What not to say on jail calls?
Asked by: Dr. Grover Roob | Last update: September 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (38 votes)
DON'T make any admissions to any wrongdoing whatsoever. This is the most critical mistake that can be made during a jail call. The state may not have much evidence at all against you, but every admission you make over a recorded call will be used in court to convict you.
What not to talk about on a jail call?
Anything that involves your personal life. Some inmates will try to use that against you to exploit you. Never discuss your personal details. Never discuss your family either. I have known inmates that found out personal details about other inmate...
When someone calls from jail, what does it say?
The operator will identify the call as coming from inside the prison, and the detainee will be asked to state their name so that the person on the other end can determine if they will accept the charges. (Important advice: if you ever get a collect call from prison, pick up!)
What should you avoid in jail?
- Stay away from drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Stay away from people who abuse controlled or illegal substances.
- Don't assault or kill anyone. Never verbally or otherwise threaten to hurt or kill anyone.
- Observe basic laws and traffic regulations, etc.
- Don't steal.
Can jail calls be used against you?
What you may not realize, however, is that those phone calls may be recorded—and what you say in those phone calls could ultimately be used as evidence against you. In California, so-called "jailhouse phone calls" are indeed recorded.
What Should You Talk About in Your Jail Calls?
Who gets charged for jail calls?
Prepaid Calls: Prepaid calls are usually the most affordable option, and inmates pay for them using funds from their TRULINCS account. Collect Calls: Billed to the recipient, these calls are often more expensive, as they incur charges from the inmate calling service provider and any additional long-distance fees.
Is it bad to talk to someone in jail?
Jail calls are recorded, and defendants, as well as their loved ones, are given this warning. Everything they say on the call can be used as evidence against them in their case. So it's okay to talk about the weather or other family members, to be supportive of them, or to comfort them.
How to get respect in jail?
Through R-E-S-P-E-C-T. In life, we know that to get respect, you have to give respect. It is no different in jail. While correctional officers and inmates are not equals, showing inmates basic courtesies and respect can go a long way to earning their respect.
What is the number one rule in jail?
1. Inmates shall obey all directives immediately and completely. 2. Inmates shall not make false statements to jail staff.
Why do jail calls hang up?
NOTE: To protect you and to provide equitable telephone access for all inmates, each correctional facility may place a time limit on calls. Many facilities provide a message 30 seconds to 1 minute before a call is termi- nated.
Are 3-way calls allowed in jail?
Similarly, you won't fool anybody by using another inmate's pin, 3 way calling, etc. It has all been tried ad nauseum and you will likely get caught.
How to block jail calls?
You can also call the GTL customer service department at 877-1650-4249, and they will be able to help block future calls from a facility.
What to say to an inmate?
- Introduce yourself — tell them your name, general location, and how you found out about them.
- Share things about yourself and the outside world. ...
- Ask questions to get to know them — such as how they're doing, plans they have for the future, and what their interests are.
Can you use your phone in jail?
In most jurisdictions, prison inmates are forbidden from possessing mobile phones due to their ability to communicate with the outside world and other security issues. Mobile phones are one of the most smuggled items into prisons.
How can I sleep better in jail?
Buy earplugs, a small fan, or a radio with headphones and use them to block out external noises. Also, make sure your body isn't too warm or cold. Get creative with your blankets and pillows.
How do I prepare for jail time?
- Step 1: Prepare to Document the Journey. ...
- Step 2: Establish a Primary Point of Contact. ...
- Step 3: Understand Financial Implications. ...
- Step 4: Create Deliberate Reading Lists. ...
- Step 5: Create Journaling and Writing Plan. ...
- Step 6: Prepare Personal Belongings. ...
- Step 7: Understand Medical Preparations.
What is the polite form of jail?
Jail: A more polite and respectful way to refer to a jail is a correctional facility or detention center.
What not to say on a jail call?
DON'T make any admissions to any wrongdoing whatsoever. This is the most critical mistake that can be made during a jail call. The state may not have much evidence at all against you, but every admission you make over a recorded call will be used in court to convict you.
Can I kiss my boyfriend in jail?
Some facilities allow a hug and kiss, others will allow you to hold hands, others do not allow any physical contact.
How long can you talk in jail?
Call limitations vary depending on the prison's house rule, but calls are typically limited to 15 minutes each, and inmates must wait thirty minutes before being allowed to make another call. Calls are recorded and monitored by the prison's staff.
Who can pick you up from jail?
In California anyone can pick you up.
Why are jail calls free?
Legislators in California and Connecticut have already passed laws to make prison and jail calls free. These laws specifically prevent facilities from arbitrarily limiting call times or profiting off of exorbitant phone costs. In September 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom approved Senate Bill No.
How does calling someone in jail work?
Phone calls always need to be made from the incarcerated individual to you. Even if you have the phone number of the facility where they are located, you will not be able to call and talk to them. However, they will be able to call you.