The U.S. prison system has long been a subject of public scrutiny, but private prisons, in particular, have sparked considerable debate and for various reasons. This is because private prisons are run by corporations and aimed at profiting from incarcerating individuals. A lot of information is not shared to the public about private prisons. This blog article is entitled, “10 Interesting Facts About Private Prisons In The U.S.”.

DNA evidence has completely changed the criminal justice system since its introduction, offering a different but more accurate tool for both convicting the guilty and exonerating the innocent. This is because the precision and reliability of DNA testing have transformed forensic science, leading to the release of numerous wrongfully convicted individuals. This blog article, entitled “10 Interesting Facts About DNA Evidence And Exoneration Today” beams the searchlight on fascinating facts and information about DNA evidence and exoneration that have gotten everyone’s attention.

Pregnancy in prison is a complex issue that is sometimes ignored by authorities despite the fact that it has a huge effect on not just the mother and the unborn child but also other inmates and even prison officials. It would be easy to think it should be prioritized given the impact it has on human rights, healthcare, and the treatment of women behind bars. This is why it is important to push for more awareness by beaming the spotlight on this blog article entitled “11 Shocking And Interesting Facts About Pregnant Women In Prison”.

Dating someone who is incarcerated is a deeply personal choice, influenced by a multitude of factors ranging from individual values to perceptions of risks and rewards. Here, we explore some compelling reasons why dating a prisoner may either be a wise decision or a misstep, shedding light on the nuances of this unconventional romantic endeavor. This blog article is entitled “12 Interesting Reasons Why Dating A Prisoner May Be A Good Or Poor Choice”.

State and federal prisons play a critical role in the justice system, housing individuals convicted of various crimes. Knowing the intricacies of their security levels is essential for comprehending how these facilities operate. From supermax to minimum security, each level serves a distinct purpose in managing different types of offenders.

Gaining an understanding of the various security levels within state and federal prisons is crucial for comprehending the complexities of the correctional system and its overarching goals of punishment, rehabilitation, and public safety. By effectively managing their inmate populations through tailored security measures, these institutions strive to uphold the principles of justice and maintain order within society. This blog article is entitled, “10 Facts About State And Federal Prison Security Levels Now”.

Serving a life sentence or living on death row is undoubtedly one of the most challenging situations an individual can face. However, despite the seemingly insurmountable circumstances, there are powerful ways for incarcerated individuals to make a positive impact, find solace, and leave a legacy they can be proud of.

The steps towards achieving this isn't the easiest thing to do but there are a few things that can be done to help an incarcerated individual navigate the road towards a life sentence. This article is entitled “7 Powerful Ways Prisoners Can Serve A Life Sentence”. It will explore seven transformative strategies that can help prisoners not only come to terms with their life sentence but also make meaningful contributions to their own well-being and the lives of others.

Non-violent offenders in U.S. prisons often face a different set of challenges compared to their violent counterparts. In this blog article, we will delve into “10 Intriguing Facts About Non-Violent Offenders In U.S. Prisons”, exploring the world of non-violent offenders, the shortest and longest prison sentences, the crimes they’ve committed, and shedding light on some renowned individuals serving non-violent offenses. Moreover, this blog article examines the controversial aspects of mandatory minimum sentences and the impact of three-strikes laws on non-violent offenders.

Have you ever wondered why most people slip up and return to jail or prison? Some ex-offenders find themselves in situations (especially crime) that take them back to jail. There are several psychological effects of going back to jail. Not only does it affect a person’s behavior, but for some ex-offenders, the prison is a frightening and uncomfortable place to be. Therefore, it is advisable for one to use hindsight and foresight to remember the importance of freedom. This blog article is entitled “8 Good Reasons To Not Slip Up And Return To Jail Or Prison”.

In today's criminal justice system, halfway houses have become an important stop for those looking to transition back into society after serving their sentence. These facilities serve as a bridge between structured prison life and entering back into the real world again.

But is it really that simple? What are these places exactly about, how do inmates qualify for them, and what kind of challenges or opportunities may arise when they're released from one? Let's take a closer look! This blog article is entitled "Are Incarcerated Individuals "Home-Free" If They Go To A Halfway House?"

When you think of the current prison climate, you probably envision an atmosphere of isolation and confinement; some people do. Well, it might surprise you to know that prisons nowadays aren't what they used to be. In the field of corrections, technology has been gradually integrating itself into prison operations and transforming how facilities are operated and inmates rehabilitated.

