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by game masta on October 25th, 2006

game masta

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What's it like to be in jail?

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  • by emmawayne on November 18th, 2006

    emmawayne

    I will be honest, and I hate this but I did 11 months in county jail and almost 6 months in DOC for a DUI. This is ABSOLUTELY something that you do not want to do. People believe that they are only driving 2 blocks aways to go to the local bar, I was arrested in my drive way. Do not think that just because you are going somewhere near by, they will not catch you. It is awful. You shower, you use the facilities, you wake and sleep with the same people every day. Your sanity is gone. You wait for mail call to see if the outside world still thinks about you. You watch what everyone else wants to see on t.v. You clean out the restrooms, the cells, the floors....it is not a great feeling and it eventually breaks you mentally. The isolation will kill you. The guards tell you where to be and when to be there. Need I go on? It was deserving on my part and it made me straighten up. It is not something I wish on anyone.

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  • by Anonymous on October 25th, 2006

    Anonymous

    Terrible food. sharing cells with other undesirables that smell and sexually approach you. no freedom. no phone. idle time. in and out of leg irons and handcuffs. lost identity.

    Not to mention time alone, to think about the crime you committed.

    Bad place. don't go there!

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  • by Anonymous on March 13th, 2009

    Anonymous

    I was incorrectly charged of a murder years ago. I'd been to the site of the murder about 15 minutes before it happened so there was all this evidence pointing to my conviction. I was arrested and spent 27 days locked up in a maximum security waiting for my trial to start. I was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to 28 years for murder with parole not possible for 14 or something. I was sent to be held in a maximum security for 12 years before I could be moved to a lower security facility. It is a bad feeling, especially if you've done nothing wrong. I spent 7 months there before my first appeal, which I lost then another 8 months before my second and last appeal, which I thankfully won. I am forever in debt to my lawyer - he as good as saved my life.

    It's dreadful in there. I was locked up 23 hours a day in a cell with 3 other men, all of them were in there for rape and murder. The food was OK most of the time, but I wouldn't choose to eat it, the beds are hard and uncomfortable. You just go into a sort of state of unconsciousness, but where you notice every single thing that happens, because hardly anything does happen. I am shaking and shivering just thinking about it. You loose your mind.

    I managed to get a hell of a lot of compensation when I got out - missed pay from work, emotional damages etc, but I would trade every cent of that money for a chance to forget that time of my life.

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  • by Stableboy on December 27th, 2007

    Stableboy

    It's like a really bad, smelly, noisy motel room with bars instead of windows, shared with roommates who want to kill you just because they're in a bad mood.

    On the plus side, it's very solidly constructed.

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  • by Chloe on December 27th, 2007

    Chloe

    I was jailed once a long time ago. It wasn't fun. I was a runaway teen.

    There was a cot, a toilet that all could see if I used it, and a concrete floor. No windows.

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  • by Changegrl on November 16th, 2006

    Changegrl

    When i was in jail, it was like I was paralyzed, My mind was working but everything else within me was numb, I was very rebelious too and I fought back a lot...But sadly to say it opened up my eyes and now I'm in the process of changing my life, Jail can be very traumatizing. It's the closest to hell that you can get. Anybody who says jail is fun is ashamed and Lost in the hole of self destruction.

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  • by eric on January 24th, 2008

    eric

    It's lonely hell. Find a job in there to keep you busy. And whether you like it or not, when something's going down, stick with your own race. It sounds horrible, I know. You've got to survive. Don't pop your mouth off and try to be somebody you ain't. Read,read,read.

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  • by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on December 27th, 2007

    Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY

    Quite unpleasant indeed!
    But it really depends on where you are.
    In a VERY many countries it's FAR worse than some.

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  • by Sketchy Mess Jeoffory on December 27th, 2007

    Sketchy Mess Jeoffory

    I have never stayed in jail for more than a day, but I can give you a snapshot.

    It's like being put in a building and no longer having any say-so or input as to what you will do. Your opinion does not count and no one asks you what you would like to do, eat, or say.

