Q&A for How to Survive in Federal Prison

No one plans to go to prison. This article was written to inform those who have been given the option to self-surrender, which would give them time to prepare.

That is most likely a personal decision, but take a close look in the mirror and decide who you would most likely be accepted by. Prison is hugely built around race, and those who accept you as one of theirs will be more likely to protect you. Remember that sooner or later all information is found out over time, so don't lie about it, just say that's who you identify with. Being seen as a liar from the start only makes inmates with a lot of time on their hands want to make you their target.

Yes, of course. One of the best things to do is apply/ask to be in the prison workforce. Not only will your time go by faster, but you can use your work as an excuse to keep to yourself.

Sex offenders are considered the "lowest of the low" and are targeted by other prisoners and staff. It's best not to talk about your crime, if you can avoid it, but most likely it will come out.

Prison food tends to not be very good, as you are there to be punished. The guards can be nice or nasty, just like anyone else.

Prison is NOT a cozy home, it's a cruel and unforgiving place. You will be better off going to a homeless helping facility.

Not always. It depends on what you did to end up in prison. Your behavior in prison can also affect the length of your sentence.

Definitely not. Every facility has different colored jump suits, shirts, and pants that are worn in the pods.

If the state that arrests you knows that this person is your partner, then they will most likely not send you in the same facility. Other then that, it's just a matter of chance.

It takes about a year of good conduct before before you can ask your counselor for a transfer to a lower level facility, depending on your criminal history.

Don't get involved with gangs because it can lead to serious (even fatal) consequences.

Pregnant women receive necessary prenatal care, but should not expect to be treated any better than any other prisoner.

You should side with the more powerful gang or the one who has been the most loyal.

Display assertive boundaries at the first sign of sexual advances, most inmates who roll that way are very subtle at first, so your safest bet is to just not let anyone in your personal space.

Unless you are either in segregation, at a S.M.U. unit like USP Lewisburg or at the ADX Florence supermax, you can shower whenever you're not locked down for count time. Don't forget to wash behind your ears!

This can happen for a lot of reasons. Sometimes it's just people giving you a hard time because they have nothing better to do. Sometimes it can be because they think you're a homosexual or sex offender. In my experience, gang members do this the most, because they have strength in numbers, don't care about consequences, and are violent idiots. Ignore pettiness, but stand up for yourself if necessary, you don't want the other inmates to think you're weak.

They'll replace your bedding once you let them know.

The judge should tell you.

That's not true, but money in your account would make your life much easier on the inside. Most prison food is not very good or plentiful, so having the ability to buy additional food through the commissary is essential to making your time go by easier. Never tell ANY other inmates that you have money in your account. This could make your time very difficult and make you the target for scams, hard luck stories, or even violence.

Generally, yes. U.S. and Canadian prisons are similar enough for this article to apply to both.

Most prisoners will respect your age to a point, but don't let your guard down too much; you can be a target if you do. Treat them with respect and most men will leave you alone.

Your best bet is to request to be put in protective custody.

You sit in a prison cell 24 hours a day. Other prisons at least allow prisoners time out of their cells.

If this happens, you may be pretty much a goner. If you say "no," he will most likely make your time in prison horrible. If you say yes, the other prisoners may make your experience much worst.

No. When you start your active sentence you don't need to bring your documents, or any valuables. Valuables could be stolen/misplaced by the prison staff.

Yes. A lot of times the prosecuting attorney and the judge believe you are a flight risk and will keep you in prison for the duration of the trial. That time is credited to you once you are sentenced as "time served".

Prisoners that are dangerous are typically kept in solitary confinement.

Tell the truth.

I would assume that would be your prisoner ID tag. Most who get admitted to prison have a numerical prisoner ID, which helps staff identify the prisoner more easily.

Federal prisons are where offenders of federal laws end up. The same goes with municipal and state.