When you are found guilty of a crime, being in prison for a certain period of time is a punishment you must accept and go through. We all know that a prison sentence is the worst-case scenario, in addition to other alternatives like paying a fine.
However, prison sentences are not always as terrible a punishment as the media makes them out to be. Usually, the offenders who have to go to prison will have sufficient time to prepare. Sure, there are many things you should do before going to prison, in particular you have a wife/ husband and children too.
Thankfully! This post will show you what you should prepare to go to prison, assuming you have 3 days beforehand. So, do your best with these various preparations!
How to Prepare Before Going to Prison in 3 Days?
Preparation before going to prison is very important for a defendant of a crime. These are the days that can serve as a period of transition from normal life to prison life, so that they can live it more easily and comfortably. That’s why anyone who is facing imprisonment for the first time must have an enlightenment to know how life is in prison.
After the court sets when a prison sentence begins, some people may be given time to prepare. There are so many things they can do before they should spend time behind bars: have a brief quality time with their family, prepare for personal needs, etc.
If you’re lucky enough to get some time after receiving a prison sentence following a conviction, the following is what you should prepare in 3 days before going to prison:
1. Get information about the prison where you’ll go
All you need to do is look for information about the prison to which you’ll go and try to know where you are going. Knowing your inmate ID and the address of the prison is very useful for directing mail and lots of other things, like personal care packages.
You also need to find out the policies of your prison regarding visitation and phone calls. Make sure to let any family and friends know about the policies and talk to them about the schedule of visitation time, availability for phone calls, where to send mail or packages, etc.
2. Get people’s information contact
In addition to knowing information about a prison, you also need to get information from people you think can accept your calls. You need to make a list of their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
For the convenience of your family, such as certain administrative matters, you can also create a general power of attorney that you can sign first with a close family member or friend you trust.
3. Resolve the subscription and any other bills first
If you have an ongoing subscription to mail, newspapers, or magazines, you may have to resolve it first by making restrictions. If you want to continue receiving subscriptions, you can reroute them to your prison address.
If you also have credit card payments that will come due, you can try to call the card companies to discuss and get a solution to your case. They will appreciate you and may cut you a deal. If you have a vehicle payment, you need to go to the creditor and ask them what they suggest.
4. Have cash on your hand
It may be possible for you to go to the prison without any cash on you. Of course, you need to prepare your money first. After arriving in prison, it’d be better for you to save your money on your commissary account that you can use while in prison. You can also add money to your phone call accounts so you can make a phone call to your family.
5. Go for medical check-up
It’s highly recommended for you to see a doctor for a medical checkup. You can try to visit your dentist for one last good cleaning. If you wear corrective lenses, you may have to see an optometrist to update your prescription.
Make sure to refill all your prescriptions the day before you go to prison. It’s important to note that prison pharmacies may not provide you with medications they deem inactive. They may go by what your pharmacy reports you have filled in the last 30 days.
6. Decide what you need to bring to prison
The day before you go to prison, you need to prepare and decide what items you will bring. For personal needs, you can bring some pieces of clothing. Make sure to bring small items to make it easier to keep them in storage. The less you bring, the easier it will be. During your intake period in prison, your own stuff will be confiscated and stored by the prison staff. So, make sure to bring the items that you really need.
7. Spend quality time with your family and friends
Having quality time with your family is a must, especially if you have a wife or husband and children. To spend the time with your family, you can try to make plans such as having dinner or a barbeque in your home garden, watching the family’s favorite movie together, bonding more closely with your family, etc.
Make sure to give attention and understanding to your family so they understand that nothing will be different even if you spend time in prison. Let them know that you will be with them again immediately. You can also ask your family to accept your prison call or receive your mail.
8. Be ready to make a life inside prison
Since prison is not always a safe and peaceful place, you must be ready for a life inside. What you should do is cooperate with all instructions given by your prison guards. Make sure to stay quiet and not to give anyone a reason to be angry with you.
Keep in mind that none of them are there to actually make friends. You can withdraw yourself from situations that may be confrontational and make sure to avoid any behavior that can lead to a prison sentence.
9. Make friends and join programs available in prison
After arriving in prison, making friends is a must since none can survive prison alone. Be respectful to others, but be wise, since people can betray you in prison. You also need to behave well because your attitude will either save you or destroy you.
It’s also important for you to take any classes or programs available in prison. Usually, they provide a mental escape. If you join one of the prison programs, you need to watch and listen carefully.
The point is that prison sentences take a psychological toll and lead to significant social stigma. So, do your best to do and don’t do what makes your position worse.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
