The Differences between Prisons and Jails

by Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyers George E. Tragos & Peter A. Sartes

The terms “jail” and “prison” are frequently used by the majority of people as interchangeable terms; however, there is really a big difference between the two. The differences, while they may seem small, are very clear to law enforcement agents as well as those that must stay in them.

The biggest difference between jails and prisons has to do with who is putting people in them. Jails are primarily used by local jurisdictions such as counties and cities to detain people for short periods of time. Prisons, which are also known as penitentiaries, are administered by the state or federal government. They house convicted criminals for longer periods, sometimes even life.

Both jails and prisons are part of the larger penal system which is a branch of the larger criminal justice system. The other parts of the system include courts, law enforcement, and crime labs.

Another difference has to deal with the features of the places. Jails, generally speaking, have fewer “amenities” than prisons. Individuals have access to a bathroom and are given food and water. They are also frequently rather low security which allows residents to socialize in common areas during certain periods.

Jails are also designed to hold a small number of individuals. They also feature security that is lax when compared to that of prisons. However, the degree of security can vary with the amount of crime in the area in which the jail is placed.

Jails house criminals who are convicted for a short time, individuals awaiting trial, people who have not yet posted bail, and individuals who have been detained on suspicion of committing a crime.

Prisons are equipped with many more features than jails. This is because they house inmates who have been sentenced to much longer sentences. Many prisons hold people who have received a life imprisonment sentence.

Common features of prisons include exercise areas, common areas for eating and socializing, church facilities, and educational facilities. The inmates are expected to share cells and a complex social and political structure arises due to the duration of many inmates’ stay.

Prisons, unlike jails, are capable of handling many more people. The prisons themselves are generally segregated based on the type of crime that was committed. This is an effort to maintain safety.

If you have been charged with a crime and are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact the Clearwater criminal defense lawyer of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to determine the best plan for a successful defense.