The criminal justice system does not make significant allowances for "first time offenders" There is a chart that is set up like a grid where the sentencing guidelines are an actual point system. Points given to the various aspects of the conviction. Once the points are added up, the judge is give a range to determine the sentence.  Another element to sentencing is the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) that is compiled and written by the Pre-Sentence Investigator (PSI), This report compiles...

This situation can definitely be confusing because terms like “half time” and “33%” are often used loosely, and they do not always mean the same thing once the sentence is being calculated by the prison system. In California, most nonviolent offenses fall under what is commonly called “half time,” which means the inmate can earn up to 50% off their sentence through good behavior and participation. However, there are exceptions where the credit earning rate is reduced to about 33%, and...

When an inmate is transferred from a county jail to a state prison (DOC), their personal property like wallets, clothing, and personal items is handled by the jail, not sent with them. What usually happens to the property: 1. Held by the jail: The facility may store the property until release This is common if no arrangements are made 2. Picked up by family or friends: Many jails allow a designated person to pick it up The person may need: Valid ID Authorization from the inmate 3. Mailed out: Some facilities will ship the property to a...

At Ohio Reformatory for Women, you will need the inmate’s ID number to send money, whether you use a service or mail. Why the ID number matters: It ensures the money is applied to the correct inmate account Facilities process thousands of deposits, so names alone are not enough Your options: 1. Western Union or electronic services: Require the inmate ID number to complete the transaction Fastest way once you have the correct information 2. Money order by mail: Some facilities may accept it, but You will still usually need the ID number listed on the money order How...

Delivery time: Letters sent through InmateAid usually arrive at the facility in 2–3 business days After that, mail is opened, inspected, and sorted Delivery to the inmate typically takes another 1–5 days So most inmates receive your letter within 3–7 days total, depending on the facility. What the inmate sees: Your name appears on the letter Your home address is NOT shown unless you include it yourself How they know how to write back: The letter includes the InmateAid return address They can write back to that address just like regular mail How replies work: The inmate sends the letter...

You will know when they decide. There is no magical process that we are in on. If he was recommended six months, more than likely he will get it. Most federal inmates are getting six months these days - even more months if they started with longer sentences. Halfway house is no joke either. The inmate must look for a job and pay the house one-third of their pay for the entire six months. Newly released inmates get a false...

Inmates that have money on their inmate trust accounts can purchase stamps and envelopes at the weekly commissary. If they do not have money on their books, the prison will provide indigent inmates with all the materials necessary to send out mail to their loved ones. If your inmate writes to you directly, using your address, the cost of the mailing is a 49 cent stamp. Many of our members use the Inmate Response Mail service through InmateAid. Your inmate would write you back to the...

When you set up a number for your son to call, the facility will not automatically notify him. It is your responsibility to make sure he knows. Best ways to let him know: Send him a letter with the new number clearly written Tell him during your next phone call (if possible) Make sure the number is easy to read and correct Important details: The number usually needs to be approved and added to his phone list Staff rarely pass along messages, so do not rely on them What happens next: Once he has the...