. This does not need to be done by someone with prior experience. Remember hashtags are your friends and a way for you to link your case to communities organizing around similar issues.

MaterializeYourSupport

You want it to be clear to everyone in the courtroom that your supporters came together and are these to support you. This support can be visualized by using fabric for arm bands, making buttons or stickers.

FillYourLawyerIn

Make sure you tell your lawyer that a Pack the Court is being organized for you.This way e your lawyer can mention to the court that the people in the courtroom are present for you. This is crucial. Remember your lawyer may discourage you from doing this but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. This is a highly strategic

decisionandyoumayruntheriskofupsettinga particularjudge.Thatsaid,thisisadecisionthatonly youcanmakeafterweighingalltheaspectsofyour case.

Don’tStressAboutNumbers

Ifyouhave100peoplethere,great,ifthereareonly5 peoplethere,great.Anyamountofpeopleshows communityties.

UseLettersToo(morebelow)

Ifthepackthecourtisaccompaniedwithlettersfrom organizationsinsupportofyou,evenbetter.Seemore inthenextsection.

LettersofSupport

Characterletterscanbeeffectiveduringsentencingin somecriminalcasesbecausetheyhelpthejudgeget toknowyouinwaysotherthanjustthefactsofthe case.Incasesinwhichcharacterwitnessesarenot allowedorlimited,characterletterscouldbetheonly wayforajudgetolearnmoreaboutyourcharacter beforesentencing.

Whoshouldwritethem?

Afamilymember,friend,employer,orotherwellknown personcanwritetheseletterstothejudgetohelp mitigatesentencing.Consideraskingforlettersfrom thosewhocanofferexamplesthatalignwithwhatyou hopethecourtwillfocuson:thingslikethewayyou’ve shownupforlovedonesorpositivestepsyou’vetaken toachieveimportantgoals.

Whatshouldletterssay?

Aletterofsupportshouldaddressthepointsabout yourcharacterthatyouwanttoemphasizetothe Judge.Lettersshouldbeaddressedtothejudge,but mailedtoyourlawyerattorneywhocanfilethemwith thejudge.Theycancontainavarietyofcomponents butalmostalwaysinclude:

theauthor’sfullname theirrelationshiptoyou theperiodoftimethey’veknownyou theauthor’sknowledgeaboutyourcharacter positiveattributesofyourcharacter

Tipsforwritinglettersofsupport

Startwithanintroduction:Whoiswriting?Theletter writershouldintroducethemselvestothecourt.Explain howtheyknow(andhowlongtheyhaveknown)you.

Lettersshouldmakeclearthepersonwriting understandsyourcase: Theletterwritershouldletthe Judgeknowtheyunderstandthecaseagainstyouand whetherornotyou’vealreadybeencharged.

Lettersshouldofferspecificexamples: Forexample, someonecouldwrite“I’veknownMaryfortwoyears. She’saverykindperson.”However,fortheseletters,its bettertowrite,“I’veknownMaryJonesfortwoyears.She istheneighborofmydisabledsonandhelpshiminso manyways.She’sgenerouswithhertime.Icanhonestly saythatMaryisoneofthekindestpeopleI’veever known.”Ifappropriate,thosewritinglettersshoulddetail howtheywillbepartofyoursupportsystemfollowing sentencing.

Letters shouldbeconcise: Eventhoughalotisonthe line,onepageissufficient.Thejudgemaydiscardlong, ramblingcharacterletters.

Whattoavoid

Usingformsorformulaiclanguage-Besurethose writingusetheirownwords.Formlettersortemplates canhurtyourcaseintheeyesofthejudgeandthe courtmaycontact writerstoverifythattheywrotethe wordsintheirletter.

Don'tadviseonspecificcriminalpenaltiesor punishments.Judgeshaveegosandgetsaltyabout beingtoldhowtodealwithacase.Iftheythink someoneistellingthemhowtosentencetheymay

retaliate.Askthatthosewritinglettersforyouavoid discussingspecificcriminalpenaltiesthattheybelieve wouldbeappropriateforthecrime.Instead,theycan focusonhowapotentialsentencecouldimpactthe peoplewhodependonyou:achildmightbewithouta parent,alovedonecouldbewithoutacaregiver,a neighborwithoutadependableneighbor.Oneormore oftheselettersmightbeusefulinamediacampaign whichwewilldiscussnext.

