Almost Innocent: From Searching to Saved in America's Criminal Justice System

by Shanti Brien

From practicing attorney and criminal justice advocate Shanti Brien comes an insider’s account of the messy, tragic, and often unjust legal system in America From defunding the police to the college admission scandal, from the national rise in crime to seditious mobs escaping prosecution, criminal justice is one of the most urgent issues of our time. Part memoir, part political commentary, Almost Innocent details the stories of nine legal cases and goes behind the headlines to break down the dichotomies our country grapples with—us versus them, good versus bad, guilt versus innocence, Black versus White—and challenges us to explore the humanity in between. Weaving stories of the obviously guilty to the surprisingly innocent, Almost Innocent is a love letter to the author’s clients. Though their profiles are as individual as their sentences—the teenage gang member whose gun never fired, the victim of the world’s most vindictive HOA, the soft-spoken three-strikes rapist, and the get-away driver—all touched Shanti Brien’s life in surprising ways. They saved her from stupid mistakes, strengthened her football-ravaged marriage, and taught her about humility, redemption, and humanity. Almost Innocent is an intimate portrait of the criminal justice system, offering suggestions for what it could more fair, more humane, and more just.

Genres: Nonfiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2021

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Shanti Brien’s experience in the criminal justice system that she experienced beginning first as a law student, on through becoming more experienced as she became a full-fledged practicing attorney. She was also the wife of an NFL player and businessman, and eventually a mother to three children. The book recounts some of her more fascinating cases and how she dealt with them while juggling being a wife and mother, and many relocations. I found the criminal justice aspects really riveting as she kept getting such awful cases and worked so hard to try and help them somehow. These are horror stories of young people being sentenced to one or more life sentences, either wrongly, or for seemingly minor offenses. There’s just something off about each one that really requires looking into. I really enjoyed her book, sharing about her career, family, and insights. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Shanti Brien, and the publisher.

[Camden Hoeffner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shanti Brien explores the trials and tribulations of the criminal justice system by mixing her own personal struggles with the struggles of her clients. Shanti is in the unique position of being an attorney and the wife of an accused. Throughout this book she tells the stories of her own clients as well as her own families struggle to defend her husband from charges of bid-rigging on foreclosed homes. Shanti is not only an attorney, she is an appellate attorney. This is a really difficult and unique position to discuss the criminal justice system. Shanti's whole job is to argue that someone else made a mistake or was wrong, which (needless to say) is a massive undertaking in the American legal system. I appreciated the personal touches and empathy Shanti included. She was vulnerable about what she was going through, what her family has gone through, and how her client's and their cases have impacted her both professionally and personally. She also very tactfully and gracefully included and discussed the bias and discrimination inherent in our criminal justice system.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Innocent, a thought provoking real-life account of Shanti Brien in the throes of raising children whilst her husband's future (and her family’s) is on the line.

I assumed this would be about one case, her husband's. But instead Shanti shared her own personal struggles growing up and entering the legal field. She connected us with felons, recounting myriad inequities within the legal field that it was hard to actually read some of it. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong race, wrong choice - all sorts of wrongs. Like Shanti, I reflected on various lucky escapes from childhood errors and bad choices. So easily, those convicts could be any one of us. A painful pill to swallow that an actual perpetrator could walk free after a short sentence and a deal when someone else is sentenced to 72 years who committed a much lesser offence. Some harsh but necessary statistics about who the legal system favours.

As Shanti said: "telling people the human story behind the label "criminal" has the power to change the world", I hope it does. As I retire to my sofa with another book in hand, I will think about David Tuggle, Nick Yang and Shanti and agree we are all "broken and flawed".

"Justice is finding your better self in the face of mistakes. Justice is admitting the truths about yourself - both your innocent mistakes and more malicious ones - then accepting them". We all make foolish mistakes, only some of us continue to pay the consequences. Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this thought provoking read.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an non-American, I am always surprised by the American judicial system when reading about it.

Shanti Brien is so wise : she knows the system, how it works and how it breaks people. Being someone's last resort is a responsibility she willingly took for years. She probably never imagined having her family on the other side of the screen, being the ones who needed legal help. And she kept going with her work, her life, keeping her family together and protecting her kids from what was going on.

