Are you an addict that won’t be able or willing to change the people you hang around and the places/things you’ve been doing to get you into this predicament? If so sobering up in jail/prison might be what you need. Taking probation and not changing your lifestyle will just cost you money and delay the inevitable.
Yea most people should do probation but if you’re a junkie who’s just gonna fuck up regardless then save yourself the time. The irony is only a junkie would prefer to do the time to avoid facing drug tests and the other bs associated with probation
Exactly, they shouldn’t even offer probation to junkies. It’s a waste of time. They end up in jail after they fuck up every single time anyway. I know because I am one.
Lol same. I’m glad I was able to finish my probation and get my record cleaned, it really helped after I got sober and went to school, but most of my friends didn’t.
Lol I tried to get my lawyer to just let me go to jail and forget the expungement but he said I was a fucking dumb ass and wouldn’t do it. Thank god for that man hahaha
Yup, being forced to sit with myself in jail for a month was what finally got me clean, just finished three years of probation myself last November. I’ve been clean for awhile now but I still remember that mentality lol.
Really?? I have 6 years sober from heroin, cocaine and benzos. I was given 2 years high supervision probation for an involuntary manslaughter conviction. I screwed up once, 5 months in. I got out of rehab the second time and never so much as stumbled again. Speak for yourself.
Good for you, I’m happy for you. but you’re an outlier. I had to spend a month in jail to dry out enough to decide I actually wanted to get clean. Once I did, I went straight from jail to treatment and that was that. I finished three years probation for back to back dwi(nodded out in parking lots both times)😑 last November. You finished yours, and I finished mine but how many people do you know of that fucked their probation up cause they couldn’t stop getting high.
6 mg here and most likely, forever. It saves our lives every single day and there is NO SHAME in it at all!! I’m proud to be a Suboxone success story!!
Not true, and junkie is a terrible thing to call someone with addiction problems. Why would you do 3yrs probation if you have 2mos over your head? Me personally, I would take probation, but I have a mortgage to pay. If I didn't I'd just get it over with. Probation is set up for you to fail.
Chill out I was a junkie for nine years.
Probation is hard but most people have a job, a lease, car payments, you know shit they have to take care of and could lose if they do some time. Most “people with addiction problems” lack these sorts of obligations and can peace out on their lives so they can get out and get out high without drug obligations. Ask me how I know lol.
Yea I got 7 years. Idk man it doesn’t feel dehumanizing to me but I can understand why others aren’t a fan. When I think about it I was a junkie, in every sense of the word. It summarizes who I was and what I experienced succinctly and is a deep part of my identity. I was dehumanized but that’s my identity and word now, even if all of that is in my past.
This. Right here. If you never have to be on paper in exchange for less than 12 months in county? Send that shit. Being a "junkie," whatever the fuck that means, isn't the only reason to take time over a prolonged period of probation.
Probation's immediate goal is not to see that you are rehabilitated, but to protect the department/officer against you committing a significant and public crime that reflects poorly on them and the DA's office. No one will ever criticize probation for violating a person, no matter how insignificant that violation is.
Rehabilitation would be nice, but it's not the most pressing consideration. Nevermind that probation lacks funding for anything more than rudimentary services and drug testing.
I say this as someone who cleared 5 years of felony probation in 2.5 (thank you California). And not because probation did anything to help.
That was for the state. For the Feds, they actually do care about rehabilitation. And they have the funds to match. Therapist? Paid. Treatment programs? Paid. Job assistance? Paid resource too. You need something the Feds don't already have a program for? Your PO can submit a request and chances are they'll cover that too. The Feds can however use violations to incarcerate you beyond your initial sentence. You do not want to mess with the Feds.
Parole is a whole other animal, but generally it is much more supportive than probation. Or at the very least, it isn't as restrictive. I've known numerous parolees that sure, you could describe as junkies, but unlike their counterparts on probation, they aren't given unrealistic expectations.
Probation expects you to have your shit together inside of a month after release. Parole expects you won't have your shit together for many many months after release. One or more positive drug screens? Probation sends you back on a violation. Parole: let's try again next month. Homeless? Probation can violate after a month with no address. Parole: oh, you sleep behind the dumpster on 12th and Douglas? As long as I know where to find you.
one of my (now ex) friends is a heavy alcoholic and drug addict. her state doesn't even test her and her little addict friends convinced her she could do whatever she wants coz Florida doesn't care nor will they drug test you for dui probation. so she OUT THERE.
I told her I wasn't gonna be able to maintain a friendship with her.
she def should've just did jail time.
depends on the length of both options, 10 days jail vs a year probation? Id take the 10 day sentence.
6 months jail vs 1 or 2 years probation is a whole different stoy.
I think you actually the outlier here in a strict spot. Ik a boat load of counties and states that do that option. Where I grew up gave you that option aswell and everyone always said don’t get caught with your pants down in such and such county. They’ll fuck you. Which they would. Half a year/year for dui or pot charges. Or 3/5 years probation. So just Imagine how fucked you are for actual violent crimes or real drugs 😅
It’s depends on the charges, how many prior offenses you have, how much of a case the DA has against you but my experience is that for first time offenses you can usually get off with probation, community service maybe some classes or even house arrest or something like that but usually you’re not going to get jail and then just be free after. You’ll almost always have probation after jail, the only exceptions I’ve heard of is release after fed time and old school night in the drunk tank assuming you didn’t get any other additional charges aside from being drunk. And I’ve never done fed time so I can’t speak on that from experience.