Press&Journalism

StartbyWeighingTheRisks

Thedecisiontoinvolveanymediainyourcaseshould neverbetakenlightlybecausetherecouldbeserious consequences.Forinstance,youdon’twanttogivethe prosecutoranyinformationthatcouldbeusedas evidenceinyourcase.Evendetailsthatyoumightfeel areharmlesstodiscuss(names,locations,clothing, whatyoudidbeforeoraftertheallegedcrime,etc.) couldbeusedagainstyou.Theycanalsoserveasa pointofentryintoyourlifebydetectives.

Identifythe“Facts”ofYourCase

Identifywhatissuesareinyourcase,whatinformation youarewillingtoshare,andwhetherornotyouwill speakforyourselforhavearepresentative(friend, familymember,orcommunitygroup).Thinkabout systemicfactorsthatplayaroleinyourcase (transphobia,homophobia,racism,anti-sexwork,etc.). Thiswillcomeinhandywhenwritingoutadescription ofyourcase.

WriteOutaDescription

Itisbesttohaveashortandconcisedescriptionof whathappenedthatledtoyoubeingcharged.When choosingwhattoinclude,considerhowthedetailsyou includecouldaffectyourchargesandsentencing negatively.Yourdescriptionshouldfocusontheissues thatareatplaywithinyourcase,whowillsufferbyyour incarceration(self,family,friends,largercommunity),

and/or what message prosecuting you sends to people who may be in the same position that you are.

ReachingOuttoReporters

Once you have identified what issues are in your case, what information you are willing to share, and whether or not you will speak for yourself or have a representative (friend, family member, or community group) you can start looking for reporters to report on your case. Here are the steps you or someone supporting you can take:

Do a google news search using issues that are at play in your case.

Make a list of reporters who are demonstrated allies to the communities that you belong to.

Draft an email that you can send to multiple reporters stating who you are, what is being done to you, and any other information that you think would be useful. This email should be short and end with an ask; would you be willing to discuss this case further?

News articles coupled with a court support strategy will make it even harder to ignore what you have prepared in your defense.

AskTrustedLovedOnesToRepresentYou

If it is possible for you to have someone else as the person of contact this is best. Having another person leading the media strategy you’ve come up with gives space for those advocating on your behalf to speak out. It is also useful to name your support as a group. For instance, this is the Fight for [Insert Name] Collective or other names like that. Even if there are only a couple of people actively organizing on your behalf, using a name can create the feeling that there is even more support. It demonstrates that you are connected to a community that is showing up for you.

IntegrateMediawithSupportLetters

If you have prepared letters of support you may want to ask the writers if they are comfortable with their letter being shared with the media. These letters bring to the public the advocacy that is happening in the courtroom and can work to build up support for your case. Remember the judge is not supposed to be swayed by the media but we know in practice that they often are. If you have a sympathetic lawyer you may even ask to see if your lawyer would be willing to speak with the media.

CourtReporters&CourtroomJournalists

The decision of whether or not to involve the media may not be one you have to make if the media is already following your case. If this is true for you it is important that you understand who is reporting on your case. You can do this by finding the reporter's name and doing a google search. This should bring up other articles written by that reporter.

It is likely that you will find several or even dozens of articles from this reporter focusing on criminal cases in your specific area. If this is the case that could mean the reporter is what we call a courtroom reporter and they are not typically sympathetic to people being targeted by the criminal justice system.

Courtroom journalists often work together with the criminal justice system to criminalize members of our community. They wait around courthouses looking for the next sensational story and they rarely use language that gives people their full humanity.

These reporters may be useful to your own ends but they should not be prioritized. For instance, you may send them basic information about your case in a prepared statement with the hope that they will add what you have said to their reporting.

RESOURCESFOR SURVIVINGRIKERS7 7

TheseorganizationswerechosenbyGraceDeTrevarahat TheOsborneAssociationbasedonherexperienceand expertise.Youcancontactthemforresourcesand support.

