Buffalo, NY Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain How Jail Works

Buffalo, NY Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain How Jail Works

Going to jail can be an intimidating and confusing experience. As criminal defense attorneys in Buffalo, NY, we often help clients navigate the process and explain how jail works here in Erie County.

Booking and Intake

After an arrest, the first stop is usually central booking at the Erie County Holding Center in downtown Buffalo. This is where you are photographed, fingerprinted, and all of your personal information is collected. Your charges will also be reviewed and bail will be set, if applicable. This process can take several hours.

Next is the intake process where you are thoroughly searched, given a uniform, and assessed for medical or mental health issues. Your property is catalogued and stored until your release. This is also when you will undergo screenings and receive medical attention if needed [1].

Housing and Conditions

In Erie County, pre-trial detainees and inmates serving short sentences are housed at the Holding Center. Those serving longer sentences are transferred to the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, NY. Some key things to know:

• Cells are small, usually housing 2-3 inmates, with shared bathrooms and showers
• Lights stay on 24/7 and there is constant noise
• Personal hygiene items are limited and rationed
• Food portions are small and lack variety
• Access to programs, education, recreation is restricted
• Medical and mental healthcare can be inadequate

Overall, conditions are crowded and uncomfortable. Violence and contraband are ongoing issues the jails struggle with. Attorneys have raised concerns about the conditions [2].

Privileges and Programs

Inmates at county jails have access to some programs and privileges including:

• Commissary – buy food, hygiene items, writing materials
• Recreation – TV, books, exercise
• Visitation – limited scheduled visits from approved family/friends
• Education – GED classes, counseling programs
• Religious services
• Work programs – kitchen, laundry, maintenance jobs

Privileges can be earned through good behavior or restricted for rule violations. Attorneys help clients understand the rules and advocate for fair treatment.

Court Appearances

Inmates are entitled to be present at all court appearances related to their case. For pre-trial detainees, this means being transported from jail to the courthouse multiple times before trial. Defendants in custody must rely on their attorney to keep them informed about their case.

Medical Care

Inmates have a right to receive medical care while incarcerated, but the quality is often lacking. Common issues according to local attorneys [3]:

• Delays in receiving care and medication
• Mental health needs neglected
• Poor follow-up treatment after injuries/illnesses
• Medication errors and lapses

Attorneys advocate for clients to receive proper care while in custody.

Safety and Violence

Assaults between inmates and against staff unfortunately occur too often in jails. Contraband weapons, gang conflicts, and overcrowding contribute to the violence:

• In 2018, a Buffalo attorney was assaulted by his own client during a meeting at the Holding Center
• A corrections officer required surgery after being attacked by an inmate in 2020 [4]
• Violence increased 50% from 2020 to 2021 at the Holding Center [5]

Defense lawyers work to protect the rights and safety of clients while they are incarcerated.

Bail and Release

For inmates awaiting trial who cannot afford bail, release depends on the district attorney, judge, and defense attorney. Attorneys argue for pretrial release or bail reduction, but some end up detained for months or years pre-trial.

Even after serving their full sentence, release can be delayed for administrative reasons, keeping people incarcerated beyond their release date .