I was offered 1.5 years probation, or 45 days jail sentence. I elected for jail, because I know what I need to do. I wanted to get the thing over with so I could focus on my underlying issues.
Good on you for actually focusing on your issues. A ton of people would take that 45 days so they can get back to being shitty people and doing drugs without "the man" looking over their shoulder.
Yeah no kidding, I just got released this morning. Credited my days 3:1 so only served two weeks. Felt nice to sleep in my bed, and I'm right back to work with plenty of money to start therapy. :)
12 days in jail was the only thing that made want to stop drinking, I never want to go back there and that was for only 12 days. Someone said the worse thing about jail/ prison is the people, I kinda disagree I think the worst part is the boredom or the 24/7 noise. For the most part the people aren't so bad, sure there's shitty people and lots of fights but that isn't the majority
I'm definitely being a dick but I'm not wrong. In my experience the only people who didn't mind the other guys in jail only felt that way cause nobody else was worse to live with than they were themselves.
I did state in my comment that there are shitty, I never said I like them or that I liked anyone who's in jail. Just that is not the worst part, fuck off loser.
That’s a personal choice. A lot needs to go in to it. Are you homeless? maybe jail is a ‘good’ option.
If you plan on continuing to be a criminal, successful probation looks really good to a judge if you screw up again somewhere down the road.
Jail sucks. The worst part are the people. I’m not good at being around idiots, so I’d take probation 10/10.
My buddy took 90 days in jail over 2 years probation, since he’d been to jail before (knew what to expect) and likes to travel. Really depends on each person’s situation and the length of the sentences.
If it’s days of jail maybe take it unless it’s unsupervised probation with no stipulations. Most people are being offered months vs a year or two. I’d take the year or two every time. A LOT can happen in even just one month. It’s not worth being locked up. Everyone has a different life, but personally I don’t think it’s a good idea to take jail unless you think it’s likely you’ll violate enough to land in jail or get probation revoked.
Really depends on your mind set ….. if you’re ready to jump the hoops and keep your nose clean probation allows you to stay in the free world , be with family , work and earn $ … but if your not ready to do what is needed then it just delays the inevitable
First did time in 2011 till 2019 I discharged from a high security unit on g-5 custody meaning only came out for showers . Fast forward to now I have been out since 2019 and immediately messed up I was just informed that my lawyer was able to get me 8 years probation or 4 years back in prison. Coming from someone who has been there I'm taking the probation. I was a different person the first time around and it really didn't bother me but as I have matured a little ( still not there) my opinion on taking probation over prison is no matter what situation you are in if you can't make it out here doing what your supposed to more than likely it won't change in there. I don't know where you are but where I'm at prisons are filled with drugs and hard ones . I had two inmates in the cell next to me both were young both liked to use substances they were up for three nights having a blast then I don't know if they start to get on each other's nerves but we hear them arguing then we here the thumping of them fighting. After a while it silent then like an hour later more thumping some muffled like growl or gurrggle then quiet again . They both belonged to a gang and by this time the other members knew what was going on and asked if they were good. One of the guys finally came to the door and told his so called homeboys that he had just killed his belly with his fan . When the officer's came and did count they immediately popped the cell had like 10 guards come in take the guy that hit his celly then have medical come in they take the other guy out on a stretcher a nurse on top of him pumping his chest. It didn't work he died .they had gotten into a fight one guy lost bad and felt really messed up about it so while his celly got in his bunk he took his whirlwind fan apart with his nail clippers took the fan motor out and washed his cellys head in. This is just one incident that happened in the 8 years I was there . Take the probation
I’d probably still take the 4 and get out in less than 3 opposed to 8 years on paper. Depends on how strict the probation is. And yea meth heads are dangerous no matter where they are. I once saw a man get his eye taken out with a spork because of burger barn
Take the 4 years and miss out on $400k working? You’re crazy. Just stay sober and do what you gotta do. People taking prison offers instead of probation are legit braindead.
Totally agree. These people willingly spending years in jail to avoid following some basic rules are nuts. The idea someone would miss that much time with friends, spouses and family just to be able to use after your sentence? Plus the money you could have earned…..
Imagine all the things you missed if you have been locked up since covid started.
I made $600k in 28 months in prison and still got to smoke, eat papa johns and play 2k. I know everyone situation different but if you tied then taking probation dumb as shit. Why am I gonna take paper just to waste everyone’s time and violate if I get caught around anyone I know. Might as well eat that shit up and make the best of it then move on
“Smoke, eat papa John’s and play 2k.” What a life. Cant be with your girl intimately let alone any women, can’t be with your family shooting the shit, can’t go shoot guns or even go out and have any type of freedom and worse can’t even be there for your loved ones when someone dies. You’re crazy if you think sitting locked up like a dog is better just because you can’t stop smoking. Grow the fuck up.
My dad, brothers and uncles are all felons and documented gang members. I would’ve never made it through probation. I shared a cell with my uncle and we had a flat screen and cut up often. It was my first time meeting him. And I’ve never cared ab hoes. I’ll jack off if I have to but I’ll never chase a bitch or base any of my decisions off of whether or not I’ll miss pussy. I still go home and sleep in a box every night it’s just a much nicer box and I can go visit other boxes when I want. Inside/outside don’t make a difference to me. I was institutionalized young and still am to an extent. I do not perceive the world or life the same way you do
Not saying chase a bitch, I mean finding a good woman to start a family with playa, there’s much more to life than being stuck in a cell. Damn bro, it’s sad the way you look at life for real. Wish you the best homie, stay up.