Our society is developing continuously, and the penal system is not left behind. It is accepting novelties with an outlook of reinforced security, better processes, and surprisingly to some people, an even more humane approach toward incarceration. Modern jails have applied the most modern technologies to better security, simplify functions, and help with rehabilitation. This article will discuss, “5 interesting prison technological systems used today in the U.S.”.

Over the last two decades, we've seen an unusual surge in the use of solitary confinement in United States correctional facilities. This surge is despite the talks of prison reform in favour of incarcerated individuals and heavy criticism from medical and legal practitioners who deem the practice inhumane and unconstitutional; Not to mention the cost of building and operating supermax prisons up to three times more than traditional prisons. Several studies have also suggested that supermax prisons can negatively affect public safety. 

With fiscal realities negatively impacting budgets set aside for things like education and health, there's no better time to re-examine the issues surrounding the topic of solitary confinement and whether it should continue. This blog article entitled, “10 Major Issues and Solutions About Solitary Confinement in The U.S.” reviews some of the major issues with solitary confinement in the United States and possible solutions and alternatives to it. 

Prisons are intended to be places of rehabilitation and can involve redemption and punishment, but unfortunately, prison corruption often arises within these institutions. From violent attacks to corrupt officers, the world of prisons can be a shocking and disturbing place. We're diving into the realm of prisons and uncovering some of the biggest prison scandals and controversies that have rocked the penitentiary world in this blog article entitled, “5 Interesting And Shocking Prison Scandals And Controversies For You To Know”.

Prison guards generally help to maintain order in prisons while also ensuring that inmates receive the necessities for their rehabilitation and reformation. While their role in the prison is to maintain safety and security in a correctional facility, it is no news that the loved ones of some inmates and others may not think highly of or feel some way about prison guards. This article will discuss “10 Strong Reasons Why Some People May Not Think The Best About Prison Guards”.

The efforts put into the control of inmate self-harm and suicide in the United States seem rather futile. Even the topic “prison suicide” is one that most individuals may avoid. Prisoners may be seen as condemned or disposable in the eyes of the public, which is inhumane.

Suicides in state, federal, and local correctional facilities rose from 499 in 2001 to 695 in 2019. Suicide accounts for 1.7% of all deaths in the United States, but 30% of all jail deaths. In 2019, nearly 10% of inmates committed suicide, not including suicide attempts.

Inmates may face despicable conditions in prison cells and few of them may have the mental stamina to keep up. Suffocation, including hanging and self-strangulation, accounted for nearly 90% of suicide deaths in local jails between 2010 and 2019. In this blog article, we will discuss “5 Best Ways Jail Or Prison Suicide And Self-Harm Can Be Prevented”.

In September 1971, Attica Correctional Facility in New York witnessed one of the greatest prison riots of all time. In a five-day siege that started on September 9th, the prisoners revolted, and this rebellion kickstarted many discussions about the state of the prisons and how riots should be considered a serious issue. So, what exactly happened on this day more than five decades ago? This blog article will discuss 5 Interesting And Top Reasons With Solutions For Prison Riots.

Life after jail or prison can be very overwhelming for ex-convicts. When they are released, they can come out and encounter a whole different world. They may discover that society has entirely transformed, and it has now become a huge obstacle...one that actively discourages people from positively contributing to society...one where everyone seems to fear or resent them and is not willing to help them find their way back to society even after a change of heart, attitude, and/or remorse. This blog article will discuss 10 Best Ways Prisoners Can Reintegrate Into The Community After Release.

Depending on your level of literacy and background, you may or may not know what parole is. As a result, to fully comprehend today's topic — 10 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Parole Decisions For Prisoners — you must first understand the basics of parole. This includes understanding what parole is, what parole means, and how it generally works.

Domestic violence happens in so many ways; however, the end is always the same, there is the authoritarian and abusive person inflicting hurt and the victim receiving the hurt, in the eyes of the law at least. As a result of this, people get incarcerated for abuses that they claim they did not commit. Once you get charged with domestic abuse and sentenced, usually through Family Court under Family Law in various states, it can go into your permanent record, and you automatically have a criminal record, which may affect your relationships and life going forward, whether you are innocent or not. This article will discuss 10 Things About Domestic Violence Courts And Sentencing To Be Aware Of.

As a child, having an incarcerated parent can be scary, emotionally- draining, and cause anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. These feelings and more can surface regardless of whether the child lived with an incarcerated parent or not. It is hard if the child suffered abuse from the incarcerated parent, especially if they were using alcohol or drugs. A child could feel guilty about physical or verbal abuse, believe that they caused the incarceration of their parent(s), or did not do enough to help the parent with their drug or alcohol abuse. A child may also feel relief that the abusive parent is no longer present to abuse them. The protection of children is imperative and very much so when they deal with one or both parents being locked up. This article will discuss 10 Ways To Help And Protect A Child With A Parent In Prison.

