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
The federal sentences come with 15% goodtime credit going in. If your fiancé stays out of trouble he will serve 28 months. If he has an alcohol or drug problem he might qualify for RDAP, which if taken would cut 9-12 months off the 33 months. Ask the Inmate about RDAP.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
It's not a hotel, they process at the pace that they can
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
maximum security
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Usually, new inmates must go through orientation. That happens within a week. Inmates that communicate well with their counselors and case managers can sometimes convince them to get family members approved faster than normal. It depends on the inmate's persistence.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Life inside prison is like the movie "Groundhog Day". Every day is the exact same as the day before. Boredom dominates the menu. The only way to sanity is to get into a routine you can live with. You have a lot of time to think and getting into a routine takes you away from lamenting on your situation and more towards feeling as though you have a purpose and some hope for a better future.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Inmates must go through a short orientation program before the privileges are activated. They can, however, receive letters or postcards from InmateAid and they can write back.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
No, to either. This is absolutely forbidden.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Usually, about one week. The BOP sets the new inmate Admissions and Orientation on Wednesday. If the inmate gets there on a Tuesday it's only a one day wait.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
You can try calling and see if a staff member will do it for you. It is against the rules in most places, but sometimes if you're nice they will make an exception. The alternative is to write them a letter or postcard to let them know what's up.
Subject: General prison questions-terminology
Not sure where you are getting your information. The address we have posted is 100% correct: 180 Paul Sikes Dr, Hinesville GA 31313
