How to Reduce Prison Time

If you’re headed to prison, you’re going to want to get out as soon as possible. Jail is not a friendly place; it’s lonely and often frightening. Jails in most states are overcrowded, so most states reward time served for good behavior, finding a job within the jail or participating in various programs. You can also get released from jail early if you are granted parole, which may be the case if you are serving a several-year prison term.

Stay on your best behavior. Do what the correctional officers ask you to do, don’t pick fights with other inmates and don’t violate any rules, such as sneaking contraband into your cell. Many prisons have a good behavior system, where you get credit for time served for every so many days you don’t violate prison rules. For example, you may get five days time served for every seven days you don’t violate a rule.

Enroll in any programs that will credit you for time served. In addition to rewarding time served for good behavior, many prisons also reward time served if you participate in community service programs or rehabilitation programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous if you have a problem with alcohol. For example, the prison may credit you with 10 days time served if you participate in a community service program that picks up trash on the side of the highway. Some inmates, such as violent offenders, are unable to participate in certain programs.

Apply for a prison job. All prisons have jobs that inmates can apply for. Certain jobs may be unavailable for some inmates; for example, non-violent offenders will typically be allowed to work in the kitchen with knives and other sharp tools, but violent offenders are generally prohibited from such jobs. Getting a job in prison is sometimes combined with good behavior rewards and can shorten your time in prison. A job will also make you look more professional to the parole board if you are eligible for parole.

Highlight everything positive you accomplished in prison when you stand before the parole board. The parole board places major emphasis on what you have done during your time in jail. They need to know that you can reenter society and become a productive member who won’t cause harm to other people. Although they have your jail time information in front of them, reiterate that you found a job in the jail, you never violated jail rules and you participated in various programs that were offered. If the board sees that you have taken the initiative to become a better person, they are more likely to grant you parole.