Once Upon a Felony: True Stories of How Four Women Reshaped Their Lives After Prison

Four women courageously share their stories about their crimes-assault, kidnapping, DUI with vehicular assault, assault with a deadly weapon. They confront their addictions and their anger, and accept the blame. They tell their prison experiences with honesty, the devastation to their families with poignancy, and their road to resilience with humility.

"In prison, you analyze and try to figure out every aspect of your life, what went wrong. It's traumatic." -Karyn

"I grew up in prison. I grew into something different. Prison will be a part of me forever. It was the best thing that ever happened to me." -Kalena

"I got sober before I went to prison. I got out of my warrant, served my sentence. I don't know what else I gained by going to prison. Being away from my kids is my biggest punishment, not so much the prison." -Alejandra

"When I went to prison, I thought I didn't have any say-so any more. Like how could my kids ever look up to me as a mom figure ever again? But going to prison was the best thing for me, absolutely." -Michelle

"...walk in the shoes of formerly incarcerated women...Ms. Britton vividly and compassionately chronicles their life experiences before, during, and after prison." - -Nadine Kerstetter, Teacher, Denver Women's Correctional Facility

"Compelling! These stories are filled with trials, tribulations and ultimately hope--hope that successfully reentering society after removal is possible". - -Bryon Sparling, Assistant Director, Adult Parole Colorado Department of Corrections

"Incarceration and the factors that lead individuals into prison have significant social implications. Through their eyes and in their voices, Lois captures the struggles and emotional hurdles associated with justice involved women." - -David Johnson, Director of Adult Parole, Colorado Department of Corrections; Warden, Denver Women's Correctional Facility