Testimonials and News Articles

Below are recent emails we received after sending our Second Chance Act submissions in for our clients and their families:

September 11, 2012

Mr. Frantz,

 I went through the packet you sent me and I must say I am really impressed with the job you and your consultants have done. I was wondering if you could send my mother a copy of what you sent me so she can see what a wonderful job you guys have done stating my case. Thank you again for your help and assistance with the Second Chance Act. Andre, California

September 8, 2012

Good afternoon Mr. Frantz,
I do not know if you are aware that they will be releasing Denise to the halfway house here in Edinburgh on September 12th. We are very happy. I want to thank you for your help. I just wish I had found you sooner. Denise wanted me to tell you thank you for your help with the Second Chance Act.  Thank you so much. May God bless you and your family always. Maria-Oklahoma

August 28, 2012

This is wonderful. God is awesome. I have viewed some of the attachments and documents. I will email you if i have any questions. Thank you and God Bless, S.B.-Texas

August 14, 2012

I cannot believe what you have done. Our family is thrilled. The package you sent to my son’s Unit Team is so professional and totally all encompassing. I wish we would have contacted you long before we did. Thank you, thank you, thank you. B.M.-Oklahoma

July 21, 2012

Robert is coming home soon. He just called and will be released to the halfway house near our home on Friday. We are all so happy. Thanks Michael, you did what you said you would do. Thanks again, J. M-New York

June 24, 2012

Michael,

I am so glad we called you and your company. It is the best money we have ever spent. We spent literally thousands of dollars on attorney fees and they did nothing. They wrote a few letters which did nothing. William was still in prison. We were desperate. William was not being treated fairly or getting what he deserved. I called you and you actually did what you said you would do. I will gladly recommend your company to anyone. Our family will be together soon. Thank you for what you did for us. A.S.-Florida

May 20, 2012

Michael,

On Wednesday, May 16, I spoke to Ron and he informed me that he had spoken to his Case Manager and said that he was  informed that he was approved for the SCA and as long as he had the report back from the PO that we had a land line, that he could get home by May 31. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our family. God bless. R.A.-Texas

Corrlinks E-mail from inmate at Milan FCI on April 30, 2012

Hello Mr. Frantz,

I am an inmate at FCI Milan. I self- surrendered on March 11, 2012. I purchased and read your book “Jail Time, What you need to know…Before you go to Federal Prison!” about a month before my surrender date.  It was very helpful to read about your real life experience with the BOP and it helped me to better educate myself about the unknown details of what to expect.  I loved the book. Coincidentally, I met 2 brothers here at Milan who shared their story with me and they happened to bring you up in onversation.  I believe the older brother, Robert, is currently working with you to utilize the “Second Chance Act of 2007″ to help better his situation.  He shared with me the article about the people you were able to help obtain 12 months of Halfway House/Home Detention prior to their anticipated release date.  I was impressed with what I read and I would like you to help me also. I called my family and they will be calling you today. Thank you for your help. D. B.-Michigan

Wilmington, Delaware News Journal, April 6, 2012: Tigani’s term to start Monday in N.Y.

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Sarasota Herald-Tribune, May 1, 2012  Marian Morgan’s big mistake: Not taking a plea

Read Article

News Article April 7, 2012 New York Times: Making Crime Pay

Michael Frantz, Director of Jail Time Consulting, a federal prison consulting service, was questioned by Matt Richtel of the New York Times concerning the thriving prison consulting business. The article states,

A Web site is where Vickie Skidmore, 58, stumbled onto Michael Frantz, an ex-convict who runs Jail Time Consulting. Ms. Skidmore was seeking help getting a transfer and some medical assistance for her son, Marcus Rosenberger, 36, sentenced recently to 33 months on several counts of wire fraud related to real estate transactions in Florida.

She talked to several consultants and settled on Mr. Frantz, she said, because he listened to her, sounded intelligent and lived in her home state. And he’d done time.

“I asked lawyers to help me, but they don’t understand what goes on in the inside,” she said.

One consultant, not a prior inmate but a prior prison guard, stated, “You think a warden is going to change a decision based on advice from a former resident?”

The ex-convicts in the business see things differently, arguing that relevant experience matters.

Mr. Frantz, of Jail Time Consulting, prefers this metaphor: “If you have to have someone take your appendix out, would you go to a guy that runs a gas station?”

