Florida lawyer shows inmates "How to Leave Prison Early"

Reggie Garcia, state Capitol lobbyist and an AV Preeminent-rated lawyer, has written a do-it-yourself guide to the Florida correctional system. It’s a complex system for parolees and clemency petitioners to navigate.

In 78 pages of text, and another 25 pages of end notes and an appendix, Garcia tackles a lot.

How to Leave Prison Early lists 25 steps to clemency, 17 steps for parole, seven steps to get into work release and four steps for a conditional medical release.

Florida incarcerates more than 100,000 people, with about a third of them released annually and replaced by new inmates, some on a return visit.

Garcia’s book is for the family and inmate seeking mercy from the governor and Cabinet in the form of a second chance after serving a sentence or is eligible parole.

“It is very clear to me is that it is a hyper-niche of government,” Garcia said from his office, a block from the Capitol. “People somewhat understand the courts, people somewhat understand the Legislature but very few people interact with the executive branch, particularly the government and Cabinet, unless they have a regulatory or policy matter. And here four times a year the governor and Cabinet sit in the Cabinet room and hear from ordinary citizens who are asking for a second chance.”

Garcia has more than 20 years experience representing clients in clemency, parole and work release matters. He observed that the system can be confusing and intimidating to people caught in its web.

“For anyone who wants to understand how the king — now governor and Cabinet — dispenses discretionary justice in Florida, this is the book to read,” former Gov. Bob Graham said.

Graham chaired the Clemency Board for eight years and commuted 21 prison sentences. Garcia noted he has a deeper understanding of the issues at play than most people.

“I just grew up with a sense of helping people,” said Garcia, son of a deputy sheriff and a mother who worked for a family physician. “So it just makes sense that I would use my legal training to help people who deserve a second chance.”

How To Leave Prison Early, Florida Clemency, Parole and Work Release, is available through Amazon for $12.95. It comes as a paperback; prisoners are not permitted hard copies.

Garcia, a 1985 graduate of the University of Florida law school, is working on a second book dealing with the restoration of civil rights, including gun rights. It’s due out this summer.