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.
A transfer after sentencing usually does not signal anything positive or negative by itself. In most cases, it simply means your husband is being moved from a temporary or intake facility to the prison where he will serve his sentence. After someone is sentenced, the system begins placing them based on factors like custody level, bed space, program availability, and medical or classification needs. Transfers are a normal part of that process and happen to almost everyone at some
Read moreIn most cases, a preliminary hearing is supposed to happen fairly quickly after an arrest, often within days or a few weeks depending on the state. Six months without a preliminary hearing is not typical, but it does happen under certain circumstances. The Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy trial, but that right can be affected by several factors that slow the process down. Common reasons for delays include: Continuances requested by the defense or prosecution
Read moreYou may log onto your account using your User email and password. In the left hand column click on Inmate Profiles. Then click on the Profile link. Scroll down to the bottom that says “ID Number” and make your change. When you are satisfied with your result, enter Save and you are done!
Read moreYes they can, don't forget to add Curves to that list. These are probably the most popular among inmates. InmateAid has a great section called "Send Magazines" with these very titles (and 100s more) to click on and send them directly to your inmate at discount prices.
Read moreInmates are tested for tuberculosis every year but are NOT tested for sexually transmitted diseases. There are provisions of disclosure where the admittance staff will interview the inmate and ask if they have HIV or hepatitis so as to know if the inmate will need special medical treatment.
Read moreFriends and family members can follow an inmate to stay connected via posts by the manager of the account. Visitation updates, pictures and wish list items are posted for the benefit of the people who wish to help the inmate they follow.
Read moreIn many cases, an inmate’s release date is public information, but how easy it is to find depends on where they are incarcerated. For federal inmates, release dates are usually available through the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, which is the most consistent and reliable source. For state and county inmates, it varies. Some states provide release dates through online databases or systems like VineLink, while others may only show limited information such as custody status. County jails are the
Read moreYou may send books through the Amazon links located in the Send Books section. There is even a search function to look for the type of book or the author. Sending money is easy through Western Union - simply click on the Send Inmate Money page where there are complete step-by-step instructions. Once an inmate has money in their account they can buy stamps and writing utensils to write you back.
Read moreCigarette smoking is banned in most prisons and jails. There are still some county jails that allow it and even have it on the commissary list but they are few and far between. That is not to say there are no cigarettes in prison. Cigarettes are a big "black market" item and command a huge price if you must smoke. Depending upon the custody level, one cigarette could cost between two dollars and twenty dollars EACH.
Read moreInmateAid sends letters daily, you get notification in your member account the moment they are mailed. The only way you will truly know is if they respond back or call you on the telephone and acknowledge the receipt of your letter. Give it a try, our members love the convenience of the service and for the inmates - there's nothing better than hearing your name at mail call.
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