Prison and jail are two terms that people often use interchangeably. However, they are two different locations where one may be held during an incarceration period. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime, you should understand the differences between the two. This information will help you have more educated and helpful conversations with your bondsman, lawyer, and others involved in the case. Below, learn about the arrest process and the locations that one may be taken to. 

What Happens When You Are Arrested?

When you are arrested, law enforcement will take you to a lockup jail. This temporary facility is different from both jail and prison. This small facility is designed for short-term stays where you will wait for your bondsman to post bail or will await trial if you do not post bail. It is also where people stay while waiting to be processed into the jail system.

Once you have been sentenced, you will go to either jail or prison. The main difference between the two is the nature of your crime, and in turn, how long your sentence will be. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Jail & Prison? 

Jail

Jail is a facility run either by the local law enforcement agency or local government agency. It is designed for short-term stays for those who have committed a misdemeanor crime or minor offense. Generally, people will stay here if their sentences are under a year, or they may stay longer than a year if they have multiple misdemeanor convictions. Some jails offer benefits such as work release, education classes, substance abuse guidance, and vocational programs.

Prison

Prison is designed for those carrying out sentences for more serious crimes, such as major felonies. These facilities are run by a state government for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Those convicted of breaking state laws go to state prisons, while those who broke federal laws go to federal prison. Federal prisons also tend to have more advanced and higher security protocols. Because they are there for longer sentences, prisons are typically developed for prisoners’ living needs and offer programs to rehabilitate them. 

If a loved one has been arrested, Godfrey Bonding can help in Canton, GA, and throughout Cherokee County. This family-run bail bond company is available around the clock to get your loved one released as quickly as possible. Your bondsman will assist you throughout the process and take the time to explain everything you need to know. Learn more on their website or by calling (770) 479-5230.