Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars

From Conviction to Pardon, Ex-LA Gang Member's Story

From Conviction to Redemption: Chris' Journey through Prison and Pardon. Sharing his experiences growing up in the San Fernando Valley, getting involved with Southsiders gang, facing multiple convictions, and enduring the harsh realities of prison life. Most inspiringly, Chris recounts his path to recovery, the support he received from friends in AA, and the arduous but ultimately successful process of obtaining a pardon from the governor. This episode sheds light on the transformative power of redemption and serves as a source of hope for those looking to turn their lives around.  Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of change, no matter how dire the circumstances. How do you get pardoned? Listen to Chris's story to find out in his unique journey, and more importantly how he dealt with life after prison. Timestamps: 00:00 Highlights 00:27 Introduction 00:57 Chris's Early Life and Influences  03:49 High School Chaos and Gang Involvement  06:15 First Major Offense and Arrest  08:05 Life in County Jail  15:20 Second Major Offense and Arrest  19:24 Life After Second Release  21:58 Struggles with Addiction  24:57 Seeking a Pardon  30:06 Life After the Pardon  37:36 Reflections and Relationships  41:43 Closing Thoughts Thanks for listening to Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars podcast. #PrisonToPardon #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterPrison #HowToGetPardoned

Our Conversation with Bruce McNall the Legendary Former LA Kings Owner and Hollywood Icon

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, host Tony along with Sam and Sonny, welcomes Bruce McNall, the man who transformed the LA Kings and famously brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. Bruce recounts his fascinating journey from his early love of ancient history and numismatics, leading to a booming business in ancient coins, to his ventures in the movie and horse business. A pivotal figure in sports history, Bruce shares intriguing anecdotes about high-stakes deals, including the acquisition of Gretzky and his astounding experience in the world of Hollywood and the racehorse industry. The episode also delves into his dramatic fall, detailing his legal battles and eventual imprisonment. Bruce offers a raw look into his time in prison and how he managed life post-release, maintaining friendships and diving back into business. This episode is a conversation of a life filled with high-risk ventures, monumental successes, and steep declines, providing a rare look behind the scenes of Hollywood, sports, and high-value collectibles. 00:00 Intro 01:56 The Rise of a Coin Dealer 11:28 Venturing into the Horse Business 18:33 Hollywood Connections and Movie Ventures 21:16 The Gretzky Trade and Transforming the LA Kings 38:42 Expanding into Canadian Football 45:41 A Lunch with Spielberg 46:04 Hiring David to Run MGM 46:26 Financial Troubles and Rising Debt 48:43 FBI Investigation and Legal Troubles 50:34 Pleading Guilty and Prison Sentence 55:55 Life in Prison 01:12:35 Release and Rebuilding Life 01:24:27 Reflecting on Life and Future Goals 01:28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Should You Rat?! Getting Caught Smuggling Peanut Butter In Prison

Tony recounts his experiences in prison, focusing on the challenges and incidents within the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The story revolves around Tony's quest to obtain and consume peanut butter as part of his dietary routine, despite prison restrictions. This leads to a series of risky exchanges for peanut butter and eventually being caught by a determined prison correctional officer. Tony discusses the consequences of this incident, including extended time in the program and the necessity of maintaining respect among fellow inmates by not revealing his supplier. Tony has to make a choice between ratting out his peanut butter supplier or being kicked out of his RDAP program and extending his time in prison. 00:00 Intro 01:00 Welcome 03:02 Life in Morgantown Federal Corrections 08:14 The RDAP Program 12:50 Smuggling Peanut Butter 21:46 The Peanut Butter Incident 22:40 Facing the Consequences 26:17 Interrogation 29:30 Aftermath 34:22 Lessons Learned 40:06 Closing Thoughts

Reducing Federal Prison Time: RDAP Program Inside Out (Residential Drug Abuse Program)

Tony and Sonny dive into the world of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Tony shares his personal experience with the program, which can significantly reduce prison time for participants, provided they adhere to its strict behavioral requirements. They discuss the challenges of enrolling in RDAP, including dealing with jealousy and stereotypes from other inmates, and the stringent rules and expectations within the program. Tony narrates his journey from discovering RDAP to dealing with the stringent disciplinary actions and behavioral modifications it enforces. He also addresses the psychological and social dynamics involved in being part of the program and touches upon an intriguing cliffhanger about an incident that nearly got him expelled from RDAP. Tune in to learn the pros and cons of RDAP and whether it's worth the effort for those looking to shorten their prison sentences. 00:00 Intro 01:10 Discovering RDAP 03:28 Navigating the Legal System for RDAP 10:37 Life in RDAP: Challenges and Adjustments 12:52 RDAP's Impact on Prison Life 20:51 Spotting Suspicious Activity 22:07 The Dilemma of Reporting 23:19 Confrontation in Group 26:32 The Consequences of Snitching 33:36 Reflecting on RDAP's Impact 36:09 Teaser for the Next Episode

Surviving Prison Beatdowns and Fights with Zo

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, hosts Tony and Sam, along with special guest Zo dive into the harsh realities of prison life, focusing on violent encounters and the strategies for survival. Zo shares personal anecdotes, including narrowly avoiding fights and a particularly intense incident involving a lock and a sock. The episode sheds light on the difference in violence across various security levels, from low to maximum, and emphasizes the importance of respect, manners, and minding one's own business to ensure safety. With raw and unfiltered accounts, this episode offers a gripping and informative look at the often unseen world behind bars. 00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions 00:31 Prison Fights: Reality vs. Media 02:07 Personal Stories of Fights 06:43 Lock in the Sock 11:02 First Time in Prison 17:55 Commissary Line Fights 19:29 Exercise Room Conflicts 21:18 Shower and Bathroom Experiences 30:55 Halfway House Challenges 37:14 Final Thoughts