Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Source | Managing Director at Criminal Center

Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is the Managing Director of the Criminal Center, a leading federal criminal defense law firm and federal prison consultancy. With a distinguished career that blends legal acumen, business leadership, and a deep understanding of the U.S. federal prison system, Chris is recognized as one of the foremost experts on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and federal prison policy.

Chris’s expertise in federal prison matters is backed by years of hands-on experience, including consulting on high-profile cases involving federal criminal defendants and providing expert witness testimony on BOP policies and conditions of confinement. His role as a thought leader is further solidified by his extensive contributions to legal scholarship and media commentary on topics related to federal incarceration, prison reform, and criminal justice policy.

Earning his law degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, Chris has been instrumental in guiding clients through complex federal criminal defense cases, ensuring they receive the best possible representation. His comprehensive approach to legal defense is informed by his in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of federal prison operations, making him a go-to expert for legal professionals, media outlets, and policymakers alike.

In addition to his legal practice, Chris is a prolific author and respected commentator who has extensively explored the intersection of law, policy, and the experiences of individuals within the federal prison system. His publications, including the Federal Prison Handbook, Directory of Federal Prisons, The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, College for Convicts, and the Prison Education Guide, are widely recognized as essential resources on federal criminal justice and prison reform. Chris’s insights have also been featured in prominent media outlets such as USA Today, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, New York Daily News, and The Hill.

Beyond his writing, Chris serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Human Rights Defense Center, the publisher of Prison Legal News and Criminal Legal News. In this role, he continues to advocate for prisoners’ rights and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around criminal justice reform.

Chris can be contacted for expert commentary or consulting through the Criminal Center at 843-620-1100 or Chris@CriminalCenter.com. He can be found online at https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/.