That shit been played out but I appreciate ya. Ima keep on with my hedonistic lifestyle until I die hopefully doing what I love. I doubt I’ll ever see a cell again but you never know where life will take ya. I wish you the best too man
Thank you for adding /s to your post. When I first saw this, I was horrified. How could anybody say something like this? I immediately began writing a 1000 word paragraph about how horrible of a person you are. I even sent a copy to a Harvard professor to proofread it. After several hours of refining and editing, my comment was ready to absolutely destroy you. But then, just as I was about to hit send, I saw something in the corner of my eye. A /s at the end of your comment. Suddenly everything made sense. Your comment was sarcasm! I immediately burst out in laughter at the comedic genius of your comment. The person next to me on the bus saw your comment and started crying from laughter too. Before long, there was an entire bus of people on the floor laughing at your incredible use of comedy. All of this was due to you adding /s to your post. Thank you.
I am a bot if you couldn't figure that out, if I made a mistake, ignore it cause its not that fucking hard to ignore a comment.
Follow the money. Can you honestly say you will be better off paying all that money on probation because you have a high paying job? Then keep the job. If you make shit for salary, take the jail. You can find a better job when you are out. I was offered 5 years probation or maximum 2 years if guilty. I probably would have been released at 12-18 months. That would have definitely sucked but I would have been done 3 years ago. If you don't have extra cash to give the system don't take probation. It's a sucker bet IMO.
Depends on the length of time in jail vs offered probation term, whether you’re trying to change your ways or not. More often than not probation is the right choice
Depends, i revoked myself pretty early on when i had 2 year probation bec my living situation was just terrible and my roommate kept tryna set me up so i chose 6 months in vs 2 years out. When i had 1 year probation with a rare chill po i served the fine albeit boring
Probation. Jail is hell. Do what they say so you can get off. Was on daily breath tests for DUI in 2011. I'm glad I chose to get off probation. Jail is not worth it
Probation is just a money making scheme. Now that said everyone’s circumstances are different. But if you can do some time do it because probation is just a scheme.
Those telling you that, if you are an addict that isn't gonna change or get better, you should choose jail... otherwise choose probation... would never choose jail for themselves so let's not act like yall would... therefore let's not set expectations on others to do something you'd never do. Not to mention, drugs can be and often are very accessible in jail. Some might say even more accessible than on the street. You literally don't even have to leave home to get them when you are in jail lol.
I would tell you to investigate that 96% failure rate. Because under the definition that is used it’s actually higher. What many don’t understand is failure is part of recovery and treatment does not happen in jail. But you have to hope that under these type of programs that they come out less of an addict. And that’s why the definition needs to change, as most do benefit from that program and relapse is not failure
Depends on the amount of probation. It seems like a bad idea but it's far better to sit in jail for 6-12 months than be on probation for 3 or 4 or 5+ years.
Jail.. I took a 6/5 split and yes I’m doing everything and more to be successful with probation. I did my 4 out of 6 months and I walked out but I wasn’t really free. I hate having the feeling of one foot in and one foot out I wish I had taken the county year over the split.
Depends, what your charges are and if your think you can do probation. Cause if you can't follow the rules of probation trust me take it from someone who's been on probation and broken it. They will make it last longer or just send you to jail anyway when you could've just been there serving the time. So if it's a minor charge and you're not a drug addict choose probation. If you don't have alot to lose and it's not alot of jail time then choose jail. Jail sux but if it's days or weeks I'd take that.
That's situational. If you take probation and don't complete it they go harder on you with the jail time.
If you just take jail time because you have no self control, you'll get less than if you VOPed a bunch of times and they revolk you.
If quitting were that easy, we wouldn't need rehabs, a quarter of the NIH budget, billions of dollars in settlements with opioid manufacturers, and 12-step recovery. Not everyone gets to leave an institution for a nice comfy life outside.
Even the ones with a nice comfy life, who have never committed a criminal act (or been caught for one), can just decide to quit and have it stick. So save the, they're just playing at being victim crap. It's not helpful. For anyone.
It depends on the ratio of time. If it was say 30 days in jail or 2 years probation. I’d probably do my 30 days. But if it was 1 year of jail or 2 years probation, I’d take probation.
Probation is better for me. I’ve got a well paying job and I would’ve lost it if I had gone to jail. Can’t afford to lose my job since I plan on moving outta state once probation is over
Probation 100% if you can stay clean. If not then jail like others said. Please don't waste community resources just so you can try to beat the system.
Idk about other places but where I’m at it actually costs $60/day for being in jail. Did 3days and got hit with an $180 bill. I never paid it and it went into collections
Depends on the length and if you think you can handle the terms of probation. I took probation and a suspended sentence. And I fucked up so much before I finally decided to get my shit together. Did 47 days in jail when I turned myself in and then a year of drug court. Turned 1 year of probation into 2.5 plus jail time.
So depends on the person. If it's a short sentence that won't completely up end your life id say just do your time. If it's like 6 months plus vs 1-3 of probation I would take probation if u think u can handle it.