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Prison inmates have a right to get formal or informal education to fit into society upon release, cater to themselves, and make an honest living. Prison education has various categories. It can be vocational or literacy development, arts and crafts training, physical education, sports or rehabilitation, and reclamation training. Some inmates go as far as pursuing a high school degree and even a bachelor’s degree. There are provisions made by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to ensure that these prison education options are conducted onsite at both state and federal prison facilities. This article will discuss the 5 Best Ways Prisoners Can Get Educated.

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Having a loved one in prison can feel overwhelming and stressful, but it does not mean you should abandon them. Prisoners cannot do without your support in surviving the prison environment or getting out. Depending on the level of severity of the criminal allegations, people can go to prison for different reasons, from criminal allegations deemed minor such as pickpocketing to grave offenses like felony vehicular manslaughter.

Today, the United States has over two million incarcerated people shared in federal prisons, juvenile correctional facilities, local jails, immigration detention, Indian River County jail, military prison, and civil commitment centers. So, while you still may be in shock over your loved one’s arrest, there are legal ways for your loved ones to pursue regaining their freedom. This article provides you with 10 Good And Helpful Ways To Get Your Loved One Out Of Prison.

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The New York State lawmakers have been advocating for the end of cash bails after the enactment of the New York bail statute in 1971. The statute's design was to distinguish the handling of crimes in the state and the justice system in general. There is more information in this article for you to Know The Interesting Things About New York Bail Reform.

While many welcomed the idea, it enumerated the division whereby underprivileged low-income people (mostly people of color who faced going to jail) who could not afford bail or were accused of low-level crimes faced unequal treatment. It also placed a spotlight on people with mental illness. Advocates felt that focusing on resources to treat and not jail mentally ill people was crucial. Critics felt as though mentally ill people who were suspects and did not remain in jail would become repeat offenders.

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If you are reading this, you must want to learn more or all you can about plea bargains and court trials. In this piece, we have thoroughly considered things you need to know about these two terms and provided you with the information you need to make the right choice for you. So, Is A Criminal Plea Bargain Or Trial The Best?

What is A Criminal Plea Bargain?

Popularly known as a plea agreement or plea deal, plea bargains are more common than not in many criminal cases. A plea bargain is made between a prosecutor and defendant in a criminal case where the suspect pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a charge in return for a concession made by the prosecutor.

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A prisoner, just like a freeman, is entitled to legal representation among other constitutional and administrative protections although they do not have full constitutional rights. But, What Type Of Legal Representation Is Best For Prisoners? Lawyers and public defenders play a major role in prisoner litigation and legal defenses. They investigate the necessary information, help in the commutation of sentences, and provide alternative modes of representing disputes.

As of 2016, it was recorded that about 2.2 million Americans have been incarcerated at one point or the other. This means that for every 100,000 people in the US, there are 655 inmates. This has resulted in prison congestion and also generated a lot of revenue for the government.

The idea of prison life seems like a terrible and life-changing circumstance for prisoners who are experiencing loss of freedom. This is the view that some free people may see of those who have been sentenced for whatever reason or time they serve.

Now, the truth behind the life that U.S. prisoners live seems shut off from the world, and it's only prisoners and former prisoners that get to see the big picture behind the world, which is the prison system. Now, we have a brief idea that the prison system is different from the outside world. Still, we need to realize that it's similar in its operation.

Prisoners may struggle to live a normal life as much as possible between the walls of a prison. Some prisoners can have social, religious, and academic gatherings to help their mental state; however, the interesting part of it can all revolve around their ability to earn money while in prison. Do U.S. Prisoners Get A Paycheck For Working In Prison?

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Going to prison means partially relinquishing your civil rights, but the United States Constitution is supposed to ensure prisoner civil rights. These laws are in place to protect the rights of even the most hardened criminals and inmates who can be maltreated, punished, or abused by the system. 

The United States has the highest incarceration in the world, with a black person six times more likely to be incarcerated than a white man. It is also the only democracy in the world that has no definite body established to monitor prison conditions or the rights of prisoners. Whether it is to be treated fairly or to protect their health and safety, prisoners have rights, and it is time you knew them.

