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Hassle of Your Life - A Handbook for the Friends and Families of Americans Imprisoned Abroad

NCJ Number
94792
Author(s)
R D Atkins; R L Pisani
Date Published
1982
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Written for the families and friends of Americans imprisoned abroad, this handbook offers some useful information and suggestions, describing various resources which may be available.
Abstract
The six chapters discuss gathering information, deciding on the plan of action and hiring a foreign attorney, prison problems, at-home duties and contacts, lengthy incarceration, and release. The first step involves getting the important facts about the arrest and whereabouts of the relative/friend. Next, if one decides to send a representative abroad, the person must be experienced in this particular area. If the choice is to go alone, one needs to be prepared for continual frustration and unscrupulous individuals trying to take advantage of the situation by offering false hopes of freedom for the relative in exchange for large sums of money. Factors to consider in hiring a foreign attorney include the attorney's experience in that particular area of the law, his/her reputation, political contacts, style of appearance, ability to converse in English, willingness to accept fees as the work is done, experience in defending Americans and other foreigners, and the range of his/her legal fees compared with one's ability to pay. The handbook lists information that must be determined about prison conditions. The relative's life must be adequately sustained during imprisonment, and he/she requires the necessities which will enable both physical and mental survival. Discussion also covers such items as sending money, obtaining outside help, and alternatives if the relative receives a lengthy sentence. A list of resource organizations is appended.