What to Know About a Stay in Jail
Many people in jail can often post bail with the help of bail bonds and prepare for trial in the comfort of their homes. Unfortunately, not everyone can do that. If you’re stuck in jail, learn what you need to do to prepare for a short jail stay until your trial or you find a way to make bail. Learn what to expect during your time in jail.
Your Body Has a Physiological Response to the Stress of Jail
Once you enter jail, your body can respond as if this is a fight or flight situation, especially if you are in jail for the first time. Your body will start producing adrenaline, and this may make you feel nervous, agitated, and on edge. You may feel protective of your space and feel more hostile than usual.
The body will also produce cortisol in response to this stressful situation. You’ll likely feel flushed and experience a loss of appetite due to the higher-than-normal cortisol levels in your body.
Unfortunately, these elevated stress levels won’t completely subside until you’re out of jail. Extended stress levels are bad for your overall health; high stress increase your blood pressure, impact your mental health, and contribute to chronic pain and digestive problems.
In the meantime, you can take steps to manage your stress. Complete some type of daily exercise, even if you just do light calisthenics in your jail cell. A daily meditation or muscle relaxation session will also help you lower your stress levels.
You Can (and Should) Receive Support from Friends and Family
Though exact rules vary depending on where you’re incarcerated, most jails allow inmates to have contact with friends and family members. If your arrest occurs in Murfreesboro, you’ll remain at the Rutherford County Jail until your trial. This jail has numerous options for friends and family to support loved ones who are incarcerated.
You’ll likely want to buy some personal care items and additional food items at the jail’s commissary. Your loved ones can deposit money to your account by creating an account via the jail’s website.
Your loved ones can add funds to your phone account so you can make phone calls while in jail. This will make it easier for you to stay connected with your supporters and tend to personal matters.
The Rutherford County jail offers video visitation and messaging for its inmates. Again, you should encourage your loved ones to take advantage of these services so that you can keep in contact while you await your trial.
Your Attorney Can Petition for a Lower Bail Amount
Once a judge sets bail for an accused individual, this amount isn’t set in stone. Judges do have the power to lower bail. If you don’t already have an attorney, now’s the time to get one. A judge is more likely to listen to the arguments of an attorney than a defendant representing themselves.
Your attorney can also petition to reduce the bail. They may argue that the bail is excessive for the crimes you’re charged with or that you’re unlikely to flee. If your attorney has new information that the judge wasn’t aware of during your initial bail hearing, they can present this information to the judge to persuade them to lower your bail.
A bail that’s even a few thousand dollars lower may enable you to get out of jail, especially if you qualify for the services of a bail bond agent. If you must remain in jail until your trial, know that the time you spend in jail will count towards your prison sentence if you’re found guilty.
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