Jailhouse

"From Victim to Villain: The Heart-Wrenching True Story Behind Kelly Harnett’s Journey in ‘The Girlfriends: Jailhouse Lawyer’"

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Chicago, Illinois – Fifteen years ago, Kelly Harnett faced a harrowing event that would alter the course of her life forever. On July 7, 2010, she witnessed her abusive boyfriend murder a man before her eyes, helpless to intervene and fearing for her own life. In a tragic turn, Harnett found herself imprisoned for over a decade on a murder charge, raising serious questions about justice and victimhood. The new season of the podcast series, The Girlfriends, co-produced by Novel and iHeartPodcasts, delves into Harnett’s tumultuous journey. Titled “Jailhouse Lawyer,” the series features award-winning journalist … Read more

Inspiring Journey: Calvin Duncan Shares Insights from His Memoir ‘The Jailhouse Lawyer’

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Calvin Duncan, a former inmate, has opened up about his experiences in the criminal justice system through his new memoir, “The Jailhouse Lawyer.” The book offers a personal account of his journey as a self-taught lawyer while serving time, highlighting the struggles he faced and the systemic issues within the prison system. Duncan, who spent nearly three decades behind bars, navigated the complexities of the legal system without formal training. His memoir not only delves into the trials he faced but also sheds light on the broader implications of legal access for incarcerated individuals. He … Read more

Jailhouse Lawyer Found Guilty in New York for Unauthorized Legal Practice, Acquitted of Conspiracy

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NEW YORK — On Thursday, a federal jury in Manhattan reached a verdict against a former inmate-turned-legal advisor, finding him guilty of unauthorized law practice. This individual, previously known as a “jailhouse lawyer” during his incarceration, later charged inmates’ families for legal services. He was acquitted, however, of a related conspiracy charge. The case has attracted attention due to the unique circumstances surrounding the defendant’s transition from inmate to a purveyor of legal aid. Upon his release from prison, where he gained experience assisting fellow inmates with their legal cases, he began to offer similar … Read more

Jury Deliberates Case Against Former Prison Inmate Turned ‘Jailhouse Lawyer’ for Illegal Legal Practice Charges

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NEW YORK — A Manhattan federal jury convened on Wednesday to deliberate on the case against a former inmate-turned-self-taught legal adviser, who is accused of illegal law practice, conspiracy, and fraud. This follows his involvement in providing paid legal counsel to other inmates and their families after his release from prison. The accused, who developed a reputation as a “jailhouse lawyer” during his incarceration, capitalized on his informal legal knowledge by offering services typically reserved for licensed attorneys. Such actions sparked controversy and legal scrutiny, leading to the current charges that raise questions about the … Read more