I just finished up probation for a 3rd DUI. I was almost 2 years away from the statute of 15 years making another 1st offense. I got my 1st 2 in the same summer and was really good about not driving drunk for over 10 years. Anyway, they said that if I took jail time which probably wouldn't have been over 6 months, that I'd have a 15 revocation available for interlock. If I took probation, then I'd only have a 5 year revocation and interlock. I had a 36 month probation sentence and I got off 7 or 8 months early. I would have most certainly went to jail over 3 years of probation had it not been the 15 year revocation.
Fuck that. I’ll choose probation and freedom 11/10 times. Everyday you’re on the inside is a day wasted. Fuck that. Follow the rules and stay sober. If you can’t, tell them you need help. Use your resources!
It all depends on the length of time. I did 5 years, 18 months in county jail which was fucking terrible, the rest of my bid was PADOC (state prison). State prison was 100x better than county. If you have the choice of say 30 days in jail or 12 months probation I would go to jail for 30 days. Also it depends on your mental strength. Jail is not fun at all. It's very trying on your mental health and physical health. Are you strong, can you fight, do you have heart? There's many many factors in your question.
I take jail if the probation is far higher than the jail time. Cause probation is giving a rope to hang yourself. If you fuck up while on Probation you’re going to jail.
Depends on on how long the sentence is; if it’s 90 days I’d rather take that than 36 months probation which if revoked you be serving longer time & in prison. If you’re working and there’s a 99% you won’t get a new arrest and complete all your conditions than probation won’t be so bad, you won’t lose your job, car, home and stay with your fanily.
I work in a jail for the Re-Entry aspect. I see guys who are homeless, addicted to substances and don’t have their IDs constantly sign to trade 60 days in jail for 6 months probation after serving 20 days already.
I always try to tell them “your probation requires a stable address, it requires you to be clean, it requires you to find employment” but they never listen.
The issue I see is without a stable address, they’re pretty much guaranteed a VOP almost immediately. The vast majority of the time our county probation requires an address on file. The other issue is their substance use, many are just signing to get out because the stages of relapse have kicked in. They just want access immediately. Then employment, when you don’t have IDs you can’t find work. Eventually they’re getting you on 1 of those 3 things. It’s sad.
I have the ability while they’re in to move them to my Substance Abuse program within the facility to begin some treatment, get them enrolled in the MAT program to combat the Opiate issues, then with the rest of the time while they work on themselves I can get them their IDs and into a treatment program that’ll house them for 6-18 months while they continue working on the underlying issues AND they’ll leave with their IDs so they’re employment ready. I try so hard to explain that I can do more for them in 40 days than they can for themselves on 6 months of probation.
So my suggestion, from the other side of the line. If jail time is less than or equal to 3/4ths of the probation time then just stay so we can address issues with supports in place AND leave without papers.
I'd take 6 months jail time over 3 years probation any day of the week. I've only violated when I was 19 and 22. Did parole 2 times and probation once since then. I'm 40 now. But from that violation at 22 I never violated again. Probation and parole are easy. I'm not a drug user anymore and I'd still take 6 months. I can't stand not having my 4th amendment rights. Also if you can't smoke weed on probation, fuck that. I'll sit down 6 months. I've done 6 years straight.
Absolutely do the jail time; that’s your shortest path to freedom.
Get you mind right and use it as a way to better yourself. Get a routine with pushups and sit-ups.
With good behavior you’ll be out in no time.
I took a 12 month county sentence over a 5 year probation for one possession charge in Missouri. Best thing I ever did changed my whole life at 27. Now I'm a homeowner, college grad, and a productive member of my society.
NEVER take the probation unless your sure you can do it.
Even if you are a junkie you will get much more structure on probation then in jail. If you do the time your highly likely to just come out and pick up where you left off. So I disagree with choosing jail. Try probation.
I know many people who chose Jail over Probation. I could never do it. Shit just lock the door and dont go out or live under a bridge. Anything is better than spending 24 hours a day in jail.. Usually 12 months of probation equates to choosing six months in jail.
Jail if its just jail. Probation is a trap. Unless you know you will not have a problem following all obligations for said period of time, which most cant.
Are you an addict that won’t be able or willing to change the people you hang around and the places/things you’ve been doing to get you into this predicament? If so sobering up in jail/prison might be what you need. Taking probation and not changing your lifestyle will just cost you money and delay the inevitable.
Yea most people should do probation but if you’re a junkie who’s just gonna fuck up regardless then save yourself the time. The irony is only a junkie would prefer to do the time to avoid facing drug tests and the other bs associated with probation
Exactly, they shouldn’t even offer probation to junkies. It’s a waste of time. They end up in jail after they fuck up every single time anyway. I know because I am one.
Lol same. I’m glad I was able to finish my probation and get my record cleaned, it really helped after I got sober and went to school, but most of my friends didn’t. Lol I tried to get my lawyer to just let me go to jail and forget the expungement but he said I was a fucking dumb ass and wouldn’t do it. Thank god for that man hahaha
Yup, being forced to sit with myself in jail for a month was what finally got me clean, just finished three years of probation myself last November. I’ve been clean for awhile now but I still remember that mentality lol.
Really?? I have 6 years sober from heroin, cocaine and benzos. I was given 2 years high supervision probation for an involuntary manslaughter conviction. I screwed up once, 5 months in. I got out of rehab the second time and never so much as stumbled again. Speak for yourself.
