“Know Your Consequences”

This model is designed to educate participants about the law, more specifically, law and legal issues which affect the incarcerated.

Every session lasts about two hours.  For that time, the facilitator will discuss a specific topic.  The topics are chosen from case laws requested by one of the participants: newly published cases in PLN, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, etc.: or a case that the facilitator feels is pertinent to him (an example, one of the group’s feature pages is attached.)

At a group session, the facilitator will present the topic for the day, e.g. conspiracy.  He will read the Illinois Complied Statute dealing with conspiracy in its totality and then he will explain the laws in layman’s terms, with examples to make sure all of the brothers have a clear understanding of the law.

He would then to into specific cases on the books that deal with the topic of conspiracy.  The group is an open forum, so it is completely interactive.  Questions, personal case knowledge and experiences are shared with the group, which in turn shapes and expands the range of that particular session.

In the end, “Knowing Your Consequences” serves as a classroom for those on the inside who are looking for a way out.  It  also serves as a tool to help educate our families in the free society about laws in our state, which most people are ignorant to until they are in the grips of the legal system themselves.

Conspiracy

One of the most important consequences of being a member of a conspiracy is that each conspirator is responsible for all the criminal acts of fellow conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy.  This is referred to as “co-conspirators liability.”

For example:  Theo, Earl and Bilal decide that they need some additional cash. So they agree to rob a liquor store.  Theo gives Bilal a gun to use in the robbery, Earl steals the getaway car, and Bilal actually robs the store and all three are apprehended.  What crimes can Theo be charged with?

A.Conspiracy to commit armed robbery of the store.

B. Conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery.

C.Conspiracy to commit armed robbery, car theft, and armed robbery.

D.None of the above.

The correct answer is C because Theo joined the conspiracy.  Theo will get the book thrown at him even though he was never present for the actual armed robbery and car theft.

Now you can see the power of conspiracy charges:  KNOW YOUR CONSEQUENCES!

Theo Rogers is a co-facilitator for the “Know your Consequences “group which meets every alternate Saturday 12-2 pm

When you look at history,

It looks back at you-

Which is more impressed,

with the life view…?