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Killing Justice: A Lawyer Lands in Prison and Finds his Freedom
Killing Justice is a profound exploration of a life marred by injustice and a betrayal of trust by a friend of twenty years, transformed into a testament of strength. At the center of this riveting memoir is Kelly Giles’s harrowing experience of wrongful arrest and a 10-month imprisonment. On his way to becoming a disbarred double-felon, he must grapple with the unforgiving intricacies of the legal system, and seek a path to healing. Rising rebelliously, Kelly evolves from a silenced soul to a powerful, resilient voice. His PTSD, which is deepened by his imprisonment and a reckoning with both adoptive trauma and religious abuse, becomes the crucible in which creativity is reborn, thriving in the face of adversity and a profound trauma can be the canvas on which the most poignant expressions are etched. Far more than a memoir, Killing Justice is a beacon of hope, resonating with the universal message that our identity transcends the sum of our mistakes.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 14, 2024
With a Christian slant, the author chronicles how he survived the injustice on the American "for profit" justice system. In the process, he discovers and embraces his true passion in life. As an eye opener for me, this book demonstrates the need for justice system reform via shifting from the corporate "for profit" management model to governmental oversight, as well as refocusing "retributive treatment" to "restorative rehabilitation."
June 22, 2024
When I met Kelly Giles weeks ago at a friend's birthday party, he was just releasing his memoir. He introduced himself as a friendly Canadian immigrant, a poet, and a long-time resident of Culver City. He also mentioned that he used to practice US immigration law but was now focused solely on Canadian immigration law. He spoke briefly about his book but left the party abruptly, even before the arrival of most guests. I was intrigued by Giles' assertion that a lawyer with over twenty years of practice could be implicated in a fraud scheme in which he neither participated nor profited. Moreover, despite having all the arguments laid out, the government prosecution could still file felony charges and win the case, leading to his disbarment. Intrigued by this concept, I purchased the book to discover how this implausible real-life scenario had transpired. Now, having read the entire book, it is evident that government prosecutors often have oversized egos and a drive to "win" akin to attorneys in the private sector. They prioritize personal victories over the fairness and impartiality of the cases they pursue. The overwhelming power of the government does not give the average accused citizen a fair chance. Once targeted, an accused without extraordinary means could be worn down by the system to the point where they might feel pressured to enter a guilty plea, despite their actual innocence and a preponderance of evidence pointing to their innocence. Without trying to spoil the book, this actual instance of overwhelming governmental overreach appears to be the crux of Giles' memoir. The book serves as a clarion call for fundamental judicial reform—it cries out for an overhaul of the entire legal system. Every citizen concerned with societal justice should read this book, and I hope that one day, "the powers that be" will listen as well. Let the reform begin.
March 11, 2026
This book was recommended to me by a neighbor and friend. I can see why. The book grabs you in the first few pages and takes us on the ride that is Kelly’s life. Each chapter weaves between different time periods, allowing Kelly’s character and growth to unfold much as a new friend’s life unfolds in many small revelations not easily connected at first.
Up close, this is a story about betrayal, compassion, perseverance and ultimately self-acceptance. Zoom out and we see the patterns through Kelly’s life. As a child of 7, Kelly wrote his first article on the beauty of integration. Living in a mostly, if not totally white neighborhood, perhaps it was more of a soul recognition rather than a conscious one. It’s no coincidence then, that as an adult he became an immigration attorney, helping to create the very type of community that he envisioned all those years ago. This sense of community and belonging was a blanket he strove to wrap himself in his whole life, mostly due to the circumstances of his first being a foster child and then becoming adopted.
Continuing with Kelly’s search for belonging and self-worth, we come to understand the choices that he made in trusting someone who would ultimately betray him. He leads us through his journey of self-realization from being a victim, to self-blaming, to understanding the workings of how his past has shaped his life. With the help of his faith and his own determination, Kelly was able to begin integrating the different aspects of himself to eventually heal and accept himself. Of course, this didn’t happen without the universe putting him in a situation where he had to find his core being. True to himself, Kelly found the voice of his seven year old self and after years of writing and aspiring to be a writer, he found his literary voice.
I highly recommend this book. It's warm and funny and uplifting.
Up close, this is a story about betrayal, compassion, perseverance and ultimately self-acceptance. Zoom out and we see the patterns through Kelly’s life. As a child of 7, Kelly wrote his first article on the beauty of integration. Living in a mostly, if not totally white neighborhood, perhaps it was more of a soul recognition rather than a conscious one. It’s no coincidence then, that as an adult he became an immigration attorney, helping to create the very type of community that he envisioned all those years ago. This sense of community and belonging was a blanket he strove to wrap himself in his whole life, mostly due to the circumstances of his first being a foster child and then becoming adopted.
