About "Forgotten Prisoners" TV show
The 2nd Chance Saves Lives organization proudly presents their upcoming TV show spin-off, "2nd Chance Saves: FORGOTTEN PRISONERS," a meticulously crafted docu-series hosted by Former Special Agent, John Fitzgerald of the Department of Justice.
We are embarking on an exciting journey to shed light on cases where significant issues of due process errors may exist. Under the purview of the 5th and 14th Amendments, due process mandates that the prosecution of a defendant must be devoid of police errors, prosecutorial misconduct, inadequate legal representation, and judicial corruption. When a case is 'reversed,' it signifies a breach in some aspect of due process.
While the American judicial process is renowned for its commitment to the 'rule of law,' it is not immune to lapses, often rooted in incompetence, indifference, or outright dishonesty. Lives are forever altered when those within the criminal justice system fail to uphold their oath to uphold the Constitution. To support the Constitution is to honor the constitutional rights of all individuals. Every criminal defendant deserves a court system that ensures the honest and equitable dispensation of justice.
Regrettably, there have been instances where decisions made by criminal justice professionals – from law enforcement obtaining questionable evidence to public defenders advocating plea deals instead of trials, prosecutors withholding exonerating evidence, and judges overseeing improper court proceedings – have irrevocably harmed the lives of defendants who were later exonerated.
Our objectives are to provide public education on the preservation of constitutional rights, pose pertinent questions regarding each case, and engage in behind-the-scenes efforts to communicate each case to individuals in positions capable of expediting their release or pardon. If, in doing so, we can play a role in spotlighting information that may lead to the exoneration of those featured on our show, it reaffirms the efficacy of our justice system.
Stay tuned for the upcoming first season.
host of show
Former Special Agent, U.S. Dept. of Justice, John Fitzgerald
John Fitzgerald boasts an illustrious career as a former Special Agent within the United States Department of Justice, with extensive experience spanning the Los Angeles and New York Field Divisions. During the period from 2012 to 2016, he assumed command of security operations across 35 nations, including the management of a Crime Suppression and Counter-terrorism Task Force in collaboration with the Brazilian Civil Police for high-profile events such as the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Mr. Fitzgerald's professional journey has seen him collaborate closely with esteemed agencies, including task force assignments with the United States Secret Service and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, where he served as a Supervisory Agent responsible for safeguarding the lives of both U.S. presidents and numerous foreign dignitaries.
Beyond his distinguished law enforcement career, John Fitzgerald functions as a highly regarded Criminal Justice consultant, lending his expertise to criminal and family law attorneys. He has earned recognition as a preeminent authority in personal protection and international security, offering critical insights that extend to his testimony in Hague Convention Child Abduction cases.
John's academic background is equally impressive, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Science in Secondary English Education. Prior to his distinguished role within the U.S. Department of Justice, he dedicated three years to the New York City Board of Education, where he taught English and English as a Second Language.
His commitment to public service extends to his active participation in esteemed organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation InfraGard and the Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). John Fitzgerald stands as a testament to the caliber of professionals who contribute significantly to the field of law enforcement and security.
All inquires regarding protective / investigative services can be submitted HERE.
OUR GUEST CO-HOSTs
Attorney, Juan A. Tijerina
Juan A. Tijerina, a native of Edinburg, Texas, is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse educational and professional background. He earned a dual bachelor's degree in Sociology and Political Science from UT-Pan American (UTPA) and later attained a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from the same institution. Mr. Tijerina's career journey began as a case worker at Tropical Texas, where he subsequently transitioned into the role of an on-call clinician for their crisis intervention unit. His dedication to the field led to an adjunct instructor position at STC, where he contributed to the Psychology Department. With an inherent understanding of government program management within workforce development agencies in the Rio Grande Valley, Mr. Tijerina has honed his skills in contract negotiations and policy development. This invaluable experience laid the foundation for his legal pursuits.
He pursued his legal education at the Texas Wesleyan School of Law in North Texas and began his legal career as a prosecutor for Dallas County. His dedication to justice brought him back to the Rio Grande Valley, where he served as a prosecutor for the Hidalgo County District Attorney's office and later worked as a civil attorney at Hockema & Longoria. In 2008, Mr. Tijerina embarked on his own journey, establishing a general law practice that primarily specializes in criminal defense. His career then led him back to the Dallas County District Attorney's Office in 2014, where he contributed to the White Collar Crime Division. In 2016, he returned to Hidalgo County, resuming his general law practice, and has since been diligently representing the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley.
Juan A. Tijerina's diverse professional experiences and unwavering commitment to justice underscore his significant contributions to the legal field and his dedication to serving the community.
Attorney, Dawn Neufeld
Dawn Neufeld, a versatile and compassionate individual, boasts a rich and multifaceted background. Hailing from California, her early passion for acting propelled her into roles on various television shows and in theatrical productions. During her college years, Dawn skillfully balanced her academic pursuits with a burgeoning career in modeling and acting. Her academic journey culminated in the attainment of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies with a Women’s Studies minor from UCLA.
Not one to be confined to a single arena, Dawn embarked on a legal path, earning her law degree from the UC Davis School of Law. She is duly licensed to practice law in both California since 2002 and Texas since 2009. Her legal career commenced at the esteemed Los Angeles firm Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt.
A significant life transition led her to Buffalo, New York, where her former husband played for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. Immersing herself in the community, she earned recognition as the Buffalo Bills Women’s Association Woman of the Year in 2007 for her outstanding charitable contributions.
Upon her return to her hometown of Frisco, Texas, in 2008, Dawn enthusiastically embraced the local television scene while reestablishing her legal career. Her professional journey recently saw her practicing business litigation at Graham, Bright & Smith, with current endeavors focused on establishing on nurturing her talents in writing and public speaking.
Dawn's diverse background has made her a sought-after contributor to national and local broadcasts and television shows, including prominent platforms such as the Today Show, CNN Headline News, Inside Edition, and Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell. Her discussions span a wide spectrum, from tackling pressing legal topics to candidly sharing her own personal experiences as a football wife, dedicated autism mom, and survivor of domestic abuse.
Passionately committed to giving back to her community, Dawn dedicates her time and resources to various charitable organizations, including the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, KultureCity, the Junior League of Dallas, and Attorneys Serving the Community, among others. Her community involvement extends to her role on the boards of the Dallas Theater Center and Helping Restore Ability. Dawn Neufeld is also an active participant and former board member of Off the Field, the national football wives association, where she tirelessly advocates for the well-being of professional athletes and their families. Her diverse and impactful contributions reflect her status as a distinguished figure in both the legal and philanthropic realms.
