Have
you ever wondered why many people are behind bars today? What's the first
reason that comes to your mind? Drugs? Abuse? Contempt of court? Although these
are some reasons to face incarceration, sometimes financial constraints might
be the problem. So many people are unable to pay their bail and end up being in jail until they can. However, that doesn't make up the larger percentage of
people in prison. This article will discuss 10 Biggest Reasons Why People
End Up Going To Jail Or Prison.
The
10 different reasons why people go to jail or prison are:
Drug-Related Offenses
Drug crimes are undoubtedly one of the major justifications for so many people in jail. Producing, smuggling, and selling illegal drugs has proven to be a very lucrative market over the years. There's a growing demand for different illegal drugs and it doesn't seem like it will go away any time soon. However, producing or selling illegal drugs isn't the only reason you could end up in jail. Possessing and using such drugs are also considered a crime and can lead to jail or prison time.
Physical Assault
Another
reason why you can end up in jail is physical assault. Physical assault is
primarily described as any situation that causes you to use force to harm someone.
You might think you have to at least hit or injure someone before you can be
charged. However, you don't necessarily have to touch them.
Threatening
someone with a weapon or just verbally is considered assault in some cases. If
you're found guilty of assault, you might end up serving some jail time and
have a criminal record.
Violating Traffic
Laws
Don't
get surprised just yet, you can't go to jail for running a red light or driving
past the speed limit just once. This might leave you with a warning or a fine
you have to pay depending how things go with the officer that pulled you over.
However, if you repeatedly break these laws, it can cause you to do jail time.
Traffic
offenses also include DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs),
speeding and driving haphazardly, and a hit-and-run. You could end up with a
suspended license, heavy fines, and possible jail or prison time.
Robbery
Stealing
is another major and common reason why many people are serving jail or prison time
today. Whether it's breaking into someone's house, shoplifting, or work-related
robbery, they are all grounds for arrest. These crimes can lead you to serve
serious jail or prison time and the duration or bail often depends on the value
of what you may have stolen and the level of the offense.
Larceny
This
is a type of theft where someone takes another’s personal property without
permission. The property could be money, car, or labor, and it's often associated
with the crime of trespassing. This crime is regarded as a misdemeanor and
might cause you to pay a fine and spend less than a year in jail.
Crimes Against The
Law
Another
common reason why people end up in jail is committing offenses against the
justice system. These could be offenses such as: failure to appear in court or court-mandated
programs, obstructing justice, breach of probation, and perjury. Inmates who
fall in this category may have broken the law prior.
Sexual Assault
Engaging
in any sexual activity or having sexual contact without someone’s consent is
considered sexual assault. Rape, coercion, groping, and attempted rape all fall
within this group, and can easily get you jail or prison time and a criminal
record.
Cybercrimes / Fraud
Cybercrimes
are frauds that lead to theft done over the Internet. There are so many
different types of fraud such as credit cards, investment scams, phishing,
identity theft, etc. The jail or prison time you get from these forms of theft
is usually determined by the value of what you stole. Cybercrimes typically are
federal offenses that can be punishable with imprisonment for three years or
less because the Internet is involved.
Disorderly Conduct
This
type of crime refers to a circumstance where you are under the influence,
loitering in restricted areas, or disturbing the peace. These crimes are
misdemeanors and might cause you to pay a fine or perform some acts of
community service. In severe cases, it could lead to restraining orders and
probation.
Murder/Homicide
Image Source: Unsplash
This
is by far the worst reason to end up in jail because inmates who have committed
this crime usually get life in prison. Although all the crimes mentioned above
can cause you to go to jail or prison, murder will likely keep you in jail
without bail until a criminal case is resolved.
Here are a few tips
that can help people with minimizing or preventing any chances of going to jail or prison:
Be Responsible and
Accountable
Accountability
is the first step to healing and making sure you don't go to or back to jail or prison. By
being accountable, you understand the reasons why you were sent to jail or prison and
know you don't want to go back if you are released. Research has shown that over 76% of people that
have been in jail usually end up going back. This could be due to a lack of
support and resources and bad lifestyle choices. It's important to always be
responsible and humble as this will help you be teachable. Attend therapy and timely check-in with your probation or parole officer.
Learn The
Criminal Laws
One
of the major reasons why many people end up in jail or prison is because they are unaware
of the different criminal laws. You need to learn the difference between a
violation, misdemeanor, felony, and crime. Realize the statistics that may be or may not be in your favor when it comes to the laws and risk of incarceration and govern yourself accordingly.
Be Focused
A
huge issue with many ex-inmates is that they are often idle and lost about
their next move. You need to have a plan and positive goals in mind. Focus on
either obtaining your general equivalency degree, taking some literacy courses,
learning, perfecting, or owning job/trade skills, becoming self-employed, or starting a business. If
you have an interest in continuing your education, then you should do it. Do your
research, get the proper knowledge and resources, and keep working at it. Also,
avoid people, places, and things that will lead you back to your old ways. Keep
busy and work on your short and long-term goals.
Conclusion
Going
to jail or prison may be hard but getting out and living a normal life can be
harder. You must be focused and motivated on getting or doing better by
avoiding people, places, and things that can tempt you to risk losing your freedom or ending up (back) in jail or prison.
Don't be ashamed of asking for help from trusted and valid and legitimate
sources. Be committed and in no time, you can start living a normal, productive, and greater life again if you ever served jail or prison time.
For more information on helping an incarcerated loved, click the links, below:
(Disclaimer: Affiliate Advertising. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)
Improve Yourself While In Jail Or Prison Paperback - July 13, 21016 By C. Mahoney