Continuing with Kelly’s search for belonging and self-worth, we come to understand the choices that he made in trusting someone who would ultimately betray him. He leads us through his journey of self-realization from being a victim, to self-blaming, to understanding the workings of how his past has shaped his life. With the help of his faith and his own determination, Kelly was able to begin integrating the different aspects of himself to eventually heal and accept himself. Of course, this didn’t happen without the universe putting him in a situation where he had to find his core being. True to himself, Kelly found the voice of his seven year old self and after years of writing and aspiring to be a writer, he found his literary voice.
I highly recommend this book. It's warm and funny and uplifting.
May 23, 2024
“Killing justice: a lawyer lands in prison and finds his freedom” is a gripping and emotionally charged memoir that follows the life of Kelly Giles, a man who finds himself in a nightmarish situation after being wrongfully accused and imprisoned for fraud that he had no knowledge of, which also stripped him of his ability to practice law the way he always had. As if that wasn’t enough kelly who also shares his struggles with being adopted at a young age and all the emotional turmoil that comes with it, as well as the devastating news of his wife’s breast cancer returning due to the stress of his legal troubles.
Kelly’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions, as he takes the reader on a journey through his turbulent past and present challenges, his raw and honest storytelling delves deep into the complexities of his identity as an adopted individual, shedding light on the feelings of abandonment, confusion, and longing that often come with such a situation. Additionally, the added stress of his wife’s illness adds another layer of the heartache and pressure to an already difficult situation.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles that Kelly faces, his resilience and determination to fight for justice and overcome his personal struggles are truly inspiring.
Overall “killing justice : a lawyer lands in prison and finds his freedom” is a poignant and thought provoking memoir that explores themes of identity, betrayal, resilience and love. Kelly’s story is a testament to the humans spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Readers will be moved by his courage and inspired by his determination to find redemption and healing in the face of adversity.
Kelly’s story is a rollercoaster of emotions, as he takes the reader on a journey through his turbulent past and present challenges, his raw and honest storytelling delves deep into the complexities of his identity as an adopted individual, shedding light on the feelings of abandonment, confusion, and longing that often come with such a situation. Additionally, the added stress of his wife’s illness adds another layer of the heartache and pressure to an already difficult situation.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles that Kelly faces, his resilience and determination to fight for justice and overcome his personal struggles are truly inspiring.
Overall “killing justice : a lawyer lands in prison and finds his freedom” is a poignant and thought provoking memoir that explores themes of identity, betrayal, resilience and love. Kelly’s story is a testament to the humans spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Readers will be moved by his courage and inspired by his determination to find redemption and healing in the face of adversity.
April 3, 2025
Killing Justice is not just a memoir—it’s a visceral journey through betrayal, systemic injustice, and the unyielding power of resilience. Kelly Giles’s story gripped me from the first page: a life derailed by wrongful arrest, a 10-month nightmare of incarceration, and the crushing weight of a legal system that seemed designed to break him. Yet, this book is far more than a chronicle of suffering. It’s a masterclass in transforming trauma into art, and pain into purpose.
Giles writes with unvarnished honesty, laying bare the layers of adoptive trauma, religious abuse, and the PTSD that shadowed his journey. What struck me most was his refusal to be defined by the labels thrust upon him—"disbarred double-felon," "victim," or even "survivor." Instead, he emerges as a warrior of the soul, wielding creativity as both weapon and salve. His prose thrums with raw emotion, yet there’s an undercurrent of poetic grace that turns even the darkest moments into something luminous.
The book’s greatest triumph is its universality. While Giles’s story is uniquely his own, the themes—betrayal by a trusted friend, the fight to reclaim one’s voice, the quest for identity beyond society’s judgments—resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt silenced or misunderstood. His revelation that trauma can be a “canvas” for profound self-expression left me breathless.
I found strong resonance in this book and it made me think about my own life experiences in a new way.
Giles writes with unvarnished honesty, laying bare the layers of adoptive trauma, religious abuse, and the PTSD that shadowed his journey. What struck me most was his refusal to be defined by the labels thrust upon him—"disbarred double-felon," "victim," or even "survivor." Instead, he emerges as a warrior of the soul, wielding creativity as both weapon and salve. His prose thrums with raw emotion, yet there’s an undercurrent of poetic grace that turns even the darkest moments into something luminous.