I totally get why she had to quit this job but too bad for the innocent people who could have used her help. She is great and this testimony is as much a love letter to her family that it is a plea for a change of the American judicial system.

Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Eric Heard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Innocent was very rich in narrative that caught my attention from the beginning. As I read the book, I could visualize the characters and the actions throughout the story. Reading through the early chapters, I started to empathize with the characters in the book and had to read to see what would happen to each one of them. There was also the theme of Innocence that I found to be very engaging. Whether it was the situation of little child, a desperate inmate or a concerned wife, the writer was able to weave the theme of innocence throughout each of these stories. I highly recommend this book for those that want another perspective of our Justice system and gain some understanding of the behind the scenes that occur which is usually off limits to most people.

[Kelly Howes-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Almost Innocent by Shanti Brien to a very well-written book. The book weaves into a mix of her own personal experience with the criminal justice system, and that of her clients, as Shanti is an attorney and married to an NFL player who owns a real estate investment company that comes under investigation by the Department of Justice. The book discusses nine of her clients who are both innocent and guilty. I found this book to be interesting, and I would recommend it.

I would like to thank you to NetGalley, Shanti Brien, and Amplify publishing for allowing me to preview this book prior to publication in exchange for my honest review.

[CosyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic. Shanti's writing is honestly a pleasure to read. It's clean, polished and highly articulate, but not in a way that will leave the reader feeling intellectually inadequate - quite the opposite. Shanti's words are empowering.

This book took me through a range of emotions, from anger, frustration and heartache, to acceptance and a feeling of hope.

I think what I enjoyed most about Shanti's story was the overwhelming feeling that she is unashamedly - human. She is openly honest, passionate, unrelentingly hard-working and courageous. She is also well aware of her short comings and mistakes. It was so refreshing.

I feel like this story has made me a better person. A more compassionate, more forgiving and hopefully more courageous person. We should always stand up for what is right, no matter the odds or how hard.

"I remain convinced that telling people the human story behind the label “criminal” has the power to change the world." - Shanti Brien

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Amplify Publishing for allowing me access to a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annemarie O'brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanti Brien combines memoir, the justice/injustice of the legal system, and stories of the clients she represented into a page turning, can't put it down read. I learned so much about appeals and criminal cases. As a mother of bi-racial kids, I fear for them and hope that people like Shanti can help provide a solution to a more fair system as she educates people about the process and what needs to be improved. A must read for anyone interested in social justice, legal reform, and stories that represent the human-side and voice of her clients.

[Christine Wente · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author brilliantly weaves together her personal and professional experiences with the criminal justice system, shedding light on many of the challenges within the system. The stories are engaging and intimate, while at the same time smart and analytical. Shanti Brien entertains and educates as she shares what she has learned during her life as an attorney, a mother, and a wife. Highly recommended!

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peek into the dark side of the criminal justice system by an attorney who has witnessed it first hand. Brien pulls back the curtain and shows how much the courts are stacked against the poor or the minorities. Possibly by outright racism, a lack of funding and time, an uncaring profession, or a combination of all, the author makes a strong case that the system is broken.
Good and engaging writing makes for an enjoyable, yet disturbing read.

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read. Shanti provides the reader a colorful lens into her life journey and commitment to improve the criminal justice system. The powerful case stories shared explain her legal perspective and passion which has been authentically chronicled by professional and personal relationships formed over decades. The real fascinating story here is Shanti’s exceptional moral compass from a young age to live, learn and take action towards improvement.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanti Brien Takes an overwhelming topic — the criminal justice system and how it treats people of privilege so differently from people who are disadvantaged — and interweaves her own story to illustrate these disparities.

I found it really engaging and inspiring, despite the stories’ often-discouraging outcomes. The author is not only highly intelligent and accomplished, she is obviously deeply compassionate and insightful. We need more people like this in our legal and political systems!

[Al Menaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a fabulous book. Brien recounts a bunch of appeals (federal and California) she handled. Riverting, compelling stories of injustice. And she mostly loses, because that's how appeals go. These are interspersed with personal stories. I didn't like this at first, but I grew to appreciate her point, which is that these injustices can happen to the client whose story she's about to tell, or herself, or you.

