About Michael
My name is Michael Santos. I have been confined in federal prison since 1987, when I was 23. I serve time because of convictions related to the distribution of cocaine. There were no weapons and there was no violence involved with my case, and I had never been incarcerated before I was arrested for this offense. Nevertheless, after my convictions, the judge in my case imposed a 45-year sentence.
The sentencing laws that were in place at the time of my convictions, commonly referred to as the old-law, provided that I could release to society after I served 26 years. I have been scheduled for release in 2013.
Since my confinement began, I’ve worked hard and I’ve worked consistently to reconcile with society for the bad decisions of my early 20s. I regret that I engaged in criminal behavior, and I have considered it my duty to work toward earning freedom while serving my sentence with dignity. I worked hard to educate myself. Through books and articles I write about prison, I strive to make meaningful contributions to society. My writings contribute to the national dialogue on the need for prison reform. They also offer prison news that can be of help to those expecting a journey through the criminal justice system, and to family members who want to learn more about these growing subcultures.
I write content every day. My wife, Carole, publishes my writings on MichaelSantos.net. We encourage readers to post comments and subscribe to our RSS feed.
Michael’s 2012 Values and Goals
Michael’s 2011Values and Goals
Michael’s Curriculum Vita
Articles by Michael G. Santos
PDF 8 Responses to About Michael
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see you on the outside, my friend… Scott
I just had an older brother locked away in federal prison for a conspiracy to deprive the citizens of El Paso County of honest services. Instead of pleading guilty (as most people do in the federal system) he went to court and declared his innocence. He lost and the angry judge immediately tossed him in jail without bond to await sentencing. Of course this has been very hard on him and his family. He is a 65 year old grandfather who has never broken a law in his life facing federal prison. His now and future legal fees will completely wipe him out. It has been a life changing experience. Something I would not wish on my worst enemy. All of this has put me more in touch with just how broken our system of justice is. You are a prime example. 45 year sentence was over the top. Thank God you are getting out soon. Thank you for telling your story. Keep it up. Perhaps when you are out you need to talk to students in high schools and colleges and tell them your story. America has more people locked away than any other country in the world. It is shameful. There is so much that could be done to help people in jail turn their lifes around and re-enter society as good and productive citizens.
That is a very stiff sentence you have received Michael. My heart goes out to you. I have several friends in trouble with the law and it really is a life changer. Wish you best when you get out.
Good for you. It is very inspiring to see someone take back his life in such a meaningful way. I wish you the very best, and I hope you continue with your cause once you are out of custody.
2013 is just around the corner michael. Stay tough
I feel your pain. I’m glad I found this site. It is inspiring to see that you have become a better person and that you have not let all the injustice of our country make you bitter. As for me, I’m still angry, but I hope my son, which is the one incarcerated, does not become angry. Like you he is in jail for much more time than he should have been. My son, a person that was never in any trouble of any kind, made a mistake. His crime was non-violent; similar cases in multiple states that I have looked at and many federal cases have resulted in no-jail, no conviction or a misdemeanor. Instead the judge gave him 24 months and 3 years of supervised release. I can still hear the judge voice saying:” I know you will never do this again but I’m going to make you an example to others..”. “…You seem like a smart person … You will do okay when you are out”.
Like ‘Trent Jones’ above said: America has more people locked away than any other country in the world. It is shameful.
Is this how we are supposed to help people to rehabilitate? Lock them up even if this is their first offense and this is a non-violent crime? I don’t believe so. And then what? Would employers hire someone with a criminal record? Probably not.
My son is also a writer. He writes fiction. I hope I can submit some of the writing that he sends me for publication and I pray to God that when he is out he is giving another chance. The chance the judge denied him.
I served 6 years with Michael at Fort Dix New Jersey, we shared the 5702 unit at third floor, and i would say that somtime when we are young we do lot bad decisions, but bad decission make us to meet great people, and Michael is one of them.
Michael,
Just wanted to wish you good luck! 2013 is not far away.
I’m from Brasil and Santos is a very common surname, there. Are you Brasilian or Portuguese? Any way, all the best.