Jail Good Time Credits and How they Work

Jail Good Time Credits and How they Work

You might hear the term “good time credit” tossed around in conversations with your inmate. Good time credits are units of time given to an inmate that take time off his or her sentence. Each jail decides how good time credits will be used, but here are some general guidelines. Counting credits: Jails typically decide how many good time credits are available. For example, for each month the inmate gets through his sentence without incident, he will receive 10 days good time credit. The 10 days are shaved off the back end of his sentence, which in effect shortens the time he must remain in jail. Losing credits: Good time credits are really bribes to get an inmate to behave. If an inmate gets a write up, catches a charge in jail or commits some other serious infraction of the rules, he will typically lose some or all of the good time credits he has built up to that point. Related:  Lawmakers draft bill to cut some inmate credits Some inmates are not eligible: Sometimes a judge will structure the sentence so that good time credits are not allowed. This is called a day-for-day sentence. For example, the judge may order an inmate to do six months in jail day-for-day. This means the inmate cannot earn any time off his sentence for any reason and must complete every day of the six months before being released. These sentences are usually reserved for repeat offenders or for seriously reduced charges. Frequently asked questions about Good Time Credits Final thoughts: Good time credits are a carrot held in front of the inmate to encourage good behavior. They benefit the inmate and allow him to earn his way out early. Check out:  Many choosing jail time over probation.