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The fight against the COVID-19 virus has shaken the world at large, affecting every aspect of our lives. The economy of the world, education, organizations, and institutions have all been put on hold, to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. But, What Are Helpful Measures To Reduce Mass Incarceration During A Pandemic?

The message preached by the health organizations to help control the spread of the virus has mainly been a matter of social distancing. It has been stated that safe distancing would stop the spread of the virus, and necessitate the end of the deadly disease. The fact stated above, the world at large has been placed on lockdown in a reasonable bid to reduce social contact and spread of the disease.

In the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, many U.S. prisons have suspended prisoner visits by family, friends, and loved ones to prevent its transmission and spread. This measure is reported to be a very important step relating to prison visitation information as many prisons may update their visiting rules when visitation resumes, and the loved ones of inmates can see their incarcerated loved ones again.

Due to suspended visits because of COVID-19, the family, friends, and loved ones of prisoners may be feeling nervous, anxious, and concerned about the safety of their incarcerated loved ones. According to the Bureau of Prisons, measures have been implemented to protect prisoners. At some point, visitation to inmates will resume so here is information that could help you increase your chances of having a good visit.

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In a November 2018 report compiled by the Prison Policy Initiative, it was stated that there are approximately 219,000 incarcerated women in the United States. Despite being home to about 5% of the world’s female population, the United States is responsible for about 33% of the world’s incarcerated female population.

Let’s start this blog article off with some commentary about the picture above to help you Get In The Know About Illegal Prison Contraband. Imagine how many cell phones and contraband got inside jails and prisons due to contraband smuggling. 

That is…before the invention and implementation of search equipment and unless contraband smugglers didn’t forget to turn off the cell phone ringers (Lol). Is there more to the story when it comes to prison contraband? You bet.

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According to various news sources, legal marijuana sales are expected to hit over $20 billion in 2020. Various groups and individuals are calling for the feds to change their stance on the continued illegalization of marijuana at the federal level.

Discussions about marijuana and other related drugs have been going on for decades, even as it becomes more popular and how its sales have continuously led to the arrest of young people most especially young black Americans. In this blog article, we shall look at 10 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Marijuana to educate you more so you can form your own opinion on this matter.

Ever noticed that when a group of people is hanging out with each other for a while, they create special words and phrases that make sense to no one else but them? This can happen in schools, hospitals, offices, workshops, and of course, in prisons. 

You’ve probably even made some up with your friends. In this blog article, Cell Block Legendz will refer to Prison Slang To Know How To Relate To The Incarcerated. We realize that slang is used in jails as well and some slang words are universally accepted and spoken.

Getting the news that someone you know is in prison can be surprising, sad, stressful, and/or confusing. If someone you know has never served time in prison, then you may already know that having support, helpful knowledge, and coping skills can mean the difference between life and death in various instances and correctional facility settings. 

Cell Block Legendz does not wish for you or your loved one to end up in jail or prison. Nevertheless, we are providing you with these 11 Survival Tips For Your Loved One In Prison, below, that just may help to save your loved one’s life.

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Brief Overview of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

Mandatory minimum sentencing, a legal term which according to the definition given by law means an individual condemned of a crime is given a prison sentence for at least a certain period, in contrast to the punishment issued at the discretion of judges.

To clarify a bit more, let’s look at an example; a person who is caught carrying one kilogram or more of cocaine would be put in jail for five years even if a judge feels their sentence should be less.

Mandatory minimum sentencing laws compel judges to give fixed sentences to every convict, regardless of their accountability, answerability and other extenuating factors.

As unusual as it may sound, some people view the incarcerated as mere criminals and nothing more. In some countries, prisoners are left on their own to complete their sentences while allowing them no chance at redemption or rehabilitation.

For anyone who is not familiar with the concept of prisoner rehabilitation, they may have never been imprisoned. Let's get some proper insight into what prisoner rehabilitation is.

“Loose lips sink ships.”

“Snitches get stitches.”

“Stop snitching”       

You may have heard these words at some point in your life. You may even be familiar with what a tattletale is. However, do you know what snitching is? Snitching is an act in where someone provides incriminating information to the police about the criminal activity of others so that the cops show leniency in punishment to the one who provided them with information. This way, the one who provided police with information avoids getting in trouble or gets in less trouble. A person who does this is called a snitch.

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Your alarm clock goes off at 7:00 AM on a Monday morning and you slowly hit the snooze button a few times to get a little more sleep before you must get up for work. You had a very busy weekend and did not catch up on your sleep. Although you’re tempted to call into work and fake being sick when you wake up, you decide that you’ll postpone that idea for another time (Lol).