Mr. Frantz, 65, earned his nearly 36 months of experience in a federal prison camp and a low security prison in Miami after pleading guilty to tax evasion and Medicare-fraud charges.

He hired a prison consultant, and the experience led to an epiphany: crime could indeed pay. He decided to become a consultant himself.

Besides, his options were limited. “I knew when I got out, I’d be 62 years old, a convicted felon”, he said. “Who the hell was going to hire me?”

While in prison, he spent time in the law library, learning about penal regulations. He wrote “Jail Time,” a book about what to expect in federal prison that he published in 2009, a year after he was released, and started Jail Time Consulting. It was promptly shut down by a judge, who suspended the operation until Mr. Frantz ended his supervisory release in 2011.

In this business, bad news is just another marketing opportunity. Mr. Frantz’s Web site now reads: “Jail Time—the book a United States District Judge doesn’t want you to read.”

Like other prison consultants, he questions his competitors’ business practices. Their rates, he says, can be outrageous.

“You want a transfer, I’ll charge you $625, for goodness sake,” he said. “Other people are charging $2500. Come on!”

Do consultants make a difference?

They certainly can, according to people who work in the criminal justice system. A sharp consultant, they say, can help with complicated paperwork, in much the same way that a college consultant can help a family navigate complicated financial aid forms. 

News Article April 6, 2012 Wilmington, Delaware News Journal

In an April 6, 2012 article in the Wilmington, Delaware, News Journal newspaper, reporters Maureen Milford and Sean O’Sullivan asked Federal Prison Consultant Michael Frantz his thoughts concerning the facility that convicted liquor executive Christopher J. Tigani would eventually report to after being ordered to report on Monday to a high-rise detention center in Brooklyn, New York, rather than the rural facility in South Jersey that was recommended by the federal judge who handed down his two-year sentence. Michael Frantz, Director of Jail Time Consulting in Seminole, Fla,, said “he is confident that Tigani will be transferred to a minimum-security facility within the next two to four months, provided there is not a population problem.”

Multiple Help Programs for Brain Injured Young Man, (Inmate), with Aphasia, his website – 2/1/2012, Florida

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Designation and Second Chance Act 11/6/2011

“I am home now for home confinement. Thank you for all your great help. Williamsburg is the best place as a Camp in South Carolina. Everything you told me was correct and made me very prepared.  Thank you again and I shall work to insure I will never put myself in a position to return to prison. Thank you again for all your help throughout this difficult time.” EWCII-South Carolina

Book Recommendation and RDAP Program 10/12/2011

“After my husband was arrested and convicted, I felt lost, lonely, and desperate for some solid advice. I was dying to get some helpful information about anything and everything to do with serving time! Where could I turn? How could I find out what to expect, and what my own rights were? What could I find out to help my husband and myself prepare for the future?

I’m so thankful that through long research, my sister discovered Jail Time Consulting. We ordered the book right away and sent it to my husband who was being held in county jail. It is over 400 pages long, but he read it in about 3 days. He was so grateful to get his hands on some meaningful and helpful information. Immediately upon finishing the book, he asked me to hire Michael Frantz at Jail Time Consulting. Michael’s book was so straight forward, so full of helpful information, like phone calls, what to expect in prison, how to position yourself for the best jobs in the prison system, along with many other tips. Michael also explained the RDAP program and how helpful it can be for shortening the prison sentence.

We are so grateful, not only for the information we received through the book, but also for the king helpfulness of Jail Time Consulting in other areas. It has been very therapeutic to have someone on our side who has personal experience in the system. We have recommended the book and the services to other friends who are in difficult circumstances and facing incarceration.” TP— Osteen, Florida

Halfway House Assistance 10/1/2011

“Michael—thank you for all you have done in trying to place my son in a state run half-way house in Florida. He doesn’t deserve to spend another month in boot camp. He really is a good kid and I know he’ll do a lot better being around family during this transition period. Thanks again!” DC— Delray Beach, Florida

