The Cost of Incarceration: An SEO Optimized Guide

When you are incarcerated, the cost of living in jail can vary significantly depending on where you are, how long you stay, and what regulations apply. This article aims to clarify these costs and provide a comprehensive guide for individuals, their families, and legal professionals.

Basics of Incarceration Costs

Surprisingly, living in an American jail doesn't require any monetary expense if you are willing to subsist on the minimal amenities offered. Bad food, basic toiletries, and a blaring day room TV are the norm. However, for a regular, humane existence, you will need income. This income could come from your commissary account or external wages.

Commissary Account Essentials

Without money in your commissary account, you will be unable to:

Wash your hair with anything other than bar soap Soothe a raw throat with Menthol-Lyptus Take Tylenol for a headache Write and mail a letter Make a phone call Listen to music Use deodorant Eat a snack Moisturize

Remote Incarceration: When Incarceration Is Necessary

It's important to note that in some parts of the world, like the United States, some states require individuals to pay for the costs of their incarceration. States may deduct this cost from any wages earned within the prison or take funds from unemployment benefits. Judges may also imprison individuals for failing to pay fines, fees, and court costs, a phenomenon known as 'debtors' prison'. However, in countries like New Zealand, and generally speaking, the system does not require payment while incarcerated.

Modern Debtors' Prison

While countries like New Zealand don't require this payment, some states have faced criticism for their harsh policies. For example, in 2014, Ferguson, Missouri, collected 80% of its revenue from traffic fines and penalty fees. This system led to a cycle of income and debt for many residents, exacerbating issues of poverty and inequality. The situation is so stark that it violates the US Constitution and Supreme Court rulings, but many individuals cannot afford legal representation to challenge the law.

Humanizing the Criminal Justice System

Understanding the cost of incarceration is crucial for reforming the criminal justice system. The combination of bail fees, commissary account requirements, and the potential for fines and fees after release can create a complex web of financial adversity that traps individuals in a cycle of debt and incarceration.

Impact on Individuals

For those who have never been in trouble before and committed a minor offense, they might get out on a signature bond, provided they agree to appear for a court date. However, if there is a criminal record or a felony involved, bond bonding companies may charge a fee, typically 10% of the bond. In some small towns and cities, the threat of jail is used as a means to raise funds, such as in Ferguson, Missouri, where the city collected significant revenue from fines and fees. This method, though legal, highlights the intersection of poverty and the criminal justice system.

Conclusion

The cost of incarceration is not just about money but also about justice and humanity. Understanding these costs and advocating for reform is essential for creating a fairer, more compassionate criminal justice system.