SylviaRiveraLawProject LegalRepresentation

147West24thStreet-5thFloor

NewYork,NY10011

Contact:KimberlyMcKenzie

Phone:212.337.8550

https://srlp.org

PrincessJanaePlace

2526WallaceAvenue

Bronx,NY10467

Contact:BryanEllicott

Phone:718.684.1688

SAGE–ElderLGBTCenter

SageCenterBronxatCrotonaPrideHouse

1784ProspectAvenue

Bronx,NY10457

Phone:929.458.2150

ACLU–LGBTDivision

125BroadStreet–19thFloor

NewYorkCity,NY10004

Contact:ChaseStrangio–StaffAttorney

Email:cstrangio@aclu.org

G.L.I.T.S (GaysandLesbiansLivinginaTransgenderSociety)

CeyenneDoroshow–Founder&ExecutiveDirector

Email:cookinginheels49@gmail.com

https://www.glitsinc.org

Bridges4Life(SexWorkerAgency)

TahtiannaFermin–ExecutiveDirector

Email:tahtti360@gmail.com

Phone:914.817.6238

TheOsborneAssociation

Wellness&Prevention&ReentryServices: GraceDeTrevarah(LGBTPeer)

Email:gdetrevarah@osborneny.org

Phone:929.239.5902

YouthServices: DianaArcher–BrooklynOffice

Email:darcher@osborneny.org

Phone:718.637.6582

MentoringYoungAdults: TheodoreHaywood

Email:thaywood@osborneny.org

ElderServices:

LauraRoan

Email:lroan@osborneny.org

Phone:845.345.9845

PrideCentersinNewYork

NewYorkCity–LGBTCenter

207West13thStreetNYC,NY10011

Phone:212.620.7310

DestinationTomorrow–BronxLGBTCenter

452East149thStreet-3rdFloor

Bronx,NY1011

Phone:646.723.3325

SageRiver:CoordinatorofPrograms

Email:sage@destinationtomorrow.org

FierceNYC!

(Youth&YoungAdultLGBTQIALiberation)

2427MorrisAvenueBronx,NY10468

MustafaSullivan:ExecutiveDirector

Email:Mustafa@fiercenyc.org

TransLatinaNetwork

137West19thStreet-2ndFloor

NewYork,NY10011

CristinaHerrera:Founder/ExecutiveDirector

Email:cristina@translatinanetwork.org

Phone:646.882.2000

CommunityKinshipLife

459East149thStreetBronx,NY10455

KimWatson-Benjamin:ExecutiveDirector

Phone:347.866.9002

Email:kim@cklife.org

BrooklynGhostProject-AtBrooklynPrideCenter

1360FultonStreet(enteronNewYorkAveorHerkimerSt)

Brooklyn,NY11216

EjiraMoore:FoundingMember/ExecutiveDirector

Email:info@brooklynghostproject.org

Phone:347.889.7719

ExodusTransitionalCommunity

22713rdAvenueNewYorkCity10035

Phone:917.492.0990

KandraClark:AssociateV.P.

Email:Kclark@etcny.org

ResourcesforAdvocacyandSupport

Anti-ViolenceProject(NY)

116NassauStreet,3rdFloor

NewYork,NY10038

Phone:212-714-1141(English,Spanish)

DisabilityRightsNewYork

25ChapelStreet-Suite1005

Brooklyn,NY11201

Phone:800.993.8982(English,Spanish)

Email@DRNY.org

LegalAidSocietyPrisoners’RightsProject

199WaterStreet-7thFloor

NewYork,NY10038

Phone:212.577.3300(English,Spanish)

MentalHealthProjectattheUrbanJusticeCenter

40RectorStreet,9thFloor

NewYork,NY10006

Phone:646.602.5600(English,Spanish)

GoodNumberstoKnow

BoardofCorrection(BOC):

TheBOCistheoversightagencytotheNYCjails.Theyare inchargeofensuringthattheminimumstandards(which youcanfindhowaccessintheLegalResourcessectionof thisguide)ofcarearebeingmet.Youmaycontactthe BOCbyphoneormail.

BoardofCorrection

2Lafayette-Room1221

NewYork,NY10007

Phone:212.669.7900

CouncilMembers

TheCityCouncilmemberforDistrict22coversRikers Island.Asof2022District22isTiffanyCabán

30-8331stSt.

Astoria,NY11102

Phone:718.274.4500

Email:District22@council.nyc.gov

CityCouncilmemberforDistrict17coversVCBCor“the boat.”Asof2022District17isRafaelSalamancaJr.

1070SouthernBoulevard

Bronx,NY10459

Phone:718.402.6130

Email:salamanca@council.nyc.gov

MoreLegalResources

ALL LINKS ARE CASE SENSITIVE.Pleasetypeallwebsite addressesexactlyaswritten.

