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
You will either have to let them know or they will be able to access the telephone system's automated service that has their available minutes and funds.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
We are not certain that this is a real question - but prison rape is real and is ongoing and not a funny subject. Predators flourish in prison as they are experts at finding weaknesses in inmates who are not physically strong enough to defend themselves.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Inmates do not have Internet access. The Personal Inmate Pages are for the benefit of the inmate's family and friends. The website will keep you organized and to bring all of the services that are available for the benefit of the member/user's loved one.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Yes, losing phone privileges is a very common punishment after a fight.
When an inmate is involved in a physical altercation, the facility will issue a disciplinary report. Depending on how serious the incident was, the penalties can vary.
Common punishments include:
Loss of phone privileges
Loss of commissary access
Loss of visitation
Placement in segregation, also called the SHU or “the hole”
Removal from general population
About phone calls:
Calls are often one of the first privileges taken away
The restriction can last from days to months depending on...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
You are good on all fronts. The money will make it, the mail will make it by InmateAid or by your own hand. There is still going to be delays as the mail staff opens and inspects all of the incoming mail.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
The short answer is nothing. You cannot bring gifts directly to an inmate during a visit. It does not matter how small or harmless the item seems. Anything you try to bring in will be turned away at the door and depending on what it is could create problems for you and your loved one.
Most facilities will allow you to bring a small amount of cash for the vending machines in the visitation area. That is typically the only thing...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
When an inmate first arrives at a facility like High Desert, there is a short adjustment period before normal communication begins.
Phone calls:
He will go through intake and orientation (A&O) first
During this time, calls are usually restricted or not allowed yet
He will need to submit and get his phone list approved
Once approved, he can start calling you
This process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the facility.
If you already put money on the phone account:
That is good and necessary
But he still...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
Yes, you can order books and newspapers for your inmate, but there are a few important rules to follow.
Ordering from Amazon:
You can send books from Amazon, but they must be new and shipped directly from Amazon
Do not use third party sellers or used books, those are often rejected
Paperback books are usually required, hardcovers are often not allowed
Newspapers and magazines:
These must come directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
A subscription is the safest way to send newspapers
Do you need commissary?
No, you do not...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
Inmates are not just turned out with nothing, but what they leave with depends on their situation.
Money:
Any money left in their inmate trust account is returned to them at release
This includes money earned from prison jobs and money sent in by family that was not spent
If they have no funds, some facilities provide a small release allowance, but it is usually minimal
Clothing:
They are typically released in either their personal clothing (if they had some stored)
Or basic state issued clothing if...
Read moreSubject: General prison questions-terminology
Two month sentence inmates are called "short-timers". The inmates they will do time with are not interested in fighting unless they feel disrespected. Disrespect can come in many forms but if the inmate keeps to themselves and doesn't create conflict, if they keep their mouth shut, their opinions to themselves nothing will happen. As easy as it is to stay out of conflict and just as easy to get into conflict. If he is telling you it is not that bad, he will...
Read more