Ask The Inmate. Real answers from people who've been there.

It sounds like there is a transitional phase ahead for your boyfriend it the US Marshal Service just apprehended him. Depending on the charges, he might be able to have a bond and be released. You could marry then. But, if he is held on a warrant that makes that impossible, then he will be in a federal detention facility until the case is heard. Most likely he will be remanded and unable to qualify for a marriage. Marrying an...

Usually, no, not for the same property in the same case. The law generally treats these as mutually exclusive offenses: Theft means the person actually took the property Receiving stolen property means the person got it from someone else, knowing it was stolen You cannot logically be both the thief and the receiver of the same item in the same incident. What can happen instead: Prosecutors may charge both initially while the case is being sorted out As the case moves forward, they will typically pursue one or the other, not both A person might...

What you are seeing is frustrating, but it is not unusual with probation violation (VOP) cases, especially when there is a new charge involved. Why the VOP hearing is delayed: 1. Courts often wait on the new case Even though her new case is “final,” the court may still: Wait for all paperwork to be processed Use the outcome of that case to decide the VOP 2. Continuances are common A “continued” hearing means it was postponed. This can happen because of: Court backlog Attorney requests (defense or prosecution) Scheduling conflicts Waiting...

He cannot just move on his own, even if you already have a home in Alabama. When someone is on parole in Georgia, they are still under supervision. Moving to another state requires formal approval through the Interstate Compact (the agreement that allows supervision to transfer between states). What has to happen first: He must get approval from his parole officer in Georgia A transfer request is submitted to Alabama Alabama has to accept supervision before he can move What they look at: A verified address (your home in Alabama helps) Employment or a...

A federal probation violation (technically “supervised release” in the federal system) is taken seriously, and early release is not common in these cases. When someone is picked up for not reporting: The court can revoke supervision Impose a new term of custody Follow it with another period of supervision If he was told “about 8 months,” that is likely: The expected sentence or guideline range, or The time the judge indicated he may have to serve Can he get out earlier? Sometimes, but options are limited: Good time credit (federal inmates can earn up to about...

Inmates can write as often as they like. There is no limit on outgoing mail at any facility. As long as they have what they need to send a letter, they can write daily if they want to. The supplies they need, stamps, envelopes, and paper, are available through the commissary. Stamps cost the same as they do on the outside, around $0.68 at current rates, and the paper and envelopes are priced affordably. All of it comes out of whatever...

You can file for and receive a divorce from an inmate, as long as the presiding judge does not hold it up - for reasons that might have to do with the incarceration. The inmate is NOT provided an attorney but will have to respond to the documents that are served to him in the prison. He can hire an outside attorney to file for him or do it himself (sometimes with the assistance of a paralegal inmate that helps...

Yes, the pending revocation in another county can absolutely affect whether she paroles home. Right now she has: A 30 month sentence from one revocation Another open or pending revocation somewhere else That second case is the issue. What usually happens in this situation: 1. The other county can place a hold (detainer) When she gets close to release or parole She may not go home She can be transferred to that county to deal with the other revocation 2. Parole may be delayed or denied Parole boards look at all pending cases An unresolved violation makes her look like...

Yes, finding out what fines, fees, or restitution an inmate owes is possible and paying them on behalf of your loved one is something families do regularly. The Clerk of Court The fastest and most direct source is the Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was heard and the sentence was imposed. Call them directly and ask for the outstanding balance on the case. You will need the case number if you have it, or the inmate's full legal...

You can contact GTL and ask them to swap the number you have for the number we provide. In almost every case nationwide with GTL, there is a $4.00 per call savings with our numbers. You might also let them know on their last call to your old number about the change - most inmates already know about the service and probably alerted you to contact us. Regardless, we offer a coupon for a free letter or postcard with the purchase...