I must surrender myself to a correctional facility in just over 24 hours.....

[fNord]

It’s only for 2 days....

I went and got myself a DUI last year.
It’s my own fault....and I knew this day was coming but....


....I’ve never been in jail before....

I’m kinda apprehensive about the next few days.....


Without revealing anything.....anyone have any advice?

[redwitch]

1. You will get through this.

I don’t really no what to say besides I am sorry and I will be thinking of you. Be grateful it is only for two days and resolve to only experience this once. Hang in there fNord!

[fNord]

3. Thank you, that is the plan...or my baby may kill me...n/t

[True Dough]

2. I hope this isn't affecting your employment

I remember you started a thread last year about applying for and getting a job that you were very excited about.

Since you're serving your sentence on a Monday and Tuesday, perhaps that's already accommodating for your usual work schedule? Because most judges allow you to serve weekends in such instances.

Anyway, I'm guessing you know how serious DUIs are and you won't repeat the mistake.

If I were in your shoes, I'd just go in and do my time without trying to be sociable. I'd probably avoid looking anyone in the eye. Just bide my time until the 48 hours is up.

Good luck.

[fNord]

4. Thank you for reading....

My boss is very understanding and even sympathetic to my unfortunate situation...but as a precaution I made sure I went in for our "weekend" so as not to inconvenience the team......

I'm just worried about the next few days.....I'm a good man by nature, but have a problem tolerating bullshit...of which I expect to be eating by the truckload...both by the folk inside and the folk running the place....I just don't want to extend my stay.....

[TEB]

5. You'll be ok

It’s gonna go by fast never been incarcerated but ill be sending you karma remember all the other turds probably in for dui as well.

[steventh]

6. Here's my 2 cents

You can do the 2 days the easy way or the hard way.
Resolve to do it the easy way.
Learn the rules.
Follow them completely and absolutely no matter how stupid you think they are.
Say in your head, "this too shall pass" to help you in the awful moments, if any.
Jail food is often crappy. Decide how you'll deal with that.
Is there a cantina where you can buy stuff, like books, snacks, preferred clothing? If so, arrange to put some money in that you can draw on.
Memorize your lawyer's phone number. Call him/her if you need to.
Do you know what the visitor policy is?
Do you have anyone willing to visit you? IT helps make the time go.
Does the jail have a pastor? They can be very helpful in getting issues addressed.
Do you have medical issues that you need to have addressed? Medication rules in jail may not be patient-friendly.

This is all off the top of my head. I hope there's something helpful in there for you. Feel free to ask me anything you think I might know. I've represented possibly hundreds of criminal defendants, many of whom were in jail when I met them. I've spent years in jail, fortunately on the "free" side of the window.

My sympathies. I wish you well.

[janterry]

7. Jail is not so bad

I've not been incarcerated, but I've been to jail many times and I've worked in prisons. Just be respectful to the guards and keep to yourself. If you're inside, there's a code about doing your time. Don't ask too many questions - and don't talk too much.

Don't look scared and don't cut into the cafeteria line. Watch where you sit and don't mess with the TV. Don't gamble or get involved in anything that can cause conflict (it's only 2 days, so I doubt you'd do that).

But the don't look scared is important. You want to act like you can take care of yourself, if you need to.

Here's the good news:
Jail is NOT prison. It's not dangerous like that. So, don't worry too much - I mean that. Prison is a whole different ball game. Jail is just a temp. state and most everyone there has a reason to act right and stay out of trouble. Only the few that are waiting for transfer to prison are looking at serious time. The rest are serving a minor sentence (they don't want to do anything to get themselves in more trouble) or are waiting to go before the judge (also a good reason to not get into trouble).

[Vinnie From Indy]

11. Great advice

Cheers!

[mucifer]

12. An FYI Many many people in the Chicago Cook County jail are there for over 3 years

No such thing as a speedy trial there.

[FarPoint]

8. They may not even dress you in...

Meaning you could stay in a holding area...depends on size of jail and census....If they do house you...you will be with less offending peers.....Admin Seg...that is where the meaner ones are kept.

[lindysalsagal]

20. I was thinking you won't be there long enough to bother with you much. Paperwork's a bear.

They'll want to waste as little effort on you as possible since you'll be out so fast. They probably have a standard procedure for the DUI's, knowing you're not violent.

Now, what do we do about just plain dangerous drivers??

[mr_lebowski]

34. Exactly, my thought is he won't even be sent 'upstairs' i.e. the jail proper ...

They'll probably just keep him in the detention area (which a bit of a nuthouse but very well guarded), same place he was kept 'the night of' (assuming same jail).

I also wouldn't be surprised if they started his release paperwork immediately after midnight on the day of his arrival. The moment the clocks ticks over to day two, you are considered to have 'done two days', ttbomk.

My guess is it's just the first day in detention and out no later than 4am the following day, never even having gotten any orange suit or sandals or nothing.