    You are told when you can and cannot eat, sleep, crap, pee, shower, talk, exercise, sit up, and lay down. If you are in a bad prison (as if there are good ones) you live life like an animal where you are always scared that someone is about to beat the crap out of you.

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  • by scubabob on November 18th, 2006

    scubabob

    I once was the guest of the military police at CFB Borden overnight. A bunch of us had whooped it up after the last night of ordinance training and were returning to barracks when a pal of mine made the comment "nice guns baby" to a female Provo.If you ask me, she took it the wrong way but it was dark and I could only see one. Needless to say, guilt by association and all of us were locked up. My pal got the living daylights beaten out of him in his cell by the Provos.It went on most of the night. The rest of us were consigned to scraping paint off of coke cans with a plastic knife or face the same justice.
    I think I'll pass on staying in those accommodations again. The service wasn't 5 star and the view was terrible. The concierge didn't even hail us a cab.

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  • by JUSTNORMAL on October 25th, 2006

    JUSTNORMAL

    I have never been in jail and never want to. But safe to assume it is not pleasant.

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  • by illimitato_hustla on October 25th, 2006

    illimitato_hustla

    county jail? boring not as scary as the movies make it seem just really boring think and it depends alot on who u r there with sometimes the people can make it go by faster or mess with you the food sucks and the corrections officers are worse don't go there and appreciate your shower at home

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  • by Kravenhead on August 1st, 2009

    Kravenhead

    ....

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  • by Anonymous on May 5th, 2009

    Anonymous

    I spent some time in jail and the experience is different for everyone. The first few months are the most difficult. Once you get used to the routine, you adapt. Most of the people there are screw ups like you not the crazy, blood thirsty preditors that society would have you believe. For your own safety, please remember these basic rules. 1) you are not in a postion to judge others so don't 2) don't accept anything from anyone unless you are able to repay the favor ie. drugs 3) observe who is who and keep you your mouth shut until you understand the hierarchy 4) keep your emotions in check ie. if you are down don't show it and if you are in a good mood keep it to a minimum 5) most important..plan, think about where you went wrong and plan for the future. This is not the end but just a very bad chapter in your life. Don't allow this to be the end! People make mistakes, you can get through this.

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  • by Jay on March 20th, 2009

    Jay

    The worst is the isolation. You can't trust anyone. There's the jail rules, the CO's rules, and the inmate's code, there is a fine line to walk and many times you needs to violate one to adhere to the other. It is always cold. You also give up all dignity at the door. You get chained up and strip searched anytime you go anywhere, even just to leave your unit. You have to change, shower, and use the toilet (1 and 2) in front of dozens of inmates and guards. There is always a threat of physical or sexual violence, as well as extortion for money, commesary, property, or sexual favors. It is run more by the gangbangers and shotcallers than by the CO's. You have no privacy but at the same time are 100% alone. Everyone in there has fears but you can show absolutely no weakness, or you will become preyed upon. It breaks you mentally and stays with you forever.

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  • by NotYourAvgPsycho on December 27th, 2007

    NotYourAvgPsycho

    Truthfully, that all depends on the jail. Trust me, I have reserved rooms in many around the world...lol

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  • by dillonhead on March 22nd, 2007

