Understanding the Difference Between Jail and Prison in Long Island

Understanding the Difference Between Jail and Prison on Long Island

So you got arrested and are wondering if you’ll be spending time in jail or prison? It can get confusing, but there are some key differences between the two that are good to understand. This article will break it down for you so you know what to expect.

What Exactly is Jail?

Jail is used for people who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, can’t post bail, or are serving a short sentence that’s usually less than a year. So if you get picked up for something like shoplifting, drunk driving, or simple assault, odds are you’ll be spending time in jail, not prison.

Jails are run by local law enforcement like police departments and sheriff’s offices. There purpose is basically to hold people until thier case makes it through the court system. The conditions in jail are generally less nice than in prison – smaller cells, less activities and programs, etc. But the upside is you usually won’t be there as long.

There are a couple main jails on Long Island – Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow and Suffolk County Jail in Riverhead. So if you catch charges in Nassau, you’ll probably do time at East Meadow. Suffolk cases go to Riverhead.

Okay What About Prison?

Prison is for people convicted of more serious crimes and sentenced to serve longer terms, usually over a year. So robbery, rape, murder – you get the idea. These facilites are built more for long-term stays, with more cells, activities like sports and education, health services, etc.

Prisons are run by the state or federal government. Here on Long Island, there are a few state correctional facilities like Sing Sing in Ossining and Fishkill in Dutchess County. If you get convicted federally, your looking at spots like Otisville or Fort Dix NJ.

So while nobody wants to think about it, knowing what you might be facing time-wise and conditions-wise can help you prepare mentally and with your legal strategy. The good news is Long Island has options for experienced criminal defense attorneys who can help advise you on the process and the best ways to avoid jail or prison altogether thru plea deals, alternative programs, or even getting charges dropped or dismissed. Having the right legal advice and representation from the start can make all the difference.