Prison vs. Jail?

[usatraceadmin]

I will start this forum off and answer a very common question regarding the difference between Prisons(state time) and Jails(county time).


The main difference as you see above is inmates sentenced to prison are now in "state" custody. Inmates could be sent to one of many institutions in their specific state. Typically for more serious crimes. Although inmates can be sentenced to state prison for parole violations, "heavier" misdemeanors, misdemeanor with priors, or state guidelines mandate because of previous criminal history.


Inmates sentenced to jail are in "county" custody at a local level. For light felonies, misdemeanors, probation violations, sentencing guidelines. However there are some lucky inmates who have more serious felonies sentenced to jail because typically of little prior criminal history.


Need to clarify too, that all inmates are housed at the county level prior to their disposition of their case or sentencing. After that time sentenced inmates will be sent to a state institution or remain in county custody.


R.C
USATrace.com

i would just like to add that prisons house woman differently and if you dont take the plea agreement then first offender or not you are going to prison!

[usatraceadmin]

Originally Posted by tanyalee

i would just like to add that prisons house woman differently and if you dont take the plea agreement then first offender or not you are going to prison!

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That really depends on the crime the offender committed, and the county. Women and men are not treated judicially different anywhere in this country. However, it is not uncommon if a plea offer has been rejected by the offender, that when going to trial and they are convicted, there is a good chance they will get the maximum penalty.