    dillonhead

    Going to jail is no fun. Glamorized as it is in hip hop culture, "doin' hard time make a gang brother hard etc.." Listen, jail is no place you want to be. It is panic, worry, fear, shame. From the moment you are arrested to your first step out into freedom, you are not a human, you are inventory. Afer booking and strip searching, you become an item tracked on a computer screen and cameras. SItituations will arise where you will be forced to remain in a particular area for processing or whatever. You sit and wait for hours and you don't know what is coming next or when its gonna happen. Its cold, stale, concrete, it stinks like BO and shit and piss. Shift changes will go by, 4am will roll around and maybe you'll get a bolonga sandwhich from a trustee. You're like a box in a warehouse, sittin on a shelf waiting for its number to be called. Except the list is so long and nobody knows how to read it. After hours and hours of sitting doing nothing and trying not to make eye contact with the obviiously crazy, and wishing to be free, your name will be called. You probably won't recognize it in your stupor and disbelief, and the guard will probably get pissed and yell it twice, and then you'll jump up like you just won at bingo. They may take you to medical screenings or move you to another population to get you ready to serve some time... but hopefully its you way out on ROR or bail. If it is, get ready to get all your belongings back and put your clothes back on ...oh, and get ready for what is going to be the most beautiful day you'll ever see. Sign some papers, promise to show up to court, get a free bus ticket and hit the road! Embrace the freedom as the fresh air and sun beats down on you. No bird has ever sang a sweeter song than to a man leaving the jail a free man. Hopefully there's a 7-11 near by so you can get some cigarrettes and maybe a 24 ounce Steel Reserve to drink on the bus.

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  • by robertini on April 24th, 2011

    robertini

    Like, everybody forget one tiny detail. For to many people, this world is prison in some way...

    Shortly, you have A LOT OF TIME to think about your evil ways.

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  • by Lt. Shinysides on February 1st, 2011

    Lt. Shinysides

    It's a pain in the arse (literally:)

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  • by Anonymous on August 1st, 2009

    Anonymous

    Why do you keep asking the same question?

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  • by Juice on April 4th, 2011

    Juice

    Fortunately, I have absolutely no idea whatsoever!

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  • by aspgirl21 on March 20th, 2011

    aspgirl21

    I don't know, but if it's anything like TV drama series "Bad Girls", it looks scary...

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  • by Tom Slick on March 7th, 2011

    Tom Slick

    the only one good advantage is that you don't have to make any decisions at all ... absolutely everything is decided for you ... when to get up, when to eat, where you're supposed to be at any given moment, when you get to exercise, when you can take a shower, when you can make a phone call and who you're allowed to call, when you get your mail, who's allowed to visit you and when, when to go to sleep, when the lights get turned off and on, etc ...

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  • by Patti jo on January 27th, 2011

    Patti jo

    Thank goodness I can't answer this one !!

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  • by Anonymous on March 13th, 2009

    Anonymous

    If you are innocent, it's about the worst feeling you'll ever feel.

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  • by auradove on January 3rd, 2009

    auradove

    jail... wow... a scary scary place to be. I am 20 and i was 19 when i went to jail. I was only in there 4 days and that was over a year ago and i am STILL traumatized. I got arrested on christmas eve at 7 in the morning and i was 8 months pregnant but of course they dont care about that. It is the worst thing ever. to not know what time it is what day it is... it IS like being paralized i dont think i was truly there when i was in jail. like i put all of me inside a tiny box to preserve myself. and the worst part is wondering who will still be there when you get out.

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  • by Deziraye on November 28th, 2008

    Deziraye

    At first its not so bad just boring and stinky you're quite and try to keep to yourself but it really begins to drag you down and eat at you after awhile. There is no privacy and you get over your shyness real fast. Showering and shitting in front of people is no fun! You try to sleep as much of it away as you can but eventually you can't sleep, its uncomfortable, so you lie awake staring at the ceiling and thinking about everything. People are rude, pissy and depressed if you have the luxery of people who care about you on the outside world you look forward to mail running every day and feel bad for the ones who don't ever get visits make calls or recieve mail. People usually find god in jail and then leave him there when they are released since reading and thinking are your only pass times, some people really become holy rollers. Its really tough looking at your loved ones through a glass and not being able to hug or even touch them, you try to put on a happy facce to keep them from crying and worrying about you, because when you do time the people who love you are doing time right along with you wether you know it or not. Its a very unpleasant experience that i wouldn't wish on anyone.