I'm not sure that the time they 'say' you're leaving actually means much in terms of what time of day. If they're at all full up, they try to push anyone out they can get away with.

[greymattermom]

9. My daughter is a volunteer

leading a book and writing group in a jail south of Denver. The participants seem like smart professionals who had a real life before jail. If any group like this meets during the time you're there, maybe you can attend, even if you haven't read the book.

[RockCreek]

10. Picture yourself with a clear Teflon shield

Over your body. All the sh-t, insults, degradation, that is slung your way hits the shield and slides off immediately without touching you or even marking your clear shield.

[enough]

13. It's probably more likely to be boring than scary.

Breathe deeply.

Good luck to you, let us know how it goes.

[Comatose Sphagetti]

14. Two days?

You'll be fine, my friend. No one is going to mess with you. Most just want to get out of there with as little bullshit as possible, same as you.

You can sleep much of that time (avoidance.)

As has been stated elsewhere, it's not prison, and it's nothing like the violence-plagued hellhole you imagine from TV.

It is boring, it is unfamiliar, it is loud.

Be friendly to the staff and inmates but not obsequious. Say as little as possible. Keep to yourself as much as possible. Read. Watch TV. Cards? No... can lead to conflict. Call someone. Make the time go as quickly as possible. Avoid anyone who seems to be stressing-out. DO NOT walk in there swelled up like you're not taking any shit... you're just asking to be challenged. IF someone gets in your face (won't happen), do what you have to to diffuse the situation and walk away... I can assure you if there is a conflict and even though you're 100% in the right it will not work out well for you.

Again, you'll be fine, my friend. Cakewalk.

If you're struggling with alcohol (that wasn't the first time you drove drunk), talk to a professional.

[fNord]

26. No, not my first time, in fact I was convinced I had perfected it....

It was most definitely my last time.

Not just because “I’ve learned my lesson.”


(I have, actually.....)

....but also if I ever do it again the love of my life will kill me....

[ProudLib72]

15. Prepare to be extremely bored and frustrated

As someone above mentioned, figure out how to put money into an account so you can buy things to preoccupy yourself. Just breath and relax. Know that you aren't going anywhere soon. Your only obligation is to follow the rules. Be humble!!!!

[Hotler]

16. take something to read.

Something like how to pick locks

[912gdm]

17. is it jail, or a 2 day dui diversionary program?

Either way, just do what you're told. Stay quiet, don't sass the staff and you'll be fine. The biggest frustration will be a lack of coffee...

[Harker]

18. Read a good book, if possible.

It's a good opportunity to read for a couple of days.

I'd recommend something uplifting.

[MicaelS]

19. Be prepared...

(1) To spend a lot of time being moved from one holding cell to another, where you probably will be fed ONLY cold baloney sandwiches. Eat as much as you can before going in.

(2) To spend a lot of time getting released.

(3) Given the fact you will only be in for 2 days, you may spend all your time in holding cells. These cells will be very cold. If you are cold intolerant, wear as much warm clothing as you can, especially warm socks and shoes.

(4) You will be using the toilet in front of others, get used to it. If you have to move your bowels, keep flushing the toilet as you pass stool. Other people will not like to smell your feces.

(5) Use what ever coping skills you have learned to pass the time.

[irisblue]

21. If there are any AA-NA meetings, go to them. I'm assuming that you are alrrady involved

Who is dropping you off & do they know what time to pick you up after?

Respect for you for talking about this. You made a mistake, but it is only a chapter in your life.

[fNord]

28. My boyfriend is taking me and picking me up...

I’m taking my phone....they’ll confiscate it when I go in but give it back when I leave....

He followed me on the jail website when I got arrested....it claimed I would be released around 10 am the following morning.....it was close to 10 pm when I actually got out.....

We only live about 20 min away...

[Mr.Bill]

22. The jail where I live allows inmates

to voluntarily choose an isolation cell, if available. For two days that is what I would do. Best of luck to you, I'm sure it will go okay.

[red dog 1]

23. How much was your fine?

I've heard DUIs cost as much as $10,000 these days, including attorney fees.

[fNord]

24. Thanks to all of you for your responses......

Good advice and positive energy is exactly what I need right now, and the Lounge has hooked me up with a plethora of both.

My boss has been more than understanding....in fact downright supportive....

And my baby went shopping and cooked a beautiful dinner wile I was working just to make sure I went in with an extra full belly because he knows I won’t be able to eat much in there....

A friend suggested I get hammered tonight....but I don’t want to go in with a hangover on the off chance I accidentally get mouthy with someone because I’m feeling grouchy, so I’m just being mellow and trying to avoid the news.....I had to turn my notifications off and power down my phone😔

Just a moment in time.....step aside, and let it pass......