FromtheSylviaRiveraLawProject: These links are an automatic download for each resource as a PDF. They will not take you to a website.

NameChangeGuideforTransPeopleinNYSPrisons https://bit.ly/SRLP_NameChange

CourtSupportforTGNCNBIpeopleintheNYCjails https://bit.ly/SRLP_CourtSupport

AGuidetoVisitingIncarceratedCommunityMembers https://bit.ly/SRLP Visiting

Self-CareWhileIncarcerated https://bit.ly/SRLP SelfCare

HowtoSupportanIncarceratedLovedOne https://bit.ly/SLRP Support

HousingRightsforFormerlyIncarceratedLGBTQAIand Non-BinaryPeopleinNYC/NYSfromCUP: https://bit.ly/CUP_YrTruthYrRights

TheJailhouseLawyer’sManual: http://jlm.law.columbia.edu/order-the-jlm/

TheNYCBoardofCorrectionMinimumStandards: https://on.nyc.gov/3PT40AR

TheNYSCommissiononCorrectionMinimumStandards: https://bit.ly/NYS MinimumStandards

Connections:https://on.nypl.org/3vfYGOr

Link is an automatic download for guide as a PDF. Will not take you to a website.

Jailhouse LawyersManual * *

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SectionI:IntroductiontotheJLMandHowtoUseIt

Chapter1:HowtoUsetheJLM

SectionII:LearningYourRights

Chapter2:IntroductiontoLegalResearch

Chapter3:YourRighttoLearntheLawandGotoCourt

SectionIII:HowtoFileaLawsuitandLearnAboutYour Case

Chapter4:HowtoFindaLawyer

Chapter5:ChoosingaCourtandaLawsuit

Chapter6:AnIntroductiontoLegalDocuments

Chapter7:FreedomofInformation

Chapter8:ObtainingInformationtoPrepareYourCase: TheProcessofDiscovery

SectionIV:HowtoAttackYourConvictionorSentence

Chapter9:AppealingYourConvictionorSentence

Chapter10:ApplyingforRe-SentencingforDrugOffenses

Chapter11:UsingPost-ConvictionDNAtestingtoAttack YourConvictionorSentence

Chapter12:AppealingYourConvictionBasedon IneffectiveAssistanceofCounsel

Chapter13:FederalHabeasCorpus

SectionV:HowtoAttacktheConditionsofYour Imprisonment

Chapter14:ThePrisonLitigationReformAct

Chapter15:InmateGrievanceProcedures

Chapter16:Using42U.S.C.§1983toObtainRelieffrom ViolationsofFederalLaw

Chapter17:TheState’sDutytoProtectYouandYour Property:TortActions

Chapter18:YourRightsAtPrisonDisciplinaryProceedings

Chapter19:YourRighttoCommunicatewiththeOutside World

SectionV:HowtoAttacktheConditionsofYour Imprisonment

Chapter14:ThePrisonLitigationReformAct

Chapter15:InmateGrievanceProcedures

Chapter16:Using42U.S.C.§1983toObtainRelieffrom ViolationsofFederalLaw

Chapter17:TheState’sDutytoProtectYouandYour Property:TortActions

Chapter18:YourRightsAtPrisonDisciplinaryProceedings

Chapter19:YourRighttoCommunicatewiththeOutside World

SectionVI:HowtoAttackYourConviction,Sentence,or PrisonConditionsattheStateLevel

Chapter20:UsingArticle440iftheNewYorkCriminal ProcedureLawtoAttackYourUnfairConvictionorIllegal Sentence

Chapter21:StateHabeasCorpus:Florida,NewYork,and Michigan

Chapter22:HowtoChallengeAdministrativeDecisions UsingArticle78oftheNewYorkCivilPracticeLawand Rules

SectionVII:GeneralHealthandSafetyRightsinPrison

Chapter23:YourRighttoAdequateMedicalCare

Chapter24:YourRighttobeFreefromAssaultbyPrison GuardsandOtherIncarceratedPeople

Chapter25:YourRighttobeFreefromIllegalBody Searches

Chapter26:InfectiousDiseases:AIDS,Hepatitis, Tuberculosis,andMRSAinPrison

SectionVIII:Issue-SpecificRights

Chapter27:ReligiousFreedominPrison

Chapter28:RightsofIncarceratedPeoplewithDisabilities

Chapter29:SpecialIssuesforIncarceratedPeoplewith MentalIllness

Chapter30:SpecialInformationforLesbian,Gay,Bisexual, Transgender,and/orQueerIncarceratedPeople