The book’s greatest triumph is its universality. While Giles’s story is uniquely his own, the themes—betrayal by a trusted friend, the fight to reclaim one’s voice, the quest for identity beyond society’s judgments—resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever felt silenced or misunderstood. His revelation that trauma can be a “canvas” for profound self-expression left me breathless.
I found strong resonance in this book and it made me think about my own life experiences in a new way.
May 27, 2024
Virginia Woolf wrote, "There are books you read, and books that read you." "Killing Justice" falls firmly into the latter category. This deeply personal journey by Kelly Giles isn't just a story; it's an experience. It resonated with my heart and soul in a way that few books ever have.
From the very first pages, Kelly Giles' writing had me captivated. Their prose is evocative, weaving a tapestry of emotions and experiences that I found myself completely immersed in. The author's honesty and vulnerability were particularly striking. They didn't shy away from sharing their struggles and losses with a profound level of introspection to understand how and why he ended up in such a position that cost him his freedom, which created a profound sense of connection.
"Killing Justice" is more than just a memoir; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience. By sharing his story, Kelly Giles has given voice to a universal experience and offered solace and strength to those who may be grappling with similar challenges. I finished the book feeling inspired and hopeful, and I know I'll carry its message with me for a long time to come.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or uncertain. It's a powerful reminder that we're not alone in our struggles, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for healing and growth.
From the very first pages, Kelly Giles' writing had me captivated. Their prose is evocative, weaving a tapestry of emotions and experiences that I found myself completely immersed in. The author's honesty and vulnerability were particularly striking. They didn't shy away from sharing their struggles and losses with a profound level of introspection to understand how and why he ended up in such a position that cost him his freedom, which created a profound sense of connection.
"Killing Justice" is more than just a memoir; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience. By sharing his story, Kelly Giles has given voice to a universal experience and offered solace and strength to those who may be grappling with similar challenges. I finished the book feeling inspired and hopeful, and I know I'll carry its message with me for a long time to come.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or uncertain. It's a powerful reminder that we're not alone in our struggles, and that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for healing and growth.
May 24, 2024
I just finished reading "Killing Justice," and I’m really moved by Kelly Giles’s story. This memoir dives deep into a life full of injustice and betrayal, but it’s ultimately about strength and resilience.
Kelly's experience of being wrongfully arrested and spending 10 months in prison is at the core of this book. As he deals with the harsh legal system and the betrayal of a longtime friend, his journey to healing is truly inspiring.
What really stood out to me was how Kelly transformed from feeling silenced to becoming a strong, resilient voice. His PTSD, made worse by his time in prison and his struggles with adoptive trauma and religious abuse, becomes the fuel for his creativity. The book shows how even the deepest traumas can lead to powerful expressions of art and resilience.
"Killing Justice" isn’t just a personal story; it’s a message of hope. It reminds us that we are more than our mistakes. Giles’s journey from despair to empowerment is a powerful read about redemption and the human spirit. If you’re looking for a story of resilience and the fight for justice, this book is a must-read.
Kelly's experience of being wrongfully arrested and spending 10 months in prison is at the core of this book. As he deals with the harsh legal system and the betrayal of a longtime friend, his journey to healing is truly inspiring.
What really stood out to me was how Kelly transformed from feeling silenced to becoming a strong, resilient voice. His PTSD, made worse by his time in prison and his struggles with adoptive trauma and religious abuse, becomes the fuel for his creativity. The book shows how even the deepest traumas can lead to powerful expressions of art and resilience.
"Killing Justice" isn’t just a personal story; it’s a message of hope. It reminds us that we are more than our mistakes. Giles’s journey from despair to empowerment is a powerful read about redemption and the human spirit. If you’re looking for a story of resilience and the fight for justice, this book is a must-read.
August 13, 2025
A frightening look into the misconduct of our federal prosecutors. Any one who has been wrongly convicted and imprisoned, from Richard Jewel to Nelson Mandela would get triggered into their ptsd from reading this book, it is that scary. The only sane take away from the read is that the government/ our government/ any government are gangsters. It is better to let many guilty go free than one innocent be unjustly punished. Kelly has survived a lot of abuse from sadistic monsters posing as prison guards. Through pure grit, determination, and his faith Mr. Giles has risen from the ashes triumphant like a phoenix, but Kelly is no mythological animal, merely an exceptional individual who never stopped resisting the tyranny of the government boot pressing down on his neck. To quote a fellow Irishman
Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
Early morning, April four
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
May 29, 2024
Kelly Giles' "Killing Justice: A Lawyer Lands in Prison and Finds his Freedom" is a gripping tale that grabs hold of you from the very start and refuses to let go. It's a poignant exploration of life's unexpected twists and turns, revealing the harsh realities of struggle and loss, yet ultimately celebrating the power of redemption. Through masterful storytelling, Kelly Giles skillfully intertwines past and present, delivering a heartfelt narrative that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of hope. This captivating read will keep you engrossed until the very end, leaving you with profound reflections on life and a newfound appreciation for the journey we all embark upon. Dive into this fascinating story; it's time well spent that will leave you pondering long after you turn the final page.