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  • by jayjay on May 29th, 2008

    jayjay

    I have to go into the County jail today at 9AM for a DUI I got back in December. I'm pretty scared cause I never been there but I only have to do a 48 hour stint. I bet it's going to be a LOOOOOONG 48 hours with no cigarettes and coffee. I don't play cards and look terrible in blaze orange (unless it's hunting cloths -LOL) I just Googled this and that's how I ended up here on this board. I posted a reply already but it didn't show up. Thank you all that responded to the question as it has been very....enlightening indeed. i'll drop by after I get out on Saturday [June 1st]. I couldn't sleep as I'm wrought with worry but keeping it together for the family. I really don't drink but I did and had to drive a friend to the ER after he split his head open and refused an ambulance (which neither of us could have afforded anyway) so I drove him and he got "lippy" with the staff so I took off as to avoid trouble but they called the police and I got nailed 50 feet from my home! Jeesh! First offence too and now must pay the piper by doing 48 hours. I hope I don't stay in longer! Wish me luck but if you don't I don't really blame you as I was a dunbass for driving anyway. DO NOT drink-n-drive or you'll go to jail in Pennsylvania for certain!!
    I can't believe that I am going to jail...I'm really scared too!
    -JayJay

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  • by Oor Galooly - on May 12th, 2008

    Oor Galooly -

    I spent the night in jail after a drunken brawl, the time just seems to stand still. Thankfully it was only one night. My mate spent time in a South African prison, he said it was really scary, he would never want to do that again.

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  • by koldkanuck on May 12th, 2008

    koldkanuck

    Marijuanaman yeah he one smart dude, You are talking about Chris Buors aren't you?
    Yeah he was an engineer for CN Rail got caught with pot was offered counselling to keep his job ,refused got canned,lost pension,spent six months in the slam (not the penalty box).
    And he still claims marijuana doesn't effect the brain, His buddy Marc Emery is in the slam in the U.S. for drugs also.

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  • by Convicted4LiFe on May 9th, 2008

    Convicted4LiFe

    jail sucks my friend is locked up right now for the second time and it just makes me sad...i know exactly where hes at and whats going on in there (being i was locked up for 12 months for my 3rd marijuana possesion charge) and its not pleasant people constantly stare you down and torment you and eventually u get into fights, the food is terrible it smells and if u r not careful you will become a bitch... its not fun and anyone who sais it is dosnt know what they r talking about...ive learned my lesson im not going back so i stopped using drugs because eventually ill get caught again and end up stuck in that hell hole for 5 to 10 years...

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  • by Tussen on December 27th, 2007

    Tussen

    It really depends on your length of stay. Overnight, it's not really a big deal. Cold and humbling sum it up well.
    If you are looking at longer amounts of time, it is surprisingly like the "real" world. There are rules and groups of people that you need to learn to understand and live with. many things that you may want to do you cannot, and some things you may not want to do you must.
    The toughest part is adjusting your frame of mind to your new reality.
    I have learned a lot behind bars and once vowed to never end up there again...silly me. Mostly you will learn how many people do not or are not able to conform with the standing rules of our society.

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  • by R U Sirius on December 27th, 2007

    R U Sirius

    Just like a pharmacy where you can get KY in large quantities.

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  • by Anonymous on December 27th, 2007

    Anonymous

    I spent 20 days in a county jail in rural Ohio for DUI. It wasn't bad, but it's not something anyone wants to do. Mostly is was just BORING - I don't play cards and don't watch Jerry Springer or NASCAR on TV, so I just read and slept the whole time. You hear jokes to not drop your soap in the shower, but that wasn't even an issue. I understand that big city county jails are hellholes. Bottom line - don't drink and drive!

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  • by eddie1 on November 28th, 2006

    eddie1

    Scary. It is like a bad dream, but-- it is reality.
    Degrading - conditions are substandered.
    People are hurting and are angry.
    It is like being in a snake pit full of vipers.
    Help!!!!!!!
    Never want to be there.

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  • by Teasdale on January 24th, 2008

    Teasdale

    Thank goodness I am totally unqualified to answer this question. LOL

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  • by macdjug-Paxvobiscum on December 27th, 2007

    macdjug-Paxvobiscum

    Imagine being treated by the staff that you are guilty as sin. And you better not talk back or they will put you in a holding cell till hell freezes over. Just like boot camp. Loads of fun.

