D.C. Carter introduces his book, “25 Rules to Life Inside California State Prison”
In early 2021, the prison began making housing preparations to accommodate a tentative influx of youth offenders for their program. For the majority of new arrivals, this was their first mainline after leaving reception. There were certain rules they would need to know in order to survive the ramifications of prison politics. I found myself empathetic to the plight of the first-termer/youth offender, because in 2004, I too was sentenced to state prison at the age of 23. Despite my present knowledge and experience with the rules of prison, I too had entered practically a blank slate. I knew these youngsters’ boots would have to be laced with the do’s and don’ts of doing time, but how could I disseminate this vital information to the first-termers with a broad stroke? It was then that I decided to write a self-help book that would serve as a roadmap for first-termers and youth offenders. I am the author of 25 RULES TO LIFE INSIDE CALIFORNIA STATE PRISON. This body of work is a self-help book written for first-termers, youth offenders, and anyone curious about the do’s and don’ts of doing time. It has since been added to San Francisco State University’s Project Rebound Library for use in training their undergraduate interns, and when appropriate, as class material for courses taught by their directors. Written with straightforward advice and insight, this guide isn’t just a survival manual, it’s a road to maintaining dignity, focus, and hope. Thank you for your support.
