Welcome to Locked Up Consulting

Hi, I’m Charlotte Virginia Sowards. I understand firsthand the challenges and fears that come with incarceration. I spent 11 years in the Florida state prison system after a tragic DUI accident that claimed the life of a man and left three others injured. Following 1.5 years out on bond, I was sentenced to 13 years in prison and 7 years of felony probation.

The transition from freedom to incarceration was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It began with my initial lockup in county jail, where the reality of my situation hit me hard. The confusion, fear, and uncertainty were overwhelming as I navigated the first days of confinement. After some time in county, I was transferred to prison, where I faced new challenges and had to learn how to adapt to a completely different environment.

During my time behind bars, I committed myself to personal growth and rehabilitation, completing numerous programs, including dog training, Toastmasters, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and creative writing. My journey has taken me through all four remaining women’s prisons in Florida and over a year at a work release center.

Now, I’m here to share my experiences and insights to help others prepare for prison life. My goal is to empower women and their families by providing the knowledge and support they need to navigate this difficult time.