Designation & RDAP Program Assistance 9/14/2011

“Michael—I just wanted to thank you for your tremendous amount of concern and help during the initial consultation for my family member. It was clear to me that your professional interest and personal commitment to your clients makes this more than simply a job for you, and I greatly appreciated the amount of time you spent with me over the phone. Rather than a quick complementary session, you spoke with me twice—at great length—imparting so much information and advice that I can’t thank you enough. I wish that my family had contacted you sooner in this process, and I know without a doubt that were I ever to personally to need the services of a prison consultant, there would be no one else I would think of calling. While no one ever wants to need your services, if such help IS required, I can’t imagine not enlisting in your experience and knowledge to gain a better outcome and support during a difficult process. Thank you again, and all the best.” MK—Columbia, Missouri

Designation, Judicial Recommendations, PSI Preparation & Review, & RDAP Program Assistance 8/26/2011

“To whomever may be seeking advice to questions when facing incarceration please read this….I found Michael via the web. I had read other information on some other Federal Prison Consultants offering the same sort of knowledge but I found his to be more current, accessible, and pragmatic. I needed answers and Michael was there and able to help me immediately. Throughout my experience and relationship with Michael and Jail Time Consulting, I found him to be personable, patient, understanding, attentive, and knowledgeable. He is easy to communicate with and clear in his answers to my questions. I am left with a sense of better balance and focus. Hiring Michael and Jail Time Consulting was certainly not a waste of time and money because I honestly feel like it was the best thing I could do. I was in a very unpleasant situation. He understood, was sympathetic but most of all was very knowledgeable and told me like it was. Better that than be misinformed by someone who didn’t know what they were talking about. This type of situation is never pleasant and creates confusion and doubt. He was an excellent guide through a hellish time. Thank you Michael, and blessings to you.” RC—San Diego, CA.

Furlough Request 8/14/2011

“Thank you Michael for all your assistance in helping our loved one get a furlough during this hard time. We appreciate your kind work and thank you for being caring and responsive towards our needs.” AM—North Miami, Florida

RDAP Program, Designation, PSI Preparation & Review, Judicial Recommendations, & Furlough Request 7/25/2011

“After nearly a half a century of nothing more criminally serious than a speeding ticket, I found myself facing a potential twenty year sentence. I had made some bad decisions that left my family and me facing the toughest time of our lives. Never having been through this before, I began searching the internet, library and bookstores for answers and insights. My due diligence led me to enter into an agreement with Jail Time Consulting LLC. Their service has been world class for both their technical information as well as their willingness to coach me through the emotional roller coaster my family is riding. Jail Time Consulting LLC shows up with understanding, patience, comfort and the information you and your family are going to need to get through this. Jail Time Consulting has gone the extra mile in every way. They have the information that your attorney, prosecutor and judge lack, but that you better have.” RC—Charlotte, N.C.

Family Support System Counseling

“Rande, thank you for contacting me, I told Martin you had been very pleasant and helpful—matter of fact, he recommended you to one of his fellow inmates, Thanks again.” FS—Massachusetts

Book Recommendation

“Your book is the best one I have read! Thank you for all your help.” DD—Virginia Beach, Virginia

RDAP Sentence Reduction of 12 months

Only after $25,000 into an attorney and my husband already in prison, did we realize the enormity of an error in the Presentence Investigation Report.  Our attorney would do nothing to help correct the problem and due to the error the BOP was stating that he did not qualify for RDAP.  I did some research on the internet and found the Prison Consulting Group.  Within one month of hiring them, my husband had conformation he was eligible for the RDAP program, he would receive the 12 month reduction in sentence and would be home twelve months early!! Thank you Prison Consulting Group.  MN-Pennsylvania 

Three (3) Day Furlough

Thank you Prison Consulting Group for all your assistance in helping our loved one attain a furlough. This is a very difficult time for our family and we appreciate your help immensely. We could not have done it without your help. We appreciate your kind work and thank you for being caring and responsive towards our needs.   Antoine—North Miami, Florida 

ABC 20/20 Television Show

Michael—I’m producing a piece for the newsmagazine 20/20 about first time offenders going to prison and the seemingly growing industry of prison preparation and consulting. To that end, I was wondering if you would meet with me (in person) with some of your clients and their families…. AND if you might consider us profiling your work?! Ann V.—ABC News 20/20 

Second Chance Act Additional Halfway House Program 

Hi Michael—thank you for contacting me. I told Brandon you had been very pleasant and helpful – matter of fact, he has recommended you to three of his fellow inmates. Thank you again for all your kind assistance and knowledgeable help for Brandon. Thanks to you he is getting 7 months of additional halfway house time and hopefully house arrest. Lois—Alabama 

