Penalties for Committing Crimes While in Jail

Introduction to Prisons and Legal Consequences

Entering prison is often seen as an act of atonement and sentence completion, but it doesn't exempt inmates from the criminal justice system. Inmates are subject to the same legal processes and punishments as those who commit crimes outside of the prison walls. Legal ramifications can escalate quickly, even while confined, underscoring the significance of behavior within jail.

Types of Crimes Within Prisons

Some crimes are inherently difficult to commit within the confined spaces of a jail. For example, stealing a car or robbing a bank or jewelry store is practically impossible without an accomplice on the outside. However, certain crimes are still easily committed within the prison system, such as murder. Inmates with limited time left in their sentences might be more inclined to commit these crimes, as they stand to gain little from lengthy prison terms.

Criminal Intent and Incentives

Inmates like gangbangers serving multiple life sentences without parole are the most likely to commit such crimes due to the high stakes involved. Conversely, an accountant serving a short sentence for tax fraud would be less likely to kill their cellmate for fear of extending their stay in prison.

Consequences for Inmates

Once an inmate is suspected of committing a crime, they are likely to be placed in solitary confinement, often referred to as the 'hole.' Solitary confinement significantly impacts the inmate's daily life, restricting their freedom to a single hour of activity outside their cell each day. Maintaining morale and mental health in such conditions can be extremely challenging.

Legal Proceedings in Prison

Inmates suspected of crimes can face trials in regular courts, just as if they were on the outside. They are transported to court in prison clothing and shackled, which visually separates them from the general prison population and highlights their status as a suspect or convicted individual.

Personal Account: Rise in Sentences and Confinement Levels

A personal case study illuminates the harsh realities faced by inmates who commit additional crimes while in jail. The original sentence was for 20 days on a state penal farm for traffic tickets. However, the inmate was charged and convicted of various crimes, including escape, manslaughter, murder, and armed kidnap. Despite these severe charges, the case took years to resolve, with convictions, acquittals, and even legal retrials.

Legal Outcomes and Sentencing

The legal outcomes resulted in sentences ranging from one to five years to life imprisonment. The sentences were concurrent, meaning they were served simultaneously, leading to a total of 51 years in prison. This case study highlights the potential for severe consequences when laws are broken within the prison system, even for those who enter custody with the expectation of a shorter sentence.