If it's a federal sentence, and the judge likes you, they sentence you to 12 months and a day making you eligible for 15% good time. If you are in a state or county, you might get a break for good behavior and be selected for early release but because of overcrowding and the short sentenced inmates are the first to go.

Not unless they have a smuggled, illegal cellphone in their cell

Some State Prison websites post the inmate's work and disciplinary history. If they don't, you would have to contact the inmate's counselor or case manager for details. The BOP (federal) does not post this information

Sounds like he got three years but the release date hasn't been updated to incorporate about 15% for good time if he behaves

yes, but we would caution sending magazine subscriptions into any county jail unless they are serving a sentence of one year or more.

he will have to wait at least 6 months before he can ask for a transfer.

Remember that the commissary is for the 'little extras'. 75% of inmates never go to the commissary. If you are able to send something without affecting your own ability to survive while they are there, $50-100 per week and they would live like a king/queen.

if you live in-state then InmateAid can cut the price of a call in half. If you are out of state, the calls are the cheapest they can be

getting a pardon or clemency is as difficult as you'd imagine. you need someone on the outside doing your bidding to even get considered. And, it's a long shot at best if you do

He should get credit for every day spent incarcerated. The booking arrest date is the first day, even if they were booked and released, they get a full day's credit. Five years is 60 months, good time is 15% so the actual length would be 51 months not counting some for halfway house (if offered)