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  • by serenitylost on January 24th, 2008

    serenitylost

    cold

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  • by KyraLou was gone but now shes back on December 27th, 2007

    KyraLou was gone but now shes back

    According to my fiance its like living in a huge can of sausage.

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  • by guitarman18 on November 28th, 2006

    guitarman18

    I spent the weekend in jail onetime for disorderly conduct, and drunk in public. So if it gets worse the longer you stay in, I dont want to go back. I think Bubba, my cellmate was beginning to think I looked pretty good.

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  • by xerocool420 on October 4th, 2007

    xerocool420

    depends on you really..... try sleeping in your bathroom for a couple days, if you have cable block all but one channel (and make it one you don't like), shit shower and shave with a complete stranger every day, and eat only half cooked school food, and only go outside for 30 mins a day. and only allow yourself visits once every 2 weeks form immediate family only, and you can't touch them, and have somone read your mail before you get it.

    if you can tollerate all that, its not so bad

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  • by Feller on October 4th, 2007

    Feller

    THe Greatest form of exercise and emotional release is fighting. it goes overboard sometimes and people end up with more time. if your Block buddies get ANY dirt on you they will sell it for priveledges or less time. you can't trust anyone. and no matter how much you have in common with the people you are around you are not among friends.Your manhood is constantly tested on a daily basis,lot of head games. the greatest thing you have to worry about is that you will start to depend on the prison routine as NORMAL and you grow fearfull of rejoining the outside world. You are then Institutionalized and the longer your in, the harder it is to rejoin society. guys come out and reoffend because they can't handle the pressures of daily life on th outside.

    When you go to hardcore prisons everyone has a weapon or can get a weapon it is a whole different league than county jail and juvy.it's not what it's like but what it does to you. you can survive it but you'll never be the same person again.first night in prison they drug a guy past my cell with a pipe stuck through his chest cavity.

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  • by Tussen on January 24th, 2008

    Tussen

    It's being at the bottom of the barrel. The good thing is you have plenty of room for improvement.
    It's a bit scary at first, but you learn the rules and play by them. The best thing I can advise is work hard if you can get a job and make like a fly on the wall.

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  • by TheWiseMan on November 28th, 2006

    TheWiseMan

    I heard that your ass hurts alot, lol.

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  • by Convicted4LiFe on May 12th, 2008

    Convicted4LiFe

    i fuckin know man! i hate the U.S for this reason...thats why i wanna move to vancouver (correct me if im wrong) but shit i watch marijuana man all the time and that dude is funny as hell...

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  • by Jailbird187 on October 25th, 2009

    Jailbird187

    Sucks cxxk

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  • by Carl_07 on March 20th, 2009

    Carl_07

    I never been there but I had some friends that been there and said that jail Is a place where you lose your freedom and get stuck their like a bird on a cage.

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  • by nikkisixxy on September 10th, 2009

    nikkisixxy

    I never been i jail. i can imagine its scary and lonely and depressing waking up in a cell every day I would be sooo depressed

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  • by yahoot on September 10th, 2009

    yahoot

    Its just like being at home, if you live locked up in a nasty hole filled with noisy, nasty people.

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  • by Laurel on January 6th, 2009

    Laurel

    Courts,journals,3 rounds, fights, letters, storage, overcrowding, lawyers,cops bars, cloting exchange, canteen, shitting in front of people, bread, people bumming food, farting, guards, crushed pills, yard, doctor, skills for better living, clean-up, crazy 8 countdown, jail darts, acess, fighting over t.v, shower, phone, request forms, property, no pillow, cold blue curtain, bad hair days every day, strip search, search, the hole, bed mites, bend over , cough, assume the position, paranoid schitzos,"you know the drill", handcuffs, schackles, transport, crowns and judges, nasty food, cells, turn key and latch, sneaks and thieves, nasty mattresses, collect calling, phone and tv nazis, 20 year old books, nothing on walls, etc

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