Justin Panus

Don’t make friends with an AI chatbot. Make friends with ME. I’m real!

I believe that perspective defines our individuality, and individuality evolves with new perspectives. So, let’s welcome conversation with clarity and let our thoughts reflect the leaves of autumn: vibrant, colorful, and ever in motion.

I started this profile to develop new friendships with like minds and those with differing opinions. Not to sound conceited, but I am one of the better friends you could meet. I offer you my excellent ability to listen and give you my best choice of words. The ones you want to hear and the ones you need to navigate life. I’ve learned how important it is to understand the perspectives of others in order to communicate and learn, even if we disagree. It can even give me better insight into my own iniquities. Since my incarceration, I chose to seek growth through understanding, communication, and physical/mental fitness, and I have improved my life as a result.

The world is in constant motion, and I believe that we’re faced with a daily objective of self-improvement, innovation, and always striving to raise the bar. Yoda said it best: “Do or do not, there is no try.” So, I do my best to approach my faults with honesty and reflection. I’m solution-focused, positive while pragmatic, and exercise finess to achieve a desired result. I have a good habit of being rational, and I think outside of the box almost to a fault.

I grew up attending private Catholic schools, and in 2007 I joined the U.S. Army. I’ve taken an interest in business and finance, and prior to my incarceration, I worked in management in Austin, Texas, while graduating the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations. I enjoy(ed) humor, camping, cooking, motorcycles, playing guitar (I played in a metal band, I’m a Swiftie, and I love almost all music), and I partook in competitive shooting.

My ideal weekend would include a fusion of either barbecuing, boating at the lake, sharing food and drinks, live music, or practicing at the range. As of the moment, I focus on my health and quality of life. I’m actively engaged in various forms of litigation, including my criminal appeal. In addition, I co-authored a report exposing Texas prison conditions, which was published by the Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at NYU Law and submitted to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission. I can happily provide links to these!

My day-to-day life is great, for prison. I live in a luxurious housing area called the “Forever Sober Program,” which is featured on the Robertson Unit Facebook page. Some of my weekly activities include attending self-help classes, physical fitness, reading, and watching movies or playing Xbox. I currently serve as the General Secretary of the National Lawyers Guild – Prison Chapter, as well as the Secretary of Administration for the Veterans Incarcerated Group at my unit. I help strategize litigation, conduct the veterans’ program, as well as Buddhist services.

Despite what my conviction says, I care deeply for the safety and security of family, friends, and neighbors. A short synopsis is that I attempted to come to the aid of someone whose safety I believed was compromised. I had adequate reason at the time to support this conclusion given the situation. It backfired on me, and I was set for failure with the attorney that I was appointed. I am open to going into more detail, and the evidence speaks for itself. Law and order is wonderful, but it must be adjudicated fairly, and I feel that it’s become overly politicized and biased. I’ve realized that the dragnet of justice does not sell dolphin-free tuna.

It would be wonderful to chat with you! The best way to contact me is by sending a message to my tablet via Securus. The slower option is to write me at our digital processing center; you will find the address in the contact information tab of my profile.

If anyone knows Mandarin, I am very interested in learning!

Take care!
– Justin