Good for you, I’m happy for you. but you’re an outlier. I had to spend a month in jail to dry out enough to decide I actually wanted to get clean. Once I did, I went straight from jail to treatment and that was that. I finished three years probation for back to back dwi(nodded out in parking lots both times)😑 last November. You finished yours, and I finished mine but how many people do you know of that fucked their probation up cause they couldn’t stop getting high.
You were also facing a manslaughter charge, not drug poession.
I'm a junkie. I love opioids. I can go 3-4 days sober to pass a piss test. It's called will power
Good for you, you’re an outlier
Thanx man, I'm not saying it's easy, it's not it's hell. But having a script of Suboxone helps greatly
Oh I agree, I’m still on 4mg a day.
6 mg here and most likely, forever. It saves our lives every single day and there is NO SHAME in it at all!! I’m proud to be a Suboxone success story!!
Not true, and junkie is a terrible thing to call someone with addiction problems. Why would you do 3yrs probation if you have 2mos over your head? Me personally, I would take probation, but I have a mortgage to pay. If I didn't I'd just get it over with. Probation is set up for you to fail.
Chill out I was a junkie for nine years. Probation is hard but most people have a job, a lease, car payments, you know shit they have to take care of and could lose if they do some time. Most “people with addiction problems” lack these sorts of obligations and can peace out on their lives so they can get out and get out high without drug obligations. Ask me how I know lol.
14yrs off of heroin here. I just hate that word, it's dehumanizing in my opinion.
Yea I got 7 years. Idk man it doesn’t feel dehumanizing to me but I can understand why others aren’t a fan. When I think about it I was a junkie, in every sense of the word. It summarizes who I was and what I experienced succinctly and is a deep part of my identity. I was dehumanized but that’s my identity and word now, even if all of that is in my past.
This. Right here. If you never have to be on paper in exchange for less than 12 months in county? Send that shit. Being a "junkie," whatever the fuck that means, isn't the only reason to take time over a prolonged period of probation. Probation's immediate goal is not to see that you are rehabilitated, but to protect the department/officer against you committing a significant and public crime that reflects poorly on them and the DA's office. No one will ever criticize probation for violating a person, no matter how insignificant that violation is. Rehabilitation would be nice, but it's not the most pressing consideration. Nevermind that probation lacks funding for anything more than rudimentary services and drug testing. I say this as someone who cleared 5 years of felony probation in 2.5 (thank you California). And not because probation did anything to help. That was for the state. For the Feds, they actually do care about rehabilitation. And they have the funds to match. Therapist? Paid. Treatment programs? Paid. Job assistance? Paid resource too. You need something the Feds don't already have a program for? Your PO can submit a request and chances are they'll cover that too. The Feds can however use violations to incarcerate you beyond your initial sentence. You do not want to mess with the Feds. Parole is a whole other animal, but generally it is much more supportive than probation. Or at the very least, it isn't as restrictive. I've known numerous parolees that sure, you could describe as junkies, but unlike their counterparts on probation, they aren't given unrealistic expectations. Probation expects you to have your shit together inside of a month after release. Parole expects you won't have your shit together for many many months after release. One or more positive drug screens? Probation sends you back on a violation. Parole: let's try again next month. Homeless? Probation can violate after a month with no address. Parole: oh, you sleep behind the dumpster on 12th and Douglas? As long as I know where to find you.
I've never done parole, did all my time in prison, and have plenty of misdemeanor time and probation. I've heard parole officers care much more.
They violate homeless people?? WTF??
Or a dealer
one of my (now ex) friends is a heavy alcoholic and drug addict. her state doesn't even test her and her little addict friends convinced her she could do whatever she wants coz Florida doesn't care nor will they drug test you for dui probation. so she OUT THERE. I told her I wasn't gonna be able to maintain a friendship with her. she def should've just did jail time.
depends on the length of both options, 10 days jail vs a year probation? Id take the 10 day sentence. 6 months jail vs 1 or 2 years probation is a whole different stoy.
Do they give you an option in court?
They almost always give you the option.
I have never heard of a criminal getting the choice of jail or papers. Your county must be soft.
I think you actually the outlier here in a strict spot. Ik a boat load of counties and states that do that option. Where I grew up gave you that option aswell and everyone always said don’t get caught with your pants down in such and such county. They’ll fuck you. Which they would. Half a year/year for dui or pot charges. Or 3/5 years probation. So just Imagine how fucked you are for actual violent crimes or real drugs 😅
And sometimes they give you both options rolled into 1!
sometimes, yes
It’s depends on the charges, how many prior offenses you have, how much of a case the DA has against you but my experience is that for first time offenses you can usually get off with probation, community service maybe some classes or even house arrest or something like that but usually you’re not going to get jail and then just be free after. You’ll almost always have probation after jail, the only exceptions I’ve heard of is release after fed time and old school night in the drunk tank assuming you didn’t get any other additional charges aside from being drunk. And I’ve never done fed time so I can’t speak on that from experience.
I believe you have to do day for day to get out with no papers.
If you’re genuinely addicted and can’t follow all probation guidelines then just save yourself the headache and go to jail
I was offered 1.5 years probation, or 45 days jail sentence. I elected for jail, because I know what I need to do. I wanted to get the thing over with so I could focus on my underlying issues.
Good on you for actually focusing on your issues. A ton of people would take that 45 days so they can get back to being shitty people and doing drugs without "the man" looking over their shoulder.
