General Prison Questions-Terminology — Ask the Inmate
The criminal justice system has its own language and navigating it without a guide is disorienting for families encountering it for the first time. This section covers the terminology that appears in court documents, facility communications, and case records, from the difference between jail and prison to what terms like disposition, detainer, adjudication, and supervised release actually mean in plain language. It also covers general questions about how prisons and jails operate, what a typical day looks like inside, how different security levels function, and what the practical differences are between federal, state, county, and private facilities. The answers here are written for people who have no prior experience with the system and need clear accurate explanations without legal jargon. If you encountered a term you did not understand this is the right place to start. See also our sections on Law Questions and Legal Terms, and Sentencing Questions.
“Ask the Inmate” is not a direct communication link to a particular inmate, it is a question and answer forum between you and a former inmate who knows how things work on the inside. To communicate, you can write letters or send photos - you will have to go to your My Account area and click on the Inmate Page and then click "Letters". You will be able to communicate to them through there.
Read moreCalling 911 is not the brightest idea. There is no access for the ambulance to get to an inmate unless the prison calls them first. There is capable medical attention in all of the facilities. The process is that there are a few days set aside when a doctor comes into the facility to see inmates on a "call out" basis. If your inmate has an issue, he needs to fill out a form and give it to the counselor
Read moreYou can call the facility and ask to speak to her counselor. Being her mother, you should be able to get some definitive answers on a release date and the terms of her release.
Read moreIt is completely normal to feel nervous, especially if this is your first experience with the prison system. The good news is that a transfer closer to home, especially on good adjustment, is a positive sign. Everglades CI is not considered one of the more dangerous or chaotic facilities. It houses a mix of inmates, but many are closer to release or have demonstrated better behavior. In those environments, most people are focused on doing their time, staying out
Read moreSince your husband was just transferred to the Middleton Unit, he is likely still going through intake and processing. That can affect both commissary access and communication during the first couple of weeks. Commissary access: Inmates can usually shop commissary once a week, but they must: Be fully processed into the unit Have money in their trust account At about a week and a half in, he is likely getting close. In many cases, inmates
Read moreThe inmate pages are created and maintained by the member/users of the site. We do not monitor or verify this self-generated content. If you want to use the service on the website, you will need to set up a profile. If you need help, please send us the inmate name, inmate ID, state and facility name and we will set it up for you.
Read moreIt depends on how badly they want you. If it is a minor offense like a fine, they will probably not have the sheriff or the US Marshal bring you in. Usually that type of offender gets caught in a traffic stop or something like that. Why not just pay the fine and not have to worry about the added cost associated with getting locked up like bail and a lawyer?
Read moreNorco is a state prison, part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system. It is formally known as the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco. It is not a county jail. That means he is now in the state prison system rather than a local county facility. The reason he was able to call you so quickly this time is likely because his information carried over from his previous placement. When inmates transfer within the same system,
Read moreWhen someone first arrives at a prison like Huntsville, they go through a process called Admissions and Orientation, often referred to as A and O. This is a short intake period where the facility evaluates them, assigns housing, and sets up their file. During this time, access to phones, visits, and even regular mail routines can be limited or delayed. The intake process usually lasts about a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the facility
Read moreYou can send all sorts of "sexy photos". We have people sending in lingerie or bikinis. Be mindful that the staff at USP Allenwood open the letters and review all the photos. You cannot show ANY private parts, nipples or simulate sex in any way. They sometimes reject photos with gang-related tattoos or messages depicting violence. Otherwise, sexy photos are a fantastic way to put a smile on your inmate's face.
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