Hello,
I am new and want to say hello. I will be sentenced to federal prison in July and wanted to start to prepare. I understand that I should send money in a couple days for my self-surrender - when ever that will be. I know that I should register for mail as well. I was wondering if ther is anything else I should do? Like try to make sure a federal prison closest to my house is selected in the pre-sentence report. Write letters to my kids before hand and have them delivered to them from my brother?? Quit drinking weeks before self-surrender?

Al

Alby - just wanted to say welcome to PTO - I am news at this also, I will surrender on 7/15 but I have been able to find many answers and some very good information here. Hope you find what you are looking for.

Hi and welcome. How long do you think you will be sentenced? I have experience in the federal system and would love to help if you need it. You get lots of support and information here. :)

oh yeah, good luck too :)

Hello and Welcome to PTO!

Hello,
I am new and want to say hello. I will be sentenced to federal prison in July and wanted to start to prepare. I understand that I should send money in a couple days for my self-surrender - when ever that will be. I know that I should register for mail as well. I was wondering if ther is anything else I should do? Like try to make sure a federal prison closest to my house is selected in the pre-sentence report. Write letters to my kids before hand and have them delivered to them from my brother?? Quit drinking weeks before self-surrender?

Al

Hi, Alby.
I just got out from doing an 18 month bit at FCI Lompoc and La Tuna. I self-surrendered at Lompoc, and didn't need to do anything like register for mail or send money in. I took cash and they gave me a reciept on the spot, and was put on my books within 2 to 4 days. I wouldn't recommend taking a large amount of money (over $200) as if you have any restitution or an assessment fee to pay they will base your payment plan (Financial Responsibility Program) on how much money you make, bring or have sent in. I knew a guy who owed 4 or 5 thousand dollars restitution and had brought several thousand dollars in with him, enough he figured to last him his 2 year bit. Instead, the BOP took all his money to satisfy his FRP. You have to be careful. They want thiers. Period. Asking to be locked up close to your home is a good idea, although it doesn't guarentee anything. They are supposed to put you within 500 miles of your release point when you are 12 months short or less. I didn't ask to be sent anywhere specifically, and was sent 1400 miles from home because they had opened 2 new housing units in Lompoc, so visiting was tough untill I got transferred closer to home. So ask, it doesn't mean youi will get it, but it can't hurt. One thing you'll learn about the BOP is they do whatever they want. Once you get where you are going, you'll find that it seems as though any BOP staff members job is to automatically say no to anything you ask for. Don't be discouraged, keep asking and don't be afraid to put a little paperwork in thier lives if they wont give you what you've got coming. You'll see what I mean. Whatever you do, don't turn yourself in drunk or high because they will put you straight in the hole and could up your custody level. Be advised, they will piss test you within a day or two of your arrival. Good luck, I hope I answered some of your questions. You'll be fine if you remember these things:
Mind your own business, don't mess with gangs, drugs, gambling, or owe anybody anything.
God bless

HI there!

Welcome to PTO! Hopefully you will find answers to all your questions before that time comes! We have some info here, and some really great people who are always lending a helping hand!

Glad to have you here on PTO!

Diane

Thank you everyone. It is likely that I will be sentenced to 20 months. It is possible to get less, but I am planning on not receiving any downward departures. Do not want to get hopes up.

Alby

Hi, and again, welcome to PTO. I hope in the days before you self surrender we can se a source of support and information for you. :)

Hi Al,

Welcome to PTO. NMEX gave you good advice.

Carolyn

Welcome to PTO, My husband just went in, in May, he found me this website and also found lots of info. When we went in for his sentencing he requested Morgantown to the Judge, and they did give him that.

Michelle