Administrative Remedy Appeal

I received the Administrative Remedy Appeal package (BP-9) from you this morning and have made two copies and sent the original to Oscar. Thank you so much for your excellent work. I know it took a lot of time, expertise and hard work to put together the appeal. I will keep you posted on everything. Thanks again, Yi—California

Alternative Sentencing & Mitigation Program, Designation, & Transfer

Working with Michael and Jail Time Consulting bridged the gap between what we were facing and what our lawyer could/would tell us. The life experiences of Jail Time’s consultants gave my wife and I much needed confidence. They had already gone through this horrible process and their knowledge and reliable information helped us prepare for what was about to happen. It’s comforting to know we can call them about anything we are facing in this judicial process. Thank you Jail Time for helping us through this ordeal. Your knowledge, experience and compassion for what we’re facing has helped us tremendously. Anyone going through the criminal process should at least contact a consultant at Jail Time. Michael spent so much time with me on the phone during our initial call that it was apparent he wants to help those going through what he went through. I let him do everything and now I know it was well worth it. I am so glad I called him before my PSI examination. Thanks, Michael! Anthony—New Jersey 

 RDAP, Designation, Judicial Recommendations, PSI Review, Second Chance Act Additional Halfway House/Home Detention Time

I want to thank you all for all the help you have provided to my two brothers and family. We are all very grateful for your services and greatly appreciate all the effort you put into helping us with our brothers’ incarceration. It meant a great deal to us to get such a quick response from you when we needed it; it showed us that you cared. Thank you for answering all our questions, both day and night, and addressing our concerns. Your book Michael was very informative and helped a great deal in preparing our family for the next steps; we would have been lost without you. Thank you again and again. Zarghona—NYC 

Oprah Winfrey Television Network

Michael—It was good speaking with you. I really appreciate your help with our new TV project. As I mentioned to you earlier – each hour -long episode of “My Last 24” features two people going through 2 different life-changing events. I do believe that entering prison is a life-changing event!

Since each story will need to be about 24 minutes long, we will need to do quite a bit of filming for the stories. We would be filming with your client and you during the 5-7 days leading up to their “last 24” moment (entering federal prison).  We would follow them through their days as they complete the things they need to do to prepare themselves for their big, life changing event.

We would also want to film sit-down interviews with the people who will be impacted by this event. Usually this would be close family members, as well as professionals who may be helping the individual through the process such as yourself, your wife, and anyone else you suggest.  

Of course, each person will be able to set their own limits and parameters for filming before we proceed. It is usually a collaboration between us and the person involved as to how things progress.

I know this may sound quite intense when written down in an email. Often it is better if I speak with your client and you first and explain it all in person. Perhaps you and your clients could call me with their questions.

You can get in touch with me by email to set up a time to do the interview or call me during office hours. Stacy—Oprah Winfrey Channel 

Mothers & Infants Nurturing Together Program (MINT) 

My name is Mary D, and I am an intern at the National Women’s Law Center. I am currently researching women involvement in the criminal justice system. I am hoping to contact the Federal Bureau of Prison’s Mothers and Infants Nurturing Together (MINT) program. Since you are the foremost prison consulting organization on this subject, I thought that you perhaps would assist me in my research.  Please call me at 222-222-2222, thank you. Mary D.—NWLC 

Transfer for RDAP

Mike my man, thak u for my transfer and for getting me close to Tamika and my family. You did what you says you would do and I won’t forget it. Due to you i will be seein my kids 12 months sooner. Thank you Mike. Antoine—New Jersey 

Initial and Enhanced Second Chance Act Programs ©

Jail Time—Thank you all for your time and limitless energy in finally getting me approved for more halfway house time and for getting me 3 months of home confinement also. It was a battle but you stuck in there and made the staff at Sheridan adhere to the rules and regulations of the Second Chance Act. I can’t tell you how much my wife enjoys my new release date and will be seeing me soon. I had been getting so much incorrect and inaccurate information from my Unit Team. They actually did not know the rules. They just kept denying everyone simply because they wanted to. If my wife had not contacted you I would be just like the others—denied Second Chance Act additional halfway house and home confinement time. Thanks again Michael, I won’t forget your help. Larry—Connecticut