TruthworksReentry Project

How it works

Seven stages, three clocks, four roles.

Here is the whole process in plain language, so you know what happens next before it happens.

The stages

From intake to appeal

  1. Family · Truthworks

    1. Intake

    A family member or sponsor completes the online intake. We confirm the facility, the codes charged, the date the report was delivered, and what documents you already have. We compute the deadlines that day.

  2. Truthworks

    2. Conflicts and exposure screen

    We run a conflicts check and a criminal-exposure screen. Any 100- or 200-level code, or any mention of prosecution or the U.S. Attorney, goes to counsel-match before we draft anything about the facts.

  3. Truthworks prepares · Person in custody signs

    3. Records

    Day one, we prepare the records request for the facility's own GPS, pass, schedule, and camera records, with a staff-initial receipt table. The person signs it and hands it in. A second request follows if nothing is produced.

  4. Truthworks

    4. Drafting

    We write the statement with lettered exhibits, a section listing records requested but not produced, the hearing packet, the hearing guide, and the staff representative brief. Anything marked for legal review is checked by the supervising attorney.

  5. Truthworks · Family

    5. Delivery

    Documents go to the family or sponsor as PDFs and print-ready files, with a checklist for getting hard copies to the person through approved channels. Everything is safe to be read by staff.

  6. Person in custody

    6. Hearing

    The person signs and files the statement, uses the hearing guide and pocket card, and records what happened in the hearing log. We prepare; the person speaks for themselves.

  7. Person in custody signs · Truthworks tracks

    7. Appeal

    If the finding goes the wrong way, the BP-10 is already drafted. The person signs and submits it so that it is received by the Regional Director within 20 calendar days. The BP-11 follows within 30 days of the regional response.

The clocks

Three deadlines that drive everything

5
work days

The UDC/CDC hearing is ordinarily held within five work days after the incident report is delivered. This is the window for the records request and the written statement.

20
days, received-by

The BP-10 appeal to the Regional Director must be received within 20 calendar days of the DHO's signature. Received, not mailed. We put the date in the cover letter.

30
days

The BP-11 appeal to the Central Office is due within 30 days of the Regional Director's response.

How we handle the clocks

We compute every deadline at intake and again when the DHO signs. Dates go in the hearing log, the cover letter, and the reminder we send you. If a date cannot be met, we tell you immediately and in writing.

Who does what

Four roles, clearly separated

The family or sponsor

  • Completes intake and pays the flat fee
  • Gathers documents on hand (report, handbook, any records)
  • Receives the finished documents and gets hard copies to the person
  • Is our primary contact throughout

The person in custody

  • Signs and submits the records request
  • Signs and files the written statement and any appeal
  • Designates a staff representative if wanted
  • Speaks for themselves at the hearing, using the guide

Truthworks

  • Runs intake, conflicts, and the exposure screen
  • Obtains and organizes the records
  • Drafts every document, ready for signature
  • Tracks every deadline and tells you what the record shows

The attorney

  • The only person who tells the client their legal options
  • Reviews anything Truthworks marks for legal review, under their name
  • Receives the privileged attorney review memo, if engaged
  • Reached through our no-charge counsel-match referral

We are not a law firm

Truthworks does not practice law and does not give legal advice. We obtain records, prepare documents, and get you ready in plain language. You sign and file. When a question needs a legal answer, our position is simple: “We can tell you what the record shows once we have it. The attorney has to be the one to tell you what your options are.” Every engagement includes a no-charge referral to independent counsel, and anything marked for legal review carries the name of a supervising attorney.

Ready to start?

Intake takes about ten minutes. We reply during business hours, and the clock starts the moment we have your records.

Start intake