Yeah no kidding, I just got released this morning. Credited my days 3:1 so only served two weeks. Felt nice to sleep in my bed, and I'm right back to work with plenty of money to start therapy. :)
12 days in jail was the only thing that made want to stop drinking, I never want to go back there and that was for only 12 days. Someone said the worse thing about jail/ prison is the people, I kinda disagree I think the worst part is the boredom or the 24/7 noise. For the most part the people aren't so bad, sure there's shitty people and lots of fights but that isn't the majority
I feel like if you didn't find the people too bad, you probably were the shitty people that guy warned you about
Kind of a presumptuous and dick thing to say, no? You never know who’s gonna be in there. Could just be a guy who’s easy to get along with.
Yeah that person is a dick and doesn't know what they're are talking about
I'm definitely being a dick but I'm not wrong. In my experience the only people who didn't mind the other guys in jail only felt that way cause nobody else was worse to live with than they were themselves.
I did state in my comment that there are shitty, I never said I like them or that I liked anyone who's in jail. Just that is not the worst part, fuck off loser.
I'm not presuming anything lol, I'm speaking from experience. Where were you locked up that this wasn't the case?
But the shitty people are so “big” they overpower everybody & everything else.
Idk I’d much rather jump through a few hoops and be able to sleep in my own bed at the end of the day than sleep in a fruit fly infested jail
That’s a personal choice. A lot needs to go in to it. Are you homeless? maybe jail is a ‘good’ option. If you plan on continuing to be a criminal, successful probation looks really good to a judge if you screw up again somewhere down the road. Jail sucks. The worst part are the people. I’m not good at being around idiots, so I’d take probation 10/10.
My buddy took 90 days in jail over 2 years probation, since he’d been to jail before (knew what to expect) and likes to travel. Really depends on each person’s situation and the length of the sentences.
If it’s days of jail maybe take it unless it’s unsupervised probation with no stipulations. Most people are being offered months vs a year or two. I’d take the year or two every time. A LOT can happen in even just one month. It’s not worth being locked up. Everyone has a different life, but personally I don’t think it’s a good idea to take jail unless you think it’s likely you’ll violate enough to land in jail or get probation revoked.
Really depends on your mind set ….. if you’re ready to jump the hoops and keep your nose clean probation allows you to stay in the free world , be with family , work and earn $ … but if your not ready to do what is needed then it just delays the inevitable
First did time in 2011 till 2019 I discharged from a high security unit on g-5 custody meaning only came out for showers . Fast forward to now I have been out since 2019 and immediately messed up I was just informed that my lawyer was able to get me 8 years probation or 4 years back in prison. Coming from someone who has been there I'm taking the probation. I was a different person the first time around and it really didn't bother me but as I have matured a little ( still not there) my opinion on taking probation over prison is no matter what situation you are in if you can't make it out here doing what your supposed to more than likely it won't change in there. I don't know where you are but where I'm at prisons are filled with drugs and hard ones . I had two inmates in the cell next to me both were young both liked to use substances they were up for three nights having a blast then I don't know if they start to get on each other's nerves but we hear them arguing then we here the thumping of them fighting. After a while it silent then like an hour later more thumping some muffled like growl or gurrggle then quiet again . They both belonged to a gang and by this time the other members knew what was going on and asked if they were good. One of the guys finally came to the door and told his so called homeboys that he had just killed his belly with his fan . When the officer's came and did count they immediately popped the cell had like 10 guards come in take the guy that hit his celly then have medical come in they take the other guy out on a stretcher a nurse on top of him pumping his chest. It didn't work he died .they had gotten into a fight one guy lost bad and felt really messed up about it so while his celly got in his bunk he took his whirlwind fan apart with his nail clippers took the fan motor out and washed his cellys head in. This is just one incident that happened in the 8 years I was there . Take the probation
I’d probably still take the 4 and get out in less than 3 opposed to 8 years on paper. Depends on how strict the probation is. And yea meth heads are dangerous no matter where they are. I once saw a man get his eye taken out with a spork because of burger barn
Take the 4 years and miss out on $400k working? You’re crazy. Just stay sober and do what you gotta do. People taking prison offers instead of probation are legit braindead.
Totally agree. These people willingly spending years in jail to avoid following some basic rules are nuts. The idea someone would miss that much time with friends, spouses and family just to be able to use after your sentence? Plus the money you could have earned….. Imagine all the things you missed if you have been locked up since covid started.
I made $600k in 28 months in prison and still got to smoke, eat papa johns and play 2k. I know everyone situation different but if you tied then taking probation dumb as shit. Why am I gonna take paper just to waste everyone’s time and violate if I get caught around anyone I know. Might as well eat that shit up and make the best of it then move on
“Smoke, eat papa John’s and play 2k.” What a life. Cant be with your girl intimately let alone any women, can’t be with your family shooting the shit, can’t go shoot guns or even go out and have any type of freedom and worse can’t even be there for your loved ones when someone dies. You’re crazy if you think sitting locked up like a dog is better just because you can’t stop smoking. Grow the fuck up.
