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

There are several solid questions here so let's take them one at a time. On the sentence calculation, one third of a 15 month sentence works out to five months. After serving two months, roughly three months remain before hitting that one third mark. Whether one third is the relevant threshold depends on the specific system and the offense. Some state systems use one third as a parole eligibility benchmark while others use different fractions or percentage based calculations. The federal...

All of the facilities do things differently. To be certain, you might call them to ask what their procedures are. Typically, you will need to go through an NCIC background screening process to gain approval. Felons or co-defendants are usually not allowed for visitation. Unless you are a close family member with a criminal record, you might gain approval by petitioning the warden for a special exemption. The approval process sometimes requires the inmate sending you a form to fill...

Visiting an inmate at Ware State Prison, especially in a high security setting, comes with stricter rules than general population, so it is good you are asking ahead of time. Visitation form On your visitation application, list your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID. Your relationship can be listed as “friend” or “girlfriend” if the form allows it. Some facilities are more comfortable with “friend” for non-family visitors, but either way is usually fine as long as everything...

Most facilities have a provision specifically for situations like yours, commonly referred to as a special visit or extended visit for out-of-town family. The distance you are traveling qualifies you to request this. It is not automatic, but it is a recognized accommodation that facilities are generally willing to arrange when the request is made properly in advance. Do not just show up and hope for the best. Call the facility before you make the trip and ask to speak with...

Yes, on both counts, and understanding why helps avoid the frustration of fighting a battle that the law largely does not support. Correctional facilities have broad legal authority to read incoming and outgoing inmate mail. This right is well established in case law and exists for legitimate security reasons. Staff are not required to notify the sender that a letter was read. Reading the mail is standard procedure and happens routinely, not just when something suspicious is flagged. On confiscation, facilities also...