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

Admitting undocumented status to law enforcement starts a process, but the full outcome depends on what the original reason for the contact with police was. If he was picked up specifically because of immigration status, that is handled through the civil immigration system rather than the criminal courts. In that case, he would be held in immigration detention while his case is reviewed by an immigration judge, and that detention can go on indefinitely while proceedings work through the system....

It depends on the charges and how immigration gets involved, but here is how it usually plays out. If your boyfriend has no legal status, there are typically two separate systems involved: The criminal court (for the arrest) Immigration authorities (for his status) What happens first: He will go through the normal criminal process: See a judge Be informed of the charges Possibly be given bail or held depending on the case If the charge is minor and this is truly his first arrest, he may: Get released quickly Or resolve the case with little or no...

There is no fixed timeline like “30 days.” Getting on the parole docket depends on a few moving parts, and it is rarely immediate. Most parole boards meet once or twice a month, but inmates are only scheduled after certain things are in place. What has to happen first: The inmate reaches parole eligibility Their file is reviewed and prepared by classification or parole staff Required reports are completed, such as disciplinary history, program participation, and recommendations Only after that will they be placed on a docket. Typical timing: Some inmates are...

It depends on how you posted the $1,300. If you paid a bail bondsman: That money is a fee, not a deposit It is non-refundable, even if you go to court and the case is dismissed The bondsman keeps it for taking on the risk of your release If you paid cash bail directly to the jail or court: The money is a deposit You will usually get it back after the case is finished, as long as you: Show up to all court dates Follow all court conditions The court may deduct fees, fines, or...

When you are hearing different things, the only version that matters is what has been officially filed with the court. The jail and individual officers may give incomplete or outdated information. Charges can change quickly, especially early in a case. The Clerk of Court has the accurate, current record. What you should do right away: 1. Contact the Clerk of Court Go in person if you can, or call. Ask for: The formal charges filed The case number The court date and type of hearing This is public information and they can give you...

This happens quite a bit, especially when money is added close to a release date. When someone is released, the facility usually issues a release card or check with the balance that was already processed in their account at that moment. If you deposited money the same day, it may not have cleared in time to be included. Where the money is now: It is typically still in the facility’s trust or commissary account system It does not disappear, but it may not have been transferred...

This happens more often than people think, and it is usually not as serious as it looks. If the inmate has official paperwork showing a release date, that is what matters most. Internal records and signed documents are what the facility actually uses, not the public website. Why the online date might change: Database updates that lag behind real time processing Automatic recalculations triggered by transfers, audits, or clerical updates Temporary holds or flags that get entered and later removed Simple data entry errors Public inmate locator systems...

Having done time, her record is definitely working against her. The judges get tired of seeing people do short sentences and then commit more crimes after their release. The one thing you seem to have in your favor is a PO willing to recommend rehab. Rehab is a great alternative for offenders wanting to avoid jail time, but it's usually reserved for the first-timer, not habitual. The new drug laws are for federal offenses and sentencing guidelines, if this is...

Getting to the camp is what all federal inmates strive for - it's the easiest time to do in the BOP. All federal inmates follow the same guidelines for release. Good time is 15% of the sentence that is granted to the inmate when they report - all they can do is lose good time, they can't gain more good time. Their release date reflects doing 85% of the sentence. RDAP is the only real way to get an earlier...

We do not have a list of bailbondsmen to refer. But, when you do select one, it will be them that will determine the method of payment - this too will depend on the charge and the amount of the bail bond - and the percentage they'll require you to put down (non-refundable) to post it on behalf of your defendant. It's all about the bond company's comfort that the person they are guaranteeing will show up for all court...