[Nathan R. Gilliland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanti provides a timely reflection on our criminal justice system, by personalizing the individuals, from gang members to to get-away drivers. Rather than focus on statistics and race, Almost Innocent brings compassionate portraits to the conversation. Given the complexities of our country, this book felt timely and moving.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that helps shed light on the criminal justice system and its gaps. It shows compassion to the people in the cases it features, as well as compassion to us, the reader, in understanding our roles in condoning an imbalanced system. It shows us a path forward. It is readable, told with humor and I highly recommend!

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great balance of analytical and personal experience of the criminal justice system. The author did well to cover so many different perspectives in telling what is clearly a story of great personal importance. Well written and clear in its explanation of sometimes complex issues, this is an interesting book which will appeal to many.

[Susan Willrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Innocent is riveting! The author adeptly weaves together gut-wrenching, real life stories that illuminate the tragic flaws in our legal system. I appreciate her honesty & willingness to open up her own personal struggles to find balance as a wife (of an NFL football player), mother, and dedicated attorney. Despite the nearly impossible struggles and tragedies this memoir reveals, I emerged feeling inspired by her dedication, passion and authenticity. Great read!!

[Anna Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the book in a matter of days. I absolutely loved it!! It was so well written and very interesting. It opened my eyes to me many issues I never thought of and I learned a lot. Super impressive

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing memoir. Deft transitions from various story lines had me turning page after page. Unflinching honesty and self reflection about parenthood resonated, taking me back to the challenging days of raising a toddler. Anecdotes about oral arguments and courtroom victories and criminal investigations amazed me, leaving me in awe of the author’s legal accomplishments and fortitude.

Highly recommend.

[Annina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Shanti has opened my eyes to flaws with our criminal justice system. The book is raw, honest and personal. A fantastic read that had me smiling and crying. For anyone looking for a great read...check out this book, you won't want to put it down. Enjoy!

[Jan Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely interesting book about issues within the legal and prison system interspersed with personal experiences as an NFL wife, a subpoena from the Federal government for her husband and juggling life as a working mom. Forthright, honest, articulate writing in a unique memoir well worth reading!

[Debra Yau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this read. So honest and thought provoking. Shanti Brien is a master at bringing her readers into her touching story about two people holding each other up with their sights on the one and only prize that will get them through this thing called life. And that is Hope. A must read!

[Caroline David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well-written book exploring the criminal justice system. With the timing of it’s release, it’s bound to be a hit. I would love a podcast from the author about her stories.

[Gigi Orta · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Loved this book. Great mix of legal and personal, a very compelling read. Recommend!!

[Renee Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting memoir and political commentary. Definitely something different amd out of the box. Definitely worth a look!

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Vaughan Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about our broken criminal justice system as told through a handful of cases interwoven with Shanti’s own life story.

[Charla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to very eye-opening and unique. It is very engaging and well written. The author gives us a closeup view of the criminal justice system from her perspective as a criminal appeals lawyer. After reading about some of her clients’ cases, I came away thinking we have a criminal INJUSTICE system where convictions matter more than justice to police and prosecutors, and even completely innocent people can get swept into the system and have their lives ruined. The author weaves in details of her own life as a lawyer, wife, and mother and shares many challenges and struggles. She comes across as a very principled, industrious, and inspiring person. Her own husband’s brush with the legal system anchors the book from start to finish and demonstrates how even an innocent person can be caught up in legal jeopardy. The author makes a strong case that our current system of incarceration is just a continuation of slavery and Jim Crow laws against citizens of color. She points out that sometimes it’s just a matter of who you are or if you get lucky whether you get arrested or not. Her commitment to her clients is awe-inspiring as she engages in what must be one of the most frustrating and disheartening types of legal practice: appeals. Her effort to get a new trial or new sentencing is nearly always an uphill battle but she keeps fighting the good fight. Read this book and you will gain a whole new understanding of our criminal Justice system.

[TKP · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I expected it to be. I work in this field of investigations so it was fascinating reading this story from the viewpoint not of someone who just inspected these cases but was so closely linked to the person being investigated.

I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in these financial crime cases.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book I just could not put it down. I loved the mix between personal and the cases she actually worked on. The fact it was all based on true events is even better in my opinion.

This book was so transparent, it gave you all the struggles Shanti and her family faced, it was raw. The beauty of the book was that when they overcome the hard times it was even more endearing because it was real life.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone! It is one I’d happily pick up and read again, no doubt.