Chapter31:SecurityClassificationandGangValidation

Chapter32:Parole

Chapter33:RightsofIncarceratedParents

Chapter34:TheRightsofPretrialDetainees

Chapter35:GettingOutEarly:ConditionalandEarly Release

Chapter36:SpecialConsiderationsforSexOffenders

Chapter37:RightsUponRelease

Chapter38:RightsofYouthinPrison

Chapter39:TemporaryReleasePrograms

Chapter40:PleaBargaining

Chapter41:SpecialIssuesofIncarceratedWomen

SectionIX:Appendices

AppendixI:AddressesofFederalCourts&NewYorkState PrisonsandTheirRespectiveFederalJudicialDistricts

AppendixII:NewYorkState:FilingInstructions&Addresses ofNewYorkStateCourts

AppendixIII:AddressesofNewYorkDistrictAttorneys

AppendixIV:DirectoryofLegalandSocialServicesfor IncarceratedPeople

AppendixV:DefinitionsofWordsUsedintheJLM

AppendixVI:DefinitionsofLatinWordsUsedintheJLM

CONTRIBUTORS8 8

MotherLaTraviousCollinswasapublishedpoet, songwriter,andplaywrightwhofoundedtheBrooklyn GhostProjecttofightfortheT.G.N.C.communityin Brooklyn.Armedwiththeplightofexperience,LaTravious setouttoprovidesafehealingspaceswherecommunity memberscanopenlyexpressthemselveswithout judgment.

EndingthePrisonIndustrialComplex(EPIC)isastudentrunorganizationatNYULawengagedinprogramming thatworkswithandforjustice-impactedcommunities. Weaimtointerrogatetheracistunderpinningsofthe criminallegalsystemandbetterourselvesaslegal advocates,andarehonoredtoworkincollaborationwith organizerstowardsabolition.

ThePrisonLibrarySupportNetworkisaninformationbasedcollectivefoundedin2016tosupportincarcerated peoplebyorganizingnetworksforsharingresourcesand buildingcapacityforthemovementforprisonabolitionin libraries,archives,andotherknowledge-based institutions.

MitchyllMoraisthefounderandcoordinatoroftheF2L NETWORK,acommunity-ledefforttoendthe criminalizationofBlack,Indigenousandpeopleofcolor whoarequeer,transand/orTwo-SpiritinNewYorkState. Learnmoreatwww.f2lnetwork.org.

SarahBallisaNYCpubliclibrarianworkinginsidejails andprisons,providingaccesstobooksandinformation forcriminalizedandincarceratedpeopleandtheir families,withapriorityonpatronprivacyandautonomy. SarahworksfortheNewYorkPublicLibrary.

MikKinkead(he/him)isawhitetransgendermanwho hasworkedasastaffattorneyatPrisoners’LegalServices ofNewYorkandastheDirectorofPrisonerJusticeatthe SylviaRiveraLawProject.Hecurrentlyworksasastaff attorneyfortheLGBTQ+Law&PolicyUnitattheLegalAid SocietyandservesontheTaskforceonIssuesfacedby TGNCNBIPeopleinCustodyconvenedbytheNewYork CityCouncil.Mikisanabolitionistandaquilter.

GraceDeTrevarahistheL.G.B.T.Liaison&SeniorReentry Peer&HealthFacilitatoratTheOsborneAssociation.A socialjusticeorganizationwhichprovidesservicesfor people,familiesandcommunitiesaffectedbythecriminal justicesystem.GraceisalsoaTransgenderfemalewho alsohasahistoryofincarceration.In2017Osborne createdtheL.G.B.T.componentforalltheservicesthey provide.Gracehasbecomearecognizedregionaland nationallyknownadvocateforindividualsreturningto communitypost:incarceration.

JillistheDataandProjectCoordinatoratQueensPublic LibraryandtheProjectManagerfortheDigitalConnect reentryprogram.Sheisinterestedinoutreach,thepublic libraryasacommunityspace,andconversations surroundingnon-monogamyandqueerness.