February 26, 2025
Kelly is a good friend from undergrad days. I devoured this book over the weekend. Kelly's story resonates especially with those of us who have suffered at the hands of those we trusted. His story has important life lessons about our drive to please others often at the expense of our own well-being. Kelly's story inspires us to learn to love ourselves before we can truly love others. For Christians, Kelly's story is a reminder of the God of Love and Mercy over the God of Judgment and Legalism.
I had no problem following the interwoven storylines. Kelly had interesting nicknames for prison officials, no doubt a coping mechanism from the betrayal of trust by his friend. On the surface, he may appear to have felt sorry for himself at times in prison but it was the start of his healing journey, learning to love himself and turning away from being a people pleaser, brought on by negative childhood experiences in his adoptive family.
I had no problem following the interwoven storylines. Kelly had interesting nicknames for prison officials, no doubt a coping mechanism from the betrayal of trust by his friend. On the surface, he may appear to have felt sorry for himself at times in prison but it was the start of his healing journey, learning to love himself and turning away from being a people pleaser, brought on by negative childhood experiences in his adoptive family.
May 29, 2024
An introspective spiritual memoir that just so happens to spend time in federal prison.
Kelly Giles' Killing Justice is a daring introspective look into one man’s fall into prison and his soul’s climb to ultimate freedom. Rather than a violent look at the danger of prison life, this memoir explores the danger of complacency and how trust issues ingrained since birth can lead any of us into the worst possible situations. While spirituality certainly plays a major role in this man's salvation, it's not a let-someone-else-take-the-wheel situation, but the realization that the power to move out of the darkness must come from within.
Kelly Giles' Killing Justice is a daring introspective look into one man’s fall into prison and his soul’s climb to ultimate freedom. Rather than a violent look at the danger of prison life, this memoir explores the danger of complacency and how trust issues ingrained since birth can lead any of us into the worst possible situations. While spirituality certainly plays a major role in this man's salvation, it's not a let-someone-else-take-the-wheel situation, but the realization that the power to move out of the darkness must come from within.
July 3, 2024
Killing Justice explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of personal tragedy. Kelly Giles has written an engaging, enlightening, and genuine memoir. He is brutally honest regarding the fallacies of our justice system and the fallacies he discovered within himself. Giles came out of imprisonment a better man, but it had nothing to do with being imprisoned. This memoir gives testament to the inherent problems of our court system---a system fueled by selfish lawyers in pursuit of money and power rather than a desire to spread justice, allowing good lawyers to be cannibalized in the process.
December 22, 2024
Killing Justice by Kelly Giles is an excellent memoir and a cautionary story of our justice system. The book is fascinating and well written and kept my interest throughout. The author provides an honest, authentic account of his life-changing ordeal. It was great to see his strength, resilience and positive attitude in a harrowing situation. I enjoyed the way the book juxtaposed his time in prison with the story of his life and how he ended up there. I look forward to future books from Kelly Giles.
August 12, 2024
A fascinating journey of self realization. Granted, the bullet points of Kelly Giles' life are more intense than my own, but this didn't prevent me from relating to his story on a purely human level. The author details his experience as both a child at the mercy of flawed adults, to an adult at the mercy of a deeply flawed justice system. A tale of personal triumph that sincerely moved this shameless cynic. Excellent writing.
June 3, 2024
Kelly Giles is an American poet and writer with an innate gift of transmitting emotions directly to our hearts. In this book he tells us about his life without filters, in an absolutely engaging way... congrats Kelly, I love “Killing Justice”! Highly recommended.
July 20, 2024
This is a powerful story. Well written. Credible and authentic. .
September 22, 2024
I found this book tedious and repetitive. The author jumped from one time period to another throughout the book and continually repeated himself. In spite of his accomplishments, he maintained a victim mentality which I hope he has finally thrown off. In addition, his language is not consistent with his Christian values. I would not recommend this book but gave it a 3-star rating for his sincerity.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews