LIVE ARCHIVE UPDATED DAILY

Ask The Inmate. Real answers from people who've been there.

Ask a former inmate your toughest questions about jail, prison, visitation, phone calls, bail, and more. No charge. No account required.

  • 5,528+ questions answered
  • Former federal & state inmates
  • Answered within 24 hours
  • Always free

Your question is reviewed by former inmates with direct federal and state experience. Free, always.

Recently Asked
More Questions

Send Books and Magazines
Can I send an inmate a book through US mai?
You shouldn't send a book directly through the mail, the prisons and jails require all publications (ie magazines) to come directly from the publisher.…

You shouldn't send a book directly through the mail, the prisons and jails require all publications (ie magazines) to come directly from the publisher. Amazon is the best and most widely accepted method of sending books inside.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

General Prison Questions-Terminology
What can a female take into Leidel upon entry?
nothing, anything they bring with them will be returned home except for the clothes on their back.…

nothing, anything they bring with them will be returned home except for the clothes on their back. everything that they'll need to subside with will be provided by the facility.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Send Books and Magazines
I Accidentally Ordered the Same Magazine Subscription Twice. How Do I Fix It?
No need to worry.…

No need to worry. This happens occasionally and we are happy to make it right. InmateAid monitors all transactions and we often catch duplicate orders before they become a problem. If we have not already reached out to you about the duplicate charge simply send us an email at aid@inmateaid.com and we will process a refund for the duplicate order promptly. Please include your account email address and the name of the magazine in your message so we can locate the order...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Relationship Issues
Do inmates promise to marry you when they are in, then leave
It's understandable to feel confused and concerned about mixed messages from your husband.…

It's understandable to feel confused and concerned about mixed messages from your husband. Inmates often face intense emotional and psychological challenges while incarcerated, which can lead to inconsistent communication. When he says he wants the marriage, it likely reflects his desire to maintain stability and connection with you during a difficult time. However, if you’re noticing other signs that raise doubts, it’s important to trust your instincts and have an open, honest conversation with him about your concerns when possible. Regarding...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Relationship Issues
Why Doesn't My Incarcerated Husband Write More Often?
It's natural to have concerns and questions about your husband's feelings, especially given the limited contact you've had while he's incarcerated.…

It's natural to have concerns and questions about your husband's feelings, especially given the limited contact you've had while he's incarcerated. In situations like this, many factors could influence the frequency of communication, and it's important to consider these aspects before drawing any conclusions about his feelings for you. 1. Challenges of Incarceration: Restricted Communication: Incarceration often imposes significant limitations on how and when inmates can communicate with loved ones. Access to mail, phone calls, or other communication methods might be limited...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Inmate Phone Calls
Is there any way i can get a message to my inmate for free?
It can be difficult when distance prevents regular contact with a loved one who is incarcerated.…

It can be difficult when distance prevents regular contact with a loved one who is incarcerated. Unfortunately, most facilities do not allow inmates to make free calls, and direct calls from loved ones to inmates are typically not permitted. However, you can try contacting the facility’s case manager or counselor and explain your situation. They may be able to relay a message to your husband or confirm that he is okay. Additionally, you can write him a letter, which is...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Survive Prison
Who is the inmate featured in Life in a High-Security Prison
The documentary "USA - Life in a High Security Prison" (sometimes titled differently depending on the network or release) typically features multiple inmates…

The documentary "USA - Life in a High Security Prison" (sometimes titled differently depending on the network or release) typically features multiple inmates and correctional staff, providing an in-depth look at daily life inside a high-security or maximum-security prison in the United States. These documentaries aim to capture the harsh realities, routines, challenges, and stories of the inmates as well as the officers who work in such environments. Key Features and Common Backstories: Inmate Stories: Long-Term or Life Sentences: Many of the inmates...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Parole, Probation & Supervised Release
How do i find an inmate's release date and parole process?
Obtaining information about your inmate’s release date and understanding the parole process can be crucial for staying informed about their status and…

Obtaining information about your inmate’s release date and understanding the parole process can be crucial for staying informed about their status and supporting their reintegration. Here’s how you can access this information and an overview of the parole process: 1. How to Get Information About an Inmate’s Release Date: A. Online Inmate Locator Tools: State Department of Corrections (DOC) Website: Most states have an online inmate locator tool where you can search for an inmate's release date. Visit the website of the DOC...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Prison Rumors & Jail Scams
Are they able to write back on here
Yes, the service is called "Letters from Inmates".…

Yes, the service is called "Letters from Inmates". It allows the inmate to use the InmateAid address to receive your mail without giving out your physical address. There is a section on your Account Dashboard where incoming inmate mail is placed for your review. This is a huge service for people not wanting to expose their physical address where a bad-intentioned inmate could potentially extort a loved one on the outside. For $1.59, it's inexpensive 'peace of mind'.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Survive Prison
Will an Older Inmate Be Housed With People Their Own Age?
Housing assignments in correctional facilities are based on classification factors like security level, offense type, criminal history, and available bed space…

Housing assignments in correctional facilities are based on classification factors like security level, offense type, criminal history, and available bed space rather than age. There is no formal system that groups inmates by age the way a retirement community or assisted living facility might. A 59-year-old can absolutely end up housed alongside much younger inmates, depending on how the facility manages its population. That said, facilities do make some practical accommodations for older inmates that reflect an awareness of the physical...
Read more
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Prison Discipline
What is restrictive housing and can inmates still make calls
Restrictive housing is 'solitary confinement', and can be classified as "Administrative Segregation" or "Disciplinary Segregation" which to every inmate is…

Restrictive housing is 'solitary confinement', and can be classified as "Administrative Segregation" or "Disciplinary Segregation" which to every inmate is known as, "The Hole" or the SHU (Special Housing Unit). Inmates in the SHU are allowed ONE 15-minute phone call PER WEEK.
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Relationship Issues
Do most inmates have several pen pals and lie about it?
I wouldn't say "most", but there are many people on the outside who like to communicate with inmates, for some reason...…

I wouldn't say "most", but there are many people on the outside who like to communicate with inmates, for some reason... but if you suspect your inmate is, you're probably right
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Inmate Phone Calls
How long does it take for approval through Securus for calls
Within the first week of completed orientation …

Within the first week of completed orientation 
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Send Inmate Mail
how long does it take for inmate to receive picture order?
2-3 days, but be mindful that the distribution of the mail to the innmates is up to the correctional officers who run the mailroom…

2-3 days, but be mindful that the distribution of the mail to the innmates is up to the correctional officers who run the mailroom
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →

Send Inmate Money
How does a inmate know they have money on to use the phone
the staff gives them a slip of paper with the amounts deposited into their inmate account…

the staff gives them a slip of paper with the amounts deposited into their inmate account
Answered by InmateAid advisors Read full answer →