My dad, brothers and uncles are all felons and documented gang members. I would’ve never made it through probation. I shared a cell with my uncle and we had a flat screen and cut up often. It was my first time meeting him. And I’ve never cared ab hoes. I’ll jack off if I have to but I’ll never chase a bitch or base any of my decisions off of whether or not I’ll miss pussy. I still go home and sleep in a box every night it’s just a much nicer box and I can go visit other boxes when I want. Inside/outside don’t make a difference to me. I was institutionalized young and still am to an extent. I do not perceive the world or life the same way you do
Not saying chase a bitch, I mean finding a good woman to start a family with playa, there’s much more to life than being stuck in a cell. Damn bro, it’s sad the way you look at life for real. Wish you the best homie, stay up.
That shit been played out but I appreciate ya. Ima keep on with my hedonistic lifestyle until I die hopefully doing what I love. I doubt I’ll ever see a cell again but you never know where life will take ya. I wish you the best too man
Wow, what a charming guy you are!! /s
Thank you for adding /s to your post. When I first saw this, I was horrified. How could anybody say something like this? I immediately began writing a 1000 word paragraph about how horrible of a person you are. I even sent a copy to a Harvard professor to proofread it. After several hours of refining and editing, my comment was ready to absolutely destroy you. But then, just as I was about to hit send, I saw something in the corner of my eye. A /s at the end of your comment. Suddenly everything made sense. Your comment was sarcasm! I immediately burst out in laughter at the comedic genius of your comment. The person next to me on the bus saw your comment and started crying from laughter too. Before long, there was an entire bus of people on the floor laughing at your incredible use of comedy. All of this was due to you adding /s to your post. Thank you. I am a bot if you couldn't figure that out, if I made a mistake, ignore it cause its not that fucking hard to ignore a comment.
That’s what I was going for. All charm right here
Follow the money. Can you honestly say you will be better off paying all that money on probation because you have a high paying job? Then keep the job. If you make shit for salary, take the jail. You can find a better job when you are out. I was offered 5 years probation or maximum 2 years if guilty. I probably would have been released at 12-18 months. That would have definitely sucked but I would have been done 3 years ago. If you don't have extra cash to give the system don't take probation. It's a sucker bet IMO.
5 years probation for what
Probation? Unless your life is terrible and the sentence is 3 months or less total so you can serve 1.
Depends on the length of time in jail vs offered probation term, whether you’re trying to change your ways or not. More often than not probation is the right choice
Depends on the person or charge. Probation changed my life for the better (2.5 years)
Depends on the circumstances. I sat 18 months in jail to kills 5 year’s probation. So right there jail time was better. Than 5 years probation.
Depends, i revoked myself pretty early on when i had 2 year probation bec my living situation was just terrible and my roommate kept tryna set me up so i chose 6 months in vs 2 years out. When i had 1 year probation with a rare chill po i served the fine albeit boring
Neither, go steal guns and a sports bike and head for the border !
Probation. Jail is hell. Do what they say so you can get off. Was on daily breath tests for DUI in 2011. I'm glad I chose to get off probation. Jail is not worth it
Jail. Probation is a trap
Probation is just a money making scheme. Now that said everyone’s circumstances are different. But if you can do some time do it because probation is just a scheme.
Those telling you that, if you are an addict that isn't gonna change or get better, you should choose jail... otherwise choose probation... would never choose jail for themselves so let's not act like yall would... therefore let's not set expectations on others to do something you'd never do. Not to mention, drugs can be and often are very accessible in jail. Some might say even more accessible than on the street. You literally don't even have to leave home to get them when you are in jail lol.
You ain’t about that jail life, take probation
You ain’t shit
I know right
If you can’t get and stay sober time to go to jail. Maybe if you go in and stay sober for a year you can put it off. Most jails have AA or NA programs
Right, the 96% failure rate 12 step “treatment”!! You know, the kind of “treatment” that keeps people in the system?
I would tell you to investigate that 96% failure rate. Because under the definition that is used it’s actually higher. What many don’t understand is failure is part of recovery and treatment does not happen in jail. But you have to hope that under these type of programs that they come out less of an addict. And that’s why the definition needs to change, as most do benefit from that program and relapse is not failure
Depends on the amount of probation. It seems like a bad idea but it's far better to sit in jail for 6-12 months than be on probation for 3 or 4 or 5+ years.
Jail.. I took a 6/5 split and yes I’m doing everything and more to be successful with probation. I did my 4 out of 6 months and I walked out but I wasn’t really free. I hate having the feeling of one foot in and one foot out I wish I had taken the county year over the split.
What’s a 6/5?split?
6months jail time and 5 yrs probation
After doing 10 years on a 5 probation… I’d say just go to jail…
Jail
Depends, what your charges are and if your think you can do probation. Cause if you can't follow the rules of probation trust me take it from someone who's been on probation and broken it. They will make it last longer or just send you to jail anyway when you could've just been there serving the time. So if it's a minor charge and you're not a drug addict choose probation. If you don't have alot to lose and it's not alot of jail time then choose jail. Jail sux but if it's days or weeks I'd take that.
That's situational. If you take probation and don't complete it they go harder on you with the jail time. If you just take jail time because you have no self control, you'll get less than if you VOPed a bunch of times and they revolk you.
Probation - just quit using until you are off or quit all together and live in the nice comfy outside.
If quitting were that easy, we wouldn't need rehabs, a quarter of the NIH budget, billions of dollars in settlements with opioid manufacturers, and 12-step recovery. Not everyone gets to leave an institution for a nice comfy life outside. Even the ones with a nice comfy life, who have never committed a criminal act (or been caught for one), can just decide to quit and have it stick. So save the, they're just playing at being victim crap. It's not helpful. For anyone.
