Frequently Asked Questions

The criminal justice system (CJS) is "sticky." We think that sometimes people get stuck in the criminal justice system and that sometimes it is because of the CJS itself. We want to find out how some individuals get stuck and why others become unstuck. Are the requirements for probation or diversion too hard to meet? Do friends and family help or hinder your involvement with the CJS? We want to learn about the criminal justice experiences from people who are directly affected by it.

Our questions will revolve around your criminal history, your current employment and family situations, and challenges avoiding criminal behavior and/or the criminal justice system.

You must be at least 18 years old and have been convicted of at least one felony in FL since 2011.

You can schedule an interview here! Available interview timeslots will be displayed. Choose a date and time that works for you and enter a name and a valid email address. Once you sign up for a time a member of the research team will contact you to make sure that you're eligible for the study and answer any questions.

Yes! If you received a withhold you can participate.

Yes! We want to hear how you've been able to stay out of the criminal justice system.

The interview will be approximately 45 minutes.

The interview will either be online through Zoom or we can call you. You will choose your preference when you register.

If you choose Zoom, you must be able to access the internet through your phone or your computer to participate and you must download and install the Zoom app. You will get the link for the interview by email, so be sure to enter a valid email address when you sign up.

Yes. As appreciation for you taking the time to talk with us we will provide you with a $50 gift card to Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

You will receive your $50 compensation in the form of an Amazon, Target, or Walmart gift card by email. You will need to enter a valid email address when you schedule your interview.

You will be prompted to make a selection when you schedule your interview. The interview team will also verify your choice before sending the gift card.

You will be paid for the part of the interview that you did complete. For example, if you complete half of the questions, you will be compensated $25. The information provided during incomplete interviews will still be used in the research project unless you expressly tell the research team not to use it.

Yes! Any information that you share, including your name, is strictly confidential and will not be shared outside the research team.

No! You do not have to use your real name.

The information from the interview is valuable and will help the USF research team identify challenges that people face when trying to stay out of trouble and exit the criminal justice system. We will use the information to write a research report or manuscript summarizing what we have found. We hope that this information will lead to improved justice and fairness in the CJS.

Yes! They can also sign up for an interview as long as they meet the qualifications. We only have a limited number of gift cards though, so when we run out we will not be conducting any more interviews.

You can email Dr. Boggess at lboggess@usf.edu or leave a message at 813-974-9556 and someone from the research time will call you back.