Difference between revisions of "Prepare for Jail"

Jail and prison are two different institutions. Jails are most often run by sheriffs and/or local governments and are designed for holding individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences shorter than a year. Prisons are operated by the state and federal government and hold people convicted of crimes and sentenced for more than one year. Both institutions provide specialized services, but depending on where you end up, those services will differ. The list could go on and on, but what is certain is that some basic preparation will help you in either situation.<ref name="rf1">http://sheriff.org/faqs/displayfaq.cfm?id=4f892698-5c5d-40f8-b159-c9a0b6ed66f3</ref> So before your go to jail, you’ll want to learn as much about the institution as possible, in addition to the imprisoned population. Think of yourself as an anthropologist, learning the rules of a new society. If you can do this and keep your cool, you can make your time served easier for yourself.

[[Category: Personal Development]]

#Talk to your employer. Whether you're going to be in jail for a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or longer, you need to be honest with your employer. Tell him why you are leaving. You don't need to be explicit - especially if the details are sensitive - but you should not leave him and your co-workers in the dark. They'll need time to cover for you while your gone.<ref name="rf2">https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/media/publications/jail_media_county_jail_survival_guide.pdf</ref>

#Get your finances in order. Talk to your credit card companies. Put your cell phone plan on hold to avoid unnecessary charges while you are in jail. Not taking care of something so simple as this can ruin your credit for you when you get out. If you have a financed car, try to sell it. Many ex-prisoners face bankruptcy when they get released because they don't focus on these issues beforehand.<ref name="rf2" />

#Borrow money to put on your account. When you get into the jail, you'll have a flex account you can use to buy basic things from the commissary. Make sure you have surplus cash just in case. It will come in handy while you are in there.<ref name="rf2" />

#Get your attorney to file for a review at sentencing. If you are sentenced to 12 months in jail, you can have your case reviewed after a couple of months. If you've behaved well in prison and your lawyer makes a good case for your release, you may get to leave early.<ref name="rf2" />

#* If your child doesn't have a family member to take care of them, they'll be placed in foster care for the duration of your sentence. Cases vary based on the crime you've committed. For violent offenses, you may lose custody completely - in which case your child may be put up for adoption.<ref name="rf3">http://www.f2f.ca.gov/res/pdf/KnowYourRightsManual.pdf</ref> If you can figure all of this out before you go to jail, you'll be in a much better position. Filing claims, talking to judges, and working through the red tape while behind bars is a difficult task.  

#* Also figure out what you can do during visitation. This can range from simply talking to board games. Other places allow conjugal visits. Contact your jail before you are put in to see what they allow.<ref name="rf4">http://www.jailexchange.com/jail_and_inmate_search_blog/index.php/jail-and-prison-inmate-visitation-general-rules-and-guidelines-for-visiting-an-inmate-in-a-county-jail/inmate-visitation-2/</ref>

#* Also figure out how you can deposit money into your account. Most places ask for a check, but some places allow you to deposit money online. This is a great option for family members on the outside. It’ll save them a trip to the office in the jail.<ref name="rf2" />

#Learn what constitutes “good behavior”. Many jail or prison sentences can be reduced for good behavior. Talk to your jail ahead of time to see what specifically they look for. Simply asking might even help you get in good with the guards and staff. Avoid drugs and other violent/sexual offenses.<ref name="rf2" />

#* Remember that, especially in the USA, jails are overcrowded so time off for good behavior is possible. Some jails will even cut your sentence short by a third for good behavior.<ref name="rf2" />

#Talk to your jail about general services. Educational services, work programs, and detox/medical options are available at most jails. In order to make the most of your time, you’ll need to be aware of what is offered. Don’t waste your time behind bars. Take the time to learn, pick up a craft, or get off of drugs. Most of these services are free to use while serving time. <ref name="rf2" />

#Eat. Meals come few and far between, and minutes seem like hours in jail. Don’t give away your food. This might seem like favoritism. The food is the worst you will ever eat, but now is not the time to be picky. Save up some money and buy Ramen noodles from the commissary desk. <ref name="rf2" />

#Get in shape. If your jail has gym equipment, use it. You have nothing but time. Many jails in the US don’t have gym equipment any more. Rumors say it’s because inmates were getting too strong for the guards. More likely, its absence is best explained by the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining gym equipment. Either way, you can still work out. Do pushups, lunges, sit-ups, and other exercises in the confines of your cell. Take up jogging/running on the rec. field.<ref name="rf2" /> A healthy body leads to a healthy attitude, which can make your stay more bearable.

#Read a lot. Reading is the easiest and cheapest form of entertainment and education in the joint. There may be a TV available, but inmates rarely come to a consensus on what to watch, so most just read. There is a lot of time to kill in jail. Books generally take a long time to read. Pick up-lifting, interesting, or informative books. Whatever will lift your spirits or keep you engaged is best. Why not try Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo?<ref name="rf2" />

#Maintain outside relationships. Call and write to your friends and family frequently. It will give you a sense of connection with the outside world. Phone calls can be made differently based on your location. Some jails/prisons require phone cards that can be purchased at the commissary desk (a general store in a jailhouse). The same goes for stamps. Just be aware that all communications in and out of the jail are subject to surveillance. Don’t call to tell your loved ones where the body or money is buried — either literally or figuratively.<ref name="rf2" />

#Communicate with your lawyer. Depending on your case, your lawyer might need information from you. In order for him to work hard on your behalf, he'll need you to be as cooperative as possible. Moreover, talking with your lawyer about your case and your time in lock up can be a great way to pass the time. It can give you hope if you receive good news, but at the very least, you'll be informed. Often times, lawyers can help with other problems associated with jail time. Issues like child custody and paying bills can often times be completed through your lawyer.<ref name="rf5">http://civilrights.findlaw.com/other-constitutional-rights/rights-of-inmates.html</ref>