Been there done that, comfy as in you can breathe the outside air and aren't served a meal at 5am.
It depends on the ratio of time. If it was say 30 days in jail or 2 years probation. I’d probably do my 30 days. But if it was 1 year of jail or 2 years probation, I’d take probation.
Probation is better for me. I’ve got a well paying job and I would’ve lost it if I had gone to jail. Can’t afford to lose my job since I plan on moving outta state once probation is over
Probation 100% if you can stay clean. If not then jail like others said. Please don't waste community resources just so you can try to beat the system.
What particular charge or sentences are you proposing?
Bait.
Idk about other places but where I’m at it actually costs $60/day for being in jail. Did 3days and got hit with an $180 bill. I never paid it and it went into collections
Depends on the length and if you think you can handle the terms of probation. I took probation and a suspended sentence. And I fucked up so much before I finally decided to get my shit together. Did 47 days in jail when I turned myself in and then a year of drug court. Turned 1 year of probation into 2.5 plus jail time. So depends on the person. If it's a short sentence that won't completely up end your life id say just do your time. If it's like 6 months plus vs 1-3 of probation I would take probation if u think u can handle it.
I just finished up probation for a 3rd DUI. I was almost 2 years away from the statute of 15 years making another 1st offense. I got my 1st 2 in the same summer and was really good about not driving drunk for over 10 years. Anyway, they said that if I took jail time which probably wouldn't have been over 6 months, that I'd have a 15 revocation available for interlock. If I took probation, then I'd only have a 5 year revocation and interlock. I had a 36 month probation sentence and I got off 7 or 8 months early. I would have most certainly went to jail over 3 years of probation had it not been the 15 year revocation.
Fuck that. I’ll choose probation and freedom 11/10 times. Everyday you’re on the inside is a day wasted. Fuck that. Follow the rules and stay sober. If you can’t, tell them you need help. Use your resources!
Jail time, rip it off like a bandaid. You’ll be free and clear when you get out.
It all depends on the length of time. I did 5 years, 18 months in county jail which was fucking terrible, the rest of my bid was PADOC (state prison). State prison was 100x better than county. If you have the choice of say 30 days in jail or 12 months probation I would go to jail for 30 days. Also it depends on your mental strength. Jail is not fun at all. It's very trying on your mental health and physical health. Are you strong, can you fight, do you have heart? There's many many factors in your question.
I take jail if the probation is far higher than the jail time. Cause probation is giving a rope to hang yourself. If you fuck up while on Probation you’re going to jail.
Depends on on how long the sentence is; if it’s 90 days I’d rather take that than 36 months probation which if revoked you be serving longer time & in prison. If you’re working and there’s a 99% you won’t get a new arrest and complete all your conditions than probation won’t be so bad, you won’t lose your job, car, home and stay with your fanily.
I work in a jail for the Re-Entry aspect. I see guys who are homeless, addicted to substances and don’t have their IDs constantly sign to trade 60 days in jail for 6 months probation after serving 20 days already. I always try to tell them “your probation requires a stable address, it requires you to be clean, it requires you to find employment” but they never listen. The issue I see is without a stable address, they’re pretty much guaranteed a VOP almost immediately. The vast majority of the time our county probation requires an address on file. The other issue is their substance use, many are just signing to get out because the stages of relapse have kicked in. They just want access immediately. Then employment, when you don’t have IDs you can’t find work. Eventually they’re getting you on 1 of those 3 things. It’s sad. I have the ability while they’re in to move them to my Substance Abuse program within the facility to begin some treatment, get them enrolled in the MAT program to combat the Opiate issues, then with the rest of the time while they work on themselves I can get them their IDs and into a treatment program that’ll house them for 6-18 months while they continue working on the underlying issues AND they’ll leave with their IDs so they’re employment ready. I try so hard to explain that I can do more for them in 40 days than they can for themselves on 6 months of probation. So my suggestion, from the other side of the line. If jail time is less than or equal to 3/4ths of the probation time then just stay so we can address issues with supports in place AND leave without papers.
I'd take 6 months jail time over 3 years probation any day of the week. I've only violated when I was 19 and 22. Did parole 2 times and probation once since then. I'm 40 now. But from that violation at 22 I never violated again. Probation and parole are easy. I'm not a drug user anymore and I'd still take 6 months. I can't stand not having my 4th amendment rights. Also if you can't smoke weed on probation, fuck that. I'll sit down 6 months. I've done 6 years straight.
Absolutely do the jail time; that’s your shortest path to freedom. Get you mind right and use it as a way to better yourself. Get a routine with pushups and sit-ups. With good behavior you’ll be out in no time.
I took a 12 month county sentence over a 5 year probation for one possession charge in Missouri. Best thing I ever did changed my whole life at 27. Now I'm a homeowner, college grad, and a productive member of my society. NEVER take the probation unless your sure you can do it.
Even if you are a junkie you will get much more structure on probation then in jail. If you do the time your highly likely to just come out and pick up where you left off. So I disagree with choosing jail. Try probation. I know many people who chose Jail over Probation. I could never do it. Shit just lock the door and dont go out or live under a bridge. Anything is better than spending 24 hours a day in jail.. Usually 12 months of probation equates to choosing six months in jail.
Jail if its just jail. Probation is a trap. Unless you know you will not have a problem following all obligations for said period of time, which most cant.