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.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
From firsthand experience across multiple levels of the system, federal prison stands out as the most professionally run and humane of the three. Federal correctional officers are generally better trained, better compensated, and more consistent in how they apply the rules. The facilities tend to be better maintained and the overall culture is more orderly. State prison varies dramatically depending on the state, the funding available, and the specific facility. Private prisons sit somewhere in the middle and the experience...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
Absolutely! All prisons, jails and detention centers have a very nice and hearty turkey dinner on Thanksgiving as well as a special meal on Christmas
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
You can call the Clerk of the Court in the county where your inmate caught their charge.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
unfortunately not, they are evaluating the inmate for custody status and programming requirements or necessity
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
You cannot find this information out from anyone at the facility (unless you have had prior communication with the counselor or case manager) and they happen to share this information. Inmates relegated to the hole are allowed to write letters. They are allowed one 15-minute phone call per week.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Our website has a directory of all the prisons, jails and detention centers.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
yes, we have all spent considerable time in prison and jail. we will give you straight answers, no bullshit
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Inmates are generally treated equally but just like in the outside world there are prejudices that you cannot predict. Prison is a microcosm of the real world.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Capacity is 64 inmates
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Most facilities will allow a religious chain but we would advise asking the chaplain before sending it.
