Use Administrative Remedies Sparingly
Don’t overuse administrative remedies in federal prison – regardless of who told you otherwise.
We recently had someone in one of our Facebook groups talking about using administrative remedies and appealing to Congress for small issues that happen to their inmate in federal prison.
Even though Josh Smith, Deputy Director of the BOP, made it clear that he’s cracking down on retaliation in federal prison, it’s still a reality.
Founder of Federal Prison Tips Kyle Sandler was incarcerated from 2018 to 2022. During that time, he filed 72 administrative remedies for himself and other people. He thought he was safe, and during that time, experienced no retaliation. But when he came back on revocation, he was welcomed to some serious diesel therapy.
He was revoked on August 6th, and didn’t land at his place of incarceration until December 22nd – going through 13 different institutions. BOP staff does this intentionally as a form of punishment to inmates.
They make sure you’re transferred right before commissary hits, so you can’t restock on anything you need.
It’s really difficult to make phone calls.
And your loved ones never know whether you’re coming or going.
This isn’t an accident. These things don’t happen unless you’ve written 72 frivolous administrative remedies.
Now, if you’re trying to file a Bivens motion, a 1985, or want to sue the BOP, you need to file an administrative remedy first. Outside of that, respectfully address your unit team and file a cop out during mainline or open house.
Kyle stresses from experience – don’t file remedies for every inconvenience. It doesn’t work, and you’re exposing yourself to retaliation.
If you have a legitimate reason to file a remedy or you’re appealing a shot (also known as an incident report) we’d be glad to help. Call 407-434-0175 during our business hours, seven days a week.