Pay-to-Stay in Jail

[Valerie S. Johnson]

By Valerie S. Johnson

It’s no picnic to be incarcerated, but what if you could pay the rate of a cheap motel and do your time in cleaner, safer conditions? If you’ve been convicted of a relatively minor offense in California, it may be an option if the court and jail administrators approve your stay.

About a dozen correctional facilities in California offer jail cells where, for a rate ranging from $75 - $127 per night, you get a door instead of bars, iPod and computer privileges, and physical distance from the inmates who either can’t afford the tariff or were convicted of violent offenses. Some of the paying prisoners – referred to as “clients” – are permitted to work during the day and spend their nights at Hotel Jail. They are strip searched on reentry to ensure they are not smuggling in contraband for the nonpaying guests.

The typical client is a man in his late 30s who is doing 30-60 days for drunk driving. Is it fair that someone can buy better accommodations in jail purely because they have money?

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[tinapbeana]

The typical client is a man in his late 30s who is doing 30-60 days for drunk driving. Is it fair that someone can buy better accommodations in jail purely because they have money?

no, definitely not fair for osmeone to be able to buy a better stay in jail. yes, i know that there are people who use the underground and contraband to make their stay more bearable. with that said, it's one thing to do it illegally and another thing to have the government sanction it.

[fairy74]

I agree it's not fair. Just realize in California the prison industry is one of the biggest there is. The injustice is rampant and these guys are always looking for a way to make more money (i.e. trying to get federal money by asking prisoners who are unsure of their heritage mark native american on all the forms, taking away outside package services and replacing it with one run by former DOC employees at exorbitant prices..the list is endless). This does not suprise me one bit!

[cicy33]

Absolutely not right. People broke the law. They are not in prison cuz they need day care. They are not supposed to have fun. They are supposed to pay for their crimes.

[vsjhoc]

Suppose you got caught driving slightly over the alcohol limit and were thrown in jail overnight. Would you turn down the option of paying $80 to stay in a cell where you weren't in danger of being sexually assaulted by another inmate?

[jodi]

Suppose you got caught driving slightly over the alcohol limit and were thrown in jail overnight. Would you turn down the option of paying $80 to stay in a cell where you weren't in danger of being sexually assaulted by another inmate?

No, I wouldn't turn that down - but it's still not fair that the indigent person in the cell next to me for shoplifting has to get assaulted in my place because he doesn't have $80.

Sounds like a bad precedent - another way to widen the gap between those who can afford to buy "justice" and those who can't.

[project15]

I skimmed over the first phrase and thought that this was a place where tourists can go and pay for a room just like a hotel.

[cicy33]

Suppose you got caught driving slightly over the alcohol limit and were thrown in jail overnight. Would you turn down the option of paying $80 to stay in a cell where you weren't in danger of being sexually assaulted by another inmate?

Actually I still think not right. One good example, a friend of ours drank and drove and almost killed himself. I mean like wore a "HALO" for about 4 months, and had lots of medical problems for a while, he got off easy, first time CAUGHT. Did he learn? NO. He still does it. Maybe if he spent some time in jail and I dont' mean to be molested but not to be pampered he might learn something. Also, suppose that guy, is only slightly over the limit but in the process hit another car and killed a person. Now, should that person be rewarded simply because he or she has money? Jail is not supposed to be easy it is supposed to be a place you don't want to be. You know, to prevent people from commiting crimes.

Sorry, but you picked the wrong subject with me. I absolutely have no patience with people that drink and drive. There is no excuse. There are always options. Walk, call a cop, call a friend, be more responsible in the first place and don't put yourself in that position. To me this is the most preventable crime there is. and so many people have died due to it. And just for record, no, I have not lost anyone to a drunk driver. Just feel very strongly about it.