Facing federal prison? I've been there, and I can help.
I served time at FCI Miami. I know what it's like to wonder how you'll get through this, and how your family will. The fear of the unknown is the hardest part. I help take that away.
I've been married almost 40 years. I have two adult children. I understand what's at stake for you, because I've lived it. My job is to make sure you're prepared for what's ahead, so you can focus on what matters: getting through this and coming home.
I tell my clients what I wish someone had told me.
We can help whether you're pre-sentence, currently serving, or working on returning to your life.
Sentence Mitigation
Working with your legal team to pursue every option for reducing your sentence before you surrender.
Prison Preparation
Complete preparation for what to expect, what to bring, and how to handle the first days inside.
Federal Clemency
Guidance on clemency petitions, commutations, and pardons. A real path to a second chance.
Family Advisory
Helping your spouse, children, and loved ones understand what comes next and how to stay connected.
RDAP Qualification
Maximizing your eligibility for the drug program that can reduce your sentence by up to 12 months.
First Step Act
Understanding and leveraging the First Step Act to earn time credits and earlier release.
Backed by a dedicated, experienced team.
Have questions? We're here to help.
Recognized nationally as leading experts on the federal prison system.
Trusted by hundreds of people just like you. Here's what they have to say:
"If you want the truth and a real plan to deal with it, Sam is exactly who you need. He's helped me more than I can put into words."
Juniper J.
"In a system that treats you like a case number, Sam made me feel like a person again. His guidance was invaluable."
Chunkz, Physician
"Hiring Sam was the best decision we made during that time. He genuinely cares about the people he works with."
Chuck M.
"Everything Sam said would happen, did. You NEED this kind of certainty when facing the prospect of federal prison."
Anthony M.
"There's no question in my mind that Sam is the best prison consultant in the business. His offering is top-tier."
Adam W.
"From the very first call, Sam made us feel like we weren't alone in this nightmare. He went out of his way to guide us."
Giovanni N.
"Most consultants felt like used car salesmen. Sam was real, straightforward, and completely focused on getting results."
Grant F.
"Sam always picks up the phone and returns texts. He made time for in-person meetings with my attorneys."
Vikas M.
"After talking to Sam, you can tell it takes the edge off. Our clients feel much more confident about what's next."
Lena Q., Attorney
"Sam's expertise on sentence mitigation and RDAP left no stone unturned. Exactly what I needed."
Victor M., Physician
"Sam's preparation helped reduce my sentence from 110 months to 41 months. I completed RDAP successfully."
Dan S.
"His genuine care and compassion made the difference. Sam was a steady voice of reason in the storm."
Johnny W.
"If you want the truth and a real plan to deal with it, Sam is exactly who you need. He's helped me more than I can put into words."
Juniper J.
"In a system that treats you like a case number, Sam made me feel like a person again. His guidance was invaluable."
Chunkz, Physician
"Hiring Sam was the best decision we made during that time. He genuinely cares about the people he works with."
Chuck M.
"Everything Sam said would happen, did. You NEED this kind of certainty when facing the prospect of federal prison."
Anthony M.
"There's no question in my mind that Sam is the best prison consultant in the business. His offering is top-tier."
Adam W.
"From the very first call, Sam made us feel like we weren't alone in this nightmare. He went out of his way to guide us."
Giovanni N.
Guides and insights for defendants and families.
What Is a Prison Consultant and How Can They Help?
Prison consultants help defendants and their families prepare for federal incarceration. From presentence investigation preparation to facility designation strategy to family support, a consultant bridges the gap between what your attorney does and what you actually need to survive and thrive in the federal system.
Why You Need a Federal Prison Consultant on Your Legal Team
Your attorney handles legal strategy, but who prepares you for what happens after sentencing? Defense lawyers focus on the courtroom. Prison consultants focus on everything that comes next: the surrender process, facility placement, programming, and release planning. These are two different skill sets, and you need both.
How to Prepare Your Family for Surrendering to Federal Prison
The hardest conversations happen before surrender, not after. Your spouse needs to understand finances. Your children need age-appropriate explanations. Your parents need to know how to handle phone calls from well-meaning friends. This guide covers the practical and emotional preparations families need to make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about federal prison consulting and working with Sam Mangel.
What does a federal prison consultant do?
A federal prison consultant helps defendants and their families prepare for federal incarceration. This includes pre-sentence investigation (PSI) preparation, facility designation strategy, prison preparation, RDAP qualification, family support, and ongoing advocacy throughout the sentence.
When should I hire a federal prison consultant?
The best time to engage a prison consultant is immediately after indictment or when a guilty plea becomes likely. Earlier engagement allows for better PSI preparation, character letter coordination, and facility designation strategy—all of which can significantly impact your outcome.
Why choose Sam Mangel over other prison consultants?
Sam is a regular CNN and NPR contributor (not just occasional quotes), has a Wikipedia page, and has worked with the most significant federal cases of 2024 including Steve Bannon, Peter Navarro, and Sam Bankman-Fried. He maintains a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating and offers competitive pricing.
How much does federal prison consulting cost?
Pricing varies based on case complexity and services needed. Sam offers competitive rates that multiple reviewers note are significantly lower than competitors. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and receive a quote.
Ready to discuss your situation?
Every case is unique. A confidential consultation is the best way to understand how we can help.