I need to know any information about Federal Prisons. My husband is in jail on federal drug charges. This is the first time that he has been in trouble. I have no idea what is going on. Even if he pleads guilty his lawyer says that he can still get the minimum of 10 years. Scary we have a ten year old son. We live in Montana and I have no idea where he would go first. He is trying to get a self surrender before he goes to prison. Do they do that very often? Just any general info would be great. Thanks!!

jcbw4,

I don't think that this is the right Forum for your questions, so I am going to move this to Federal Prison System.

Also, if you could be more specific in your questions about what you would like to know in the Fed system?

Do you know what Fed prison?

Start here with this link to the Federal Bureau of Prisons...
http://www.bop.gov/

Unfortunately I don't think that there is a Fed prison in Montana so that will mean that he will be moved to another state. Which one? I am sorry but I cannot help here.

I am sure that someone will be able to help.

The site thet Teb gave you, only has the inmates info, like his name, number, ect ect., they dont show what the charge. it will show what is projected release date is. If he is in appeals still, that date can change if he wins.

I guess I wasn't that specific. I just wondered if you could request if he could be as close to us as possible. If the visits at these prisons are contact or if you have to be behind glass. If they move them around all the time. If they get early release or if they have to serve the whole thing. If anyone could answer these for me that would be great.

Hi jcbw4, sorry to hear that you have to learn first hand about the federal system. It's a hard road to travel, glad that you found this forum and hopefully you'll find the answers to your questions. I'll try to answer what I can. I've been dealing with this for almost 3 years now, so I've gained some knowledge on this matter. First of all I've learned that the conviction rate is very high on federal charges, about 95% conviction rate. ( wish I was wrong) With drug charges, they don't have to any evidence, just people pointing the finger to get a conviction. This is so unfair but it's the way it is at this time. Also the sentence handed out is so much harsher if you go to trial vs. pleading. This also is so unfair, being that going to trial is our constitional right. But exercising it can cost so much. I think that is the reason so many people plead in federal drug charges. Unless one has info the feds want, you're going to do some substantial time. I'm not trying to scare you but am telling you the way it is. I was so blind to the way the system works til I too was caught up the nightmare. The more I learn the more it saddens me that MY government works this way! As far as self surrender goes, that's for people who plead. Usually after pleading , they are given about 6 weeks to get their affairs in order and will get a letter telling them where and when to surrender. (This is not always the case, I've known of cases where they"re taken into custody right away). If you are lucky enough to be given the chance to get your affairs in order in first, the best option is to be able to get to where you have to turn yourself in to on your own. Otherwise you turn yourself in to your local facility and then have to be transported to where you'll be doing your time. This can take quite some time. I've been told you can be taken to many places along the way. It really isn't the way to go if you can avoid it. As far as requesting where you'll be sent to, yes the lawyer can request it but will BOP ( bureau of prisons) abide by it, not always. In my case the judge said he would request close to home but he was sent 680 miles away. I didn't know it at the time but it was a blessing. The facility was much better than the one close to home. Also if he does self surrender and you can send him with a postal money order so that he'll have funds available right away to get what he needs. There are alot of things that he'll need that aren't provided by the prison. In federal only postal money orders are accepted. I don't know how visting is at all federal places but at the camp ( there are differnt levels depending on your sentence) where I have to go there is contact visit, we can hug and kiss all we want. Thank god for this, it's what keeps me sane! As far as the phone calls go and the cost, I hope this is the case for all federal facilities, he calls direct, the cost is taken out of his phone commisionary monies. The cost is drastically less. We get to talk daily now, yes there is a limit on the minutes monthly 300, but if you watch the clock you can talk every day. As to whether there is early release, not at this time. They have to serve 85% of their sentence. There are people trying to get this changed example HR5296, but these things take time and the people to care enough to help bring change. Here are a few sites you should check out to learn more, FAMM (families against mininum mandatory) & November.org, as well PTO, glad you found this site, hopefully you'll find the support and comfort here that you'll need to get through all of this. I wish you the best, if there are any other questions ask away and hopefully one of us can answer them for you. Dig deep down and find the strength that's within you to face whats before you. It's there, even if you don't know it. I learned this about myself and never before would I have thought I could endure what I have these last few years. Please let me know if I can help, you are not alone. There are alot of US out here. United we'll get through it and hopefully make some changes along the way!

Thank you so much for the information that you gave me. It helps to know that there are other people out there that can answer your questions. If I have any more questions I will be sure to post them. Thanks so much!!!

Terry already gave you quite a bit of information. She is correct, my husband did not cooperate (i.e., snitch) and went to trial. He ended up receiving 33, yes 33 years. He has been incarcerated for 17 now and his MRO (mandatory release date) is in 2006. He was under different legislation so only will do 65% of his time. Also, parole was available but he has been turned down FIVE times. This is all with an exemplary record, him obtaining his college degree, etc. It depends on his level of points he receives on where he will be sent. My husband was sent quite far from home, from Nevada to Wisconsin when he was sentenced. It mainly had to do with 17 other convictions in his case and they didn't want anyone in the same facility. You can have contact visits. However, unlike Terry we can't hug and kiss whenever we want. One hug and kiss on arrival and one leaving. It depends on the facility and the level. We can investigate further when he is sentenced and knows where he is going. The phone system is less expensive for sure than some horror stories I hear. My best friend grew up in Big Sandy, and another friend's mom grew up in Havre. I will offer all I can for moral support, and I don't know if you you have a spiritual nature, but prayer is what helps me. Let me know how else I can help.

God bless,
Kelli

Thank you for the help. It's great knowing that there are other people out there going through the same thing. If I have other questions I will be sure to post them here. Thanks again!!!

jcbw - If you're still reading the msgs, update me. If your hasband has already been sent to federal prison. I'm traveling to SeaTac if you need a ride from here (Great Falls). Also, I think I sent you info on the Shelby Prison, Gov. Martz signed the bill allowing that private facility to accept federal prisoners. Get his attorney to look into it?!?!

Terry (On the road again), what prison is your husband at? My husband is facing 5 years for being a felon and being around ammunition. I am trying to figure out which prisons are better(so to speak) than others. He has not plead or went to trial yet but we are prepared for the worst.

Thanks for thinking of me Sienna's Mom. But he is still in Greatfalls. But I hope that your visit with your daughter goes wonderful. I bet she is excited. I'll be sure to update after he is sentenced in July.