A few questions about jail/prison

[hiroz]

Hello all.

My brother is currently sitting in jail and he will soon (likely) be sent to prison for at least a couple of years due to drug possession, theft, a paraphernalia charge, and many other things. This was a very obvious thing that was going to happen for the past four or five years, but my parents never wanted to deal with it properly and he has essentially driven them into debt with many other problems he's left behind.

My parents feel that he needs more and more money in order to pay for "things" in jail. I was under the impression that they aren't too bad off in jail. They get all of the basic necessities and have some entertainment. He says that he gets to work out and has television. To me, this doesn't sound too bad - at least he's getting structure in his life now.

He insists that the food is awful and makes him sick and he needs extra money. He says this money is going toward better food like ramen noodles and chips (heh). He also asks for an "I Care Package" every week that costs $25. In total, I would say he gets about $50 every week. I have urged my parents not to give him that much money and stick to $10/week at the most, but I obviously have no control over the situation.

So my questions are, what exactly could he be buying that costs this much money? Is he living in luxury over there compared to his inmates? Don't they give shampoo, soap, a decent diet, etc.?

My mom says that when he goes to prison, it's required that we send a certain amount of money every month - is this true? And what are the things that he should be careful of when going into prison? He's not very big and my mom is worried that he's going to get raped (is this a common occurrence like the media portrays?). I've heard that you should stay away from the gambling, but that's all I've heard.

Thanks for the help.

[Scotties_Girl21]

Originally Posted by hiroz

Hello all.

My brother is currently sitting in jail and he will soon (likely) be sent to prison for at least a couple of years due to drug possession, theft, a paraphernalia charge, and many other things. This was a very obvious thing that was going to happen for the past four or five years, but my parents never wanted to deal with it properly and he has essentially driven them into debt with many other problems he's left behind.

My parents feel that he needs more and more money in order to pay for "things" in jail. I was under the impression that they aren't too bad off in jail. They get all of the basic necessities and have some entertainment. He says that he gets to work out and has television. To me, this doesn't sound too bad - at least he's getting structure in his life now.

He insists that the food is awful and makes him sick and he needs extra money. He says this money is going toward better food like ramen noodles and chips (heh). He also asks for an "I Care Package" every week that costs $25. In total, I would say he gets about $50 every week. I have urged my parents not to give him that much money and stick to $10/week at the most, but I obviously have no control over the situation.

So my questions are, what exactly could he be buying that costs this much money? Is he living in luxury over there compared to his inmates? Don't they give shampoo, soap, a decent diet, etc.?

My mom says that when he goes to prison, it's required that we send a certain amount of money every month - is this true? And what are the things that he should be careful of when going into prison? He's not very big and my mom is worried that he's going to get raped (is this a common occurrence like the media portrays?). I've heard that you should stay away from the gambling, but that's all I've heard.

Thanks for the help.

Hi hope I can answer some of your questions.

50 dollars a week is PLENTY. Compared to other inmates in jail and prison he's living very well on that amount. He could be doing a number of things with this money besides buying commissary (I.e gambling, drugs). You are correct, they supply him with basic necessities like toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc so like I said 50 a week you can live quite well in jail.

As far as him going to prison, this all depends on his attitude. If he goes there with a chip on his shoulder or a loud mouth he will most certainly have problems. The best advice you can give him is to keep to himself and do his time. Sorry if this is blunt, but this is how it is for my loved ones who are incarcerated. As far as being raped, idk what facility he's headed to and although this does happen, its not quite as often as you may think. My boyfriend is small and he's never had any problems.

I hope this all helps and your brother turns his life around and makes the best of this time! Prison offers many classes and ways to improve and grow and I hope he takes advantage of them! If you have any questions I didn't answer feel free to message me, even if you just want to talk.
:Goodluck:

Every day brings me one day closer to you....<3

[sarbear831]

Yes $50 is plenty! I only send my fiancée $25 every couple weeks!!

I think Scotties Girl covered the rest of your questions! I am also here if you need anything! Feel free to PM me!

[starbright31]

If he's doing anything "illegal" or something that could get him in trouble, he probably won't tell you.

[gmoneymissesyou]

My brother has been in prison for 9 years, he was 18 when he went in. Still a boy if you ask me and has basically grown up in prison. Im not going to sugar coate this for you, because it is very hard and depressing thing to go thru. If you love and care for your brother, set aside an hour a week at least to write him a letter, it's like xmass day for them. Jail is nothing compared to prison. They have gangs in there, and they will try and break your brother. What i mean by that is, try and scare him from paying for protection to harrasing him. He will fight for his life eventually, and yes it is true what they say about rapes. Those things are true and happen, there are people in there that will never get out and having nothing to live for. A lot of people attempt suicide after the first few years. THats why it is very important to stay in some kind of contact with him, he will need his family now more than he will ever in life. He does not have to have a care package every week either. He needs to get used to the bare minimum. I send my brother anywhere from 40 to 60 a month, and he ususally doesn't even use that much. He will be able to get some snacks and stuff to write letters. Im sorry to bring bad news your way, but your brother may not be that bad off either. I just want you to know what could happen, and that a lot of the things you have heard are true. I hope your parents do give him some support, but $50 a week is a lot of money and will get old fast. Hopefully he wont have to be there long, so it's not so hard for him there or when he gets home. Good luck to your family, and remember a letter is a great feeling, and he will need someone to lean on. Support and to know he is still loved and needed is something they really need while away from everyone they know.