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

Depending on the classification and security level, most detention facilities have "pods" comprised of two levels of individual two-person cells. The general population area has tables with attached seating, a television and 3-5 telephones. There is a guard station overseeing the entire pod. Inmates are allowed to remain in the main area except for when they conduct count and when it's "lights out" time. The phone is available as long as the general population is open. Inmates will also be...

As your fiancé gets closer to his release date, the facility will go over a release plan with him. This usually happens through his counselor or case manager before he is discharged. Transportation after release: If he does not have someone to pick him up, the state will usually provide basic transportation, which may include: A bus ticket (often Greyhound or similar) Transportation to a nearby transit station This is meant to get him back to his approved residence or home area. If you want to...

This is one of the harder questions to put a number on because the answer depends on factors that vary significantly from case to case and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. When someone violates parole and picks up new charges at the same time, they are typically looking at two separate proceedings running alongside each other. The parole violation is handled by the original sentencing judge or a parole board, while the new charges go through the court system in whatever jurisdiction the...

Inmates are often able to get cellphones smuggled into prison. This is extremely risky and not worth the penalty that comes with getting caught. This administration has made a cellphone possession in a penal facility a felony and will add more years to an inmate's sentence. In some situations, the facility can classify possession of a cellphone aiding in an escape or continuing a criminal enterprise. The inmate that gets caught will likely get 6 months to a year in...

The most direct starting point is the inmate's profile in their state department of corrections offender search or the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator for federal inmates. Most of these public databases display the offense of conviction alongside current facility and sentence information. The level of detail varies by state but charges are typically included. Court records are another reliable source. Criminal cases are public record in most jurisdictions, and the charging documents, indictment, and judgment are all filed with the...

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...