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Gifts From God
By Jason Beasley My life was based on a preconceived idea that I could not rely on anyone. It had been suggested that to do so was a sign of weakness. That little seed grew into a tree of distrust, anger and loneliness. I spent a lot of time and energy denying
How Can a Christian Lawyer Knowingly Defend the Guilty?
By John Contini The question I am most often asked as a criminal defense attorney is, “Isn’t it hard to represent people who you believe are guilty? It is almost always asked in a rhetorical, accusatory fashion, with inquirers never really wanting to know the exact approach, strategy or
“React with faith, not fear”
An encouragement letter Dear Friend: Much of what is contained in this letter may not even apply to you, and it may speak more to the needs of someone you care about, possibly someone in your family or even a close friend; however, if anything in this letter speaks to your heart as it did my own, then
Evidentiary Proof of the Gospel
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt By John Contini I remember struggling to believe what the gospel writers were saying, the stories about all the miracles and, of course, the real big one, the resurrection. Why should we believe some or all of these disciples? There are some slight inconsistencies, I thought;
Even Jesus Needed an Angel
By John Contini Even Jesus needed an angel when He was down. Why should we feel as though we’re tougher than our own Savior, Jesus Christ, as though we ought to be able to handle things on our own, without help. Too often it’s embarrassment or the sin of pride that keeps us from asking for
Criminal Defense Practice: A Mission Field?
By John Contini The beauty of being both a criminal defense attorney and a born again believer is that the arena is clearly a mission field, a real ministry. Of course, this is only true to the extent that the clients’ hearts are receptive to the Gospel. Quite obviously, the clients’ hearts
Addiction and the Criminal Justice System
By Judis Andrews Many Americans have an image of a criminal as being a drugged-out, morally deprived, poverty driven person of color, who will most likely spend his life in and out of prison. This is not an accident, or a coincidence. The upper classes of society have established a system where those
Have “Predators and Prey” become “Competitors and Consumers” in the New Millennium?
In nature it has always come down to predators and prey … everything feeding on something else in a balanced dance of predation. Not so in our new human social evolution. We have become a species of consumption it seems, and the bottom line is the effective competition between those who are selling
“Why Do We Do It?”
A Peer Educator’s Perspective on Promoting Positive Change in a Negative Environment. It’s a question my co-workers and I get every day. Why? We work 10 to 12 hours a day, often seven days a week … It seems like
Growth of the Re-entry Network and Vision for 2009
By Ivan A Owens ADC#114488 It has been am arduous journey from the inception of my motivation for “Fair Chance Ministries” and the Re-Entry Network in 2007. At that time I was at Arizona State Prison complex – Kingman unit (ASPC Kingman Unit). In conjunction with the unconditional love and
“Weapons Of Our Adversary”
“Weapons Of The Adversary” By Rob Weddle I, Volac, Subservient Demon General First Class, and Subordinate to the 32nd Regional Grand Duke, have been requisitioned to address the subject of the weaponry available to Christians, our overly confident and undernourished enemy.
“The Seen And The Unseen”
“The Seen and the Unseen” By Rob Weddle WHAT IS SEEN: Stained ceilings, headaches, paperwork, dust, rust, unheard cries, night-sweats, depression, tattered carpet, scars on a worn and bloated face, beasts with brown eyes and baggy pants, a scratched and brain-straining computer monitor, bitterness,
PERSPECTIVES
Have you ever had a why me moment? If you don’t know what a why me moment is, I’ll explain it to you. A why me moment is a moment in life when nothing is going your way. It’s a time when things are happening to you and you don’t understand what you have done to bring that hell into your life. Often
Honesty Is the Best Policy
If you lie or, stretch the truth, people will know that you are undependable. Do what you say you can do and show up on-time every-time. If you tell someone you will be there at a certain time then be there at that time. We have all been to that point in our lives when your friend tells you they
Irreplaceable
The one thing in this world of ours or even in this entire universe that can not be replaced is life. Life is a one time deal that while living many of us wonders why we live. With all the pain and hurt which seems to be a fixture in the act of living, along with the moments of joy and happiness,
Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
By Cedric Dean Did you know since the enactment of mandatory minimum sentencing for drug users, the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget increased from $220 million in 1986 to $5.4 billion in 2008. In the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, Congress structured antidrug penalties to encourage the Department of
Dreams
Hello my name is Peter Anthony Cano. I am currently serving a 25-to-life sentence with the possibility of parole in the Arizona Department of Corrections. On December 23, 1990 I was arrested for one count of second degree
REDEMPTION
By Rob Weddle(featured writer for TPI) Malevolent faces preoccupy me of late, bubbling up from the depths and then melting into the foam, again and again for days, weeks now. They haunt my dreams; these sea-creatures, silhouetted against an orange horizon,
Approach The Job Market Professionally
Many people believe that when you get out of prison there is no hope for you in the job market. I’m here to tell you that it’s not true. Sure it is harder for a person with a criminal background to obtain a job, but it’s not impossible. You just have the know how to approach the job market
Judge is Entitled to Reject Cocaine Guidelines
By Cedric Dean. Did you know on January 21, 2009 the Supreme Court in Spears v. U.S., summarily reversed the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and held that a district court judge is entitled to reject and vary categorically from the crack cocaine guidelines based upon the sentencing judge’s personal
The Presidents Volunteer Service Award
With great pride and honor Epoch Publications is proud to share with you the following press release concerning one of our feature writers, Joseph Chiappetta Jr. For Immediate Release: Florence AZ May 2009- The President’s Volunteer Service Award has been awarded to the Arizona State Prison Complex
Did You Know-How To Represent Yourself
How To Represent Yourself Before The Disciplinary Hearing Officer By Cedric Dean Each prison having the need for facilities to house inmates separate from the general population will establish a special housing
Did You Know- Extra Good Time
by Cedric Dean Did you know any correctional staff member may recommend to the Warden the approval of an inmate for a lump sum award of Extra Good Time? Such recommendations must be for an exceptional act or service
Substance abuse
By Health Education Department ASPC Florence Substance abuse refers to the excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol and illegal drugs. Prescription drug abuse may be just as dangerous as street drug use.
Giving Up Is Not An Option
Joseph Chiappetta, Jr.by Joseph Chiappetta, Jr. On April 2nd 2007, I was given a new lease on life. My hope is that this story gives hope to others facing what I was recently living with. Leaving prison as old man or dying of old age before that release. On October 3rd, 2001 I received a 35 year sentence
