The difference between jail and prison is that jail is a place where people serve sentences under a year or are held while they await trial. A prison is a place where convicted felons serve longer sentences for severe crimes. The terms “jail” and “prison” are often used interchangeably. However, what most people don’t know is that these terms actually mean very different things.
Understanding the difference between jail and prison can help you navigate the legal process effectively. Educating yourself on this matter can also help you if you decide to work with a bail bond service in Columbus, Ohio.
Understanding the Difference Between Jail and Prison
As mentioned above, learning about the difference between prison vs. jail can help you during the legal and bail bond process. Whether you or a loved one are facing time in federal prison or county jail, educating yourself can give you an advantage during your case. Here are a few facts about jail that differentiates it from prison:
- Jail inmates are often awaiting trial
- County jail sentences are never longer than 1 year
- Inmates in jail may be there for minor offenses
- Jails are run by local governments
As you can see, several unique parts of jails make them different from prisons. Whether your loved one is being held until their trial, has been let out on bail, or is facing a prison sentence, learning more about the differences between the two facilities can be beneficial. Prisons also have unique qualities that set them apart from jails, such as:
- Convicted felons serve prison time
- Prisons are for long-term incarceration (periods of time exceeding 1 year)
- Prisons are controlled by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP)
- Prisons may put more focus on release programs and rehabilitation programs
Familiarizing yourself with the differences between these types of facilities can be beneficial during the legal process. Some additional distinctions between jail and prison include turnover rate, recreational activities, and the ability to learn. Let’s take an in-depth look at each of these aspects.
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Turnover Rate Is Another Difference Between Jail and Prison
Another difference between jail and prison is that the turnover rate of jail is much higher. This is because in jail, inmates await their trial dates. After their trial, they are usually released or moved elsewhere to start serving a sentence for their criminal conviction.
A high turnover rate can make jail a rather hostile environment. With the constant change in the different types of inmates, it can make for a rough dynamic. This can lead to an abundance of violent conflicts that jeopardize the safety of everyone in the detention center.
The turnover rate for jail is also higher because many inmates turn to bail bond agencies to help them post bail for a temporary release. If your loved one is waiting for a court date in jail, you can help them get out by working with a bail bond agent.
A Columbus misdemeanor bail bondsman or felony bail bond agent can provide the services you need to get your loved one released.
Recreational Activities Make Prisons Unique
With certain prison inmates serving life sentences, the need for outdoor recreation is crucial for prisons. The health and well-being of prisoners are shaped by their ability to leave the confinement of their cells every day. A few of the types of outdoor activities in prison can include standard fitness equipment, outdoor basketball courts, and smaller spaces for organized running.
Recreational activities make correctional institutions like prisons very different from jails. Though some jails do allow time for the inmates to be outside, it usually doesn’t include the same sort of organized activities. Being held in jail without the ability to exercise on a regular basis would make anyone start to think about their best option for leaving as quickly as possible.
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Prisoners Are Given the Option to Take Classes
Once a prisoner who has spent a long time behind bars is released, they can have trouble acclimating to the outside world. Since they’re so used to the highly regimented nature of prison, adapting to the real world can be incredibly challenging. As a result, various types of classes have been established in the American prison system.
These education classes have been created in part as an initiative to help prisoners better acclimate to the world outside of prison. By learning, they can prepare for the world they’ll have to live in when they are released from prison. Some of these classes include languages, basic mathematics, and religious studies.
Classes are not something that inmates can benefit from while spending time in jail. The sole purpose of jail is to provide a holding facility for those convicted of minor crimes or suspects while they await trial. Jails do not offer any classes, nor do they plan to in the future.
Our bail bondsman is available 24/7. Call us at (614) 221-0100
Learn How to Shorten the Time You Spend in Jail
The best way to shorten the time you spend in jail is to make the bail that has been set for you. In most cases, the amount of bail is much higher than anyone can afford. That’s why your best bet is to use trusted bail bonds. A few of the advantages of using a bail bond include confidentiality, knowledge of any relevant court systems, and cost savings.
At Andy Callif Bail Bonds, our team of certified surety bond agents is ready to help you get back on the road to recovery. Our staff has been serving the Columbus region for over 60 years. We are dedicated to our clients and assist them in posting bail as quickly as possible. Contact us today to get the help you need to pay bail and get released from jail.
Our Ohio bail bondsman is available 24/7, call us (614) 221-0100!