From Jail to Healing: Adina’s Journey Through Trauma-Informed Defense

Episode Summary

In Part 2 of this compelling conversation, defense attorney William Pernik reunites with his former client Adina, whose story of addiction, trauma, and transformation sheds light on what it really takes to break the cycle of incarceration. Host Kevin Rosenquist guides the discussion as William and Adina reveal how trauma-informed treatment, client-centered advocacy, and unwavering persistence can offer a path out of our criminal justice system and into recovery.

Together, Willian and Adina unpack how treatment, though more painful than jail, can unlock healing when it’s properly supported, why shame keeps people from reconnecting with loved ones, and how defense attorneys can better serve clients battling addiction and mental illness. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the legal, recovery, or advocacy space.

 

Key Timestamps

• 01:21 – William explains why he asks “why” when someone is arrested, and how that question changes everything.
• 01:56 – Discussion on how mental health and addiction evaluations shape legal strategy.
• 04:33 – William breaks down what a holistic defense looks like, balancing legal motions with real-world healing opportunities.
• 06:28 – A case example: how treatment saved a woman from years in prison.
• 08:45 – William and Adina reflect on where they met and how far she’s come.
• 10:35 – Adina shares how her addiction began and the role trauma played.
• 12:05 – William discusses how Adina changed how he sees mental health in the legal system.
• 14:20 – A look at the strategy shift that gave Adina a real chance at recovery.
• 18:25 – Adina opens up about why jail was easier and why real recovery took so long.
• 21:01 – How shame and disconnection keep people stuck and how Adina reconnected with her family.
• 24:00 – What finally clicked for Adina and how she avoided giving up.
• 27:49 – William asks how attorneys can help people who don’t want help yet.
• 30:10 – Adina explains why no one can be forced into sobriety but why persistence still matters.
• 33:45 – William discusses how he gets clients to imagine a different future.
• 37:30 – A conversation about why jail isn’t a deterrent and why people fear life more than death.
• 39:10 – The importance of identifying disorders and the trauma beneath addiction.
• 40:40 – Adina shares what her life looks like now and how she’s helping others.
• 48:25 – William offers advice to clients on how to own their narrative once their legal case ends.
• 50:10 – Adina and William reflect on healing, advocacy, and what comes next.
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About the Show:

Counselor: Beyond Conventional Defense challenges the traditional approach to criminal defense. Hosted by attorney William Pernik, this podcast goes deeper into trauma, recovery, and the human stories that fuel transformation. It’s a show for people impacted by the justice system, for families seeking hope, and for legal professionals who believe in real, systemic change.