Harris County Jail

Closing Advice

Interview with Julie, Inmate's Sister, Claire, Jim, Smyth, Ken, Charlene, Greg, GMan, Jamie, Leisha, Toby, Lisa and Consuela


JM: Is there anything else you would want a friend or family member to know if they have a loved one going to jail?
Julie: Please pray for them thats a hard place to been in i was only there for 6 days and it damn near broke me i cna only imagine what is like for those who have to stay longer
Inmate's Sister: just save enough money where you could afford a good lawyer because the court appointed ones dont try they best
Claire: I think that pretty much sums it up. I mean, it's hard to know what to expect because what's tough or difficult for one person to cope with may not be so much for another person. Just stay supportive, write them letters and/or visit if you can, and don't abandon that person just because they are in jail. We all make mistakes. Some of us just get caught.
Jim: The booking process takes at least 36 hours. Always remember when being booked in and walking any where in the jail you must walk with your hands behind your back or they will jump on you fast. They tell you this at the booking process. Wear a white t shirt, white socks and white boxers before going in. Anything other than white they will take away. You cant wear your tennis shoes. You must wera their shower shoes to court unless going to trial.
Smyth: Give them a gun and a bullet first so they have another choice.
Ken: Where "white only" socks and underwear.
Charlene: yes, pray, that is the only thing that got me through it.
Greg: rememeber everyone is nervious about jail either if you assume the judge., is crap or not assume for your shakes you go in there and give credit where it's due, yourself, learn, live and move on, this is your being bigger than the ceel block your in, nothing can change you, you will be the same when you leave. a Good person.
GMan: Keep to yourself, do not make friends. Once you open your mouth you are a commodity. If you keep your mouth shut, you are an unknown....it's better be an unknown.
Jamie: stay away
Leisha: YES,CALL YOUR LAWYER,BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY DOES ALOT OF RACIAL PROFLING
Toby: just visit them and write to them that always help me keep in good spirits.
Lisa: If you are of an alternate faith,Have a book of those scriptures(or sayings,etc) on you. If you are deaf or Hispanic,the officers take too long trying to find someone to interpret.
Consuela: Our freedom comes on the other side of the pen. Letters, pictures, visits, or money make time a little easier.Everyone messes up, no ones perfect. If you were smiling in their face in the world and aren't there while they are locked up....they won't forget.

JM: Is there anything else you would recommend to a future inmate?
Julie: Keep your mouth shut at all times
Inmate's Sister: make sure you dont do nothing wrong to get you in the system becasuse once you in you will take the case for anything or anyone.
Claire: Like I said, it's hard to know what to expect. The best thing to do is mind your own business, be yourself, and try to find something to keep you busy.
Jim: Do your time, stay away from the cowards in the gangs. Just keep to yourself and you'll be okay.
Smyth: A gun and a bullet.
Ken: Bring as much money as you can to put on account for the commessary and wear white underwear and socks. If you want to get out on time, make sure all of your fines are paid in advance. They will keep you longer if you owe money to pay it off. Information is hard to come by once you are in there. Ask any questions you have before you show up. In my case, I was given a report date to turn myself in. Be on time, do what you're told, mind your own business and get it behind you. Good Luck.
Charlene: yes, don't go in with an injury, cuz I saw an officer pull a girl off the bench by her injured foot. He drug her down the hall by her foot. If the other officers had not told him to put her in a wheel chair, there is no telling what would have happened to her. The date is even marked in my mind. July 18th, 2008
Greg: Eat a big meal before you go into the drop the soap jailhouse of blues, lots of hatered but god saves everyone.
Jamie: learn your lessons the 1st time and choose your battles wisely
Leisha: WHEN YOU GET OUT OF JAIL DON'T GO BACK; AND CONTACT SOMEONE WHO CARES
Toby: just stay to yourself and nobody will mess with you.don't get in nobody else business and that's basically it..
Lisa: Stash a deck of cards in your shoe.They won't be as likely to confiscate them.
Consuela: Keep your head up, stay strong in your faith and take mental note not to mess up like this again. I also suggest don't listen to any of them jail house attorneys, get a real attorney. God has the final say so, no matter what.