Again, thank you all for the support and advice 🥰

[UniteFightBack]

25. Good idea about the drinking - but I say you celebrate when you get out...when exactly do

you get out?

[fNord]

31. Wednesday.....8am eastern....so, probably around 10 that nightish

[mr_lebowski]

36. Naw, I bet they get you out quick. As I said above if the place is full at all they'll start your

release paperwork at 12:01 am on Wednesday. Once the clock ticks over to 12:01am, you've 'done two days'.

And I don't think you'll even go 'upstairs' with the orange suit and bunk in the middle of huge room full of bunks ... you know, JAIL. Seriously doubt they bother. You'll just be in 'detention'.

You'll basically stay ... where you stayed 'the night of' (assuming its the same jail).

[vlyons]

27. Mind your own business

and keep your mouth shut. Don't ask too many questions. Don't stare at people. The hardest part is the crappy mattress. The boredom is pretty awful too. Follow the guards orders completely and perfectly. Eat whatever they feed you without complaint.

[fNord]

32. Eating will be a problem....

But I can handle not complaining

[Blue Owl]

29. Pretend you're casing the joint

for all those corrupt mofos in the Mueller report who may find themselves there for much more than 2 days!

[fNord]

30. 🤣🤣🤣

[Lisa0825]

33. I have no advice, since I have no experience to draw from, but I will be thinking good thoughts

for you.

I hope you will check in and let us know how you are when you get home.

[LuckyCharms]

35. Good luck...here's hoping time passes quickly.

You'll feel great when you have this past you. You'll do fine!

[A HERETIC I AM]

37. Remember the excellent advice of the late Richard Pryor

Be bad

[fNord]

38. As much as I love the late great Richard Pryor....

I’m pretty sure that will get my ass kicked😉

On the bright side, my baby told me it was cool to date around as long as I don’t bring anyone/thing home......

[A HERETIC I AM]

39. Date around?!? For 2 days?

Your calendar must be VERY full!


Seriously, you’ll be fine.

[fNord]

42. ;Sorry, complete side note.....

Dig your tag line, but I DO believe in Zeus.


I also believe in Ganesha, Jehovah (who also goes by Yahweh and Allah from time to time or town to town depending on how you travel) Isis, that Shinto Kami that makes the ladle stick up and keep you from opening the kitchen drawer, Odin, The Seven from game of thrones, all of it.

Any faith that is believed... because it’s believed.....I believe is real.

Our minds are more powerful than anyone could possibly imagine....and our imagination can create reality...for good or ill.....

[A HERETIC I AM]

44. Faith is of course, real.

But it is not a reliable pathway to truth

Faith may be real, but the gods? A god that can not be shown to exist is no different from
One that doesn’t

[fNord]

45. We're powerful creatures....

I can and have proven the scientific reality of the omnitheist....but I’m a Discordian, so no one listens.

Hail Eris!
All Hail Discordia!

[fNord]

43. Gotta get this out now so I'll be quiet then....

Seriously though, I do dig your tag line.....
I may use that on others

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

40. From a rehab group I was in ... I heard the complaints...

Bologna Sandwiches or Peanut Butter...

not enough food and the commissary is never open when you're hungry.
(I think their stints were longer than two days... are at least more often...)

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

41. I suppose it matters exactly where you will be held,

meaning exactly what jurisdiction.

Several years ago a young lady I worked with had to serve five days for some traffic violation, at least I think that's what it was. Anyway, when she came back to work, we were all quite fascinated and questioned her closely about her experience. I think she was very surprised that we weren't treating her like a felon, but since none of us had ever been in prison, we were genuinely curious. And while I don't recall the exact nature of her offense, we all felt like it was exactly the sort of thing that might have happened to any of us.

As I recall, she found it more tedious than anything. She said that there were a lot of basic supplies provided, including things like cleaning solution for contact lenses.

[littlemissmartypants]

46. Have money for snacks, the food will suck, it's part of the punishment.

Be prepared to freeze. Try for an extra blanket. Keep your hands washed. Jail is germy. Don't try to make any friends. If you feel stressed out practice mindful breathing. Have a trusted friend drop by if you get visiting hours. Don't beat yourself up. Let me know how you are when you get out. It will go by faster than you think. I will be thinking about you. You and not events determine your state of happiness. Be glad you're getting it over with and behind you. Know you are accepted and loved, no matter what. ❤

[fNord]

47. Totally shameful self kick......

Not for me, for anyone else who needs advice on the subject.....this thread helped me.....

Also...I don’t know how to link.....I’m a bit of a Luddite......


Seriously, I feel the shame...

[kairos12]

48. Pay attention at intake. Follow the rules that are written, and learn the unwritten ones.

Don't accept favors nor give them. Mostly people want to do their time and be left alone. Not everyone, but most. Find the former to hang with. Find time to exercise everyday if you can. Respect is the currency. Give it, to receive it.

You will make it through.