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Welcome

Knowing that you could spend time—perhaps a significant amount of time—in federal prison can be very stressful. It's easy to waste this time instead of making the most of it. If you are fortunate enough to post bond or have time before charges are brought against you, here’s a list of 10 things you can do to better prepare yourself for what lies ahead, including exploring BOP resources and reading federal prison books that can help you understand life as a federal inmate.

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Checklist to prepare for prison

From our book Facing the Feds: 10 Things to do before going to prison

These are in no specific order

1. Get dental work done.

Health care in prison is terrible, especially for federal inmates who often face limited access to adequate medical services. It's advisable to visit the dentist and have a cleaning, along with any necessary dental work completed, before you go to prison. Additionally, consider exploring BOP resources and federal prison books to better understand what to expect during your time incarcerated.

2. Get a medical exam.

See a physician and have a full check-up done, especially if you are a federal inmate looking to utilize BOP resources. Ensure any needed prescriptions are documented and established now. Additionally, get a copy of your medical records to include in your letter to yourself, which can be useful when referencing federal prison books.

3. Write a letter to yourself.

Include all of the names, addresses, and numbers of everyone you want to keep in contact with while inside. You might also want to include photos that could be comforting during your time as a federal inmate. Mail this to your prison address right before you turn yourself in. If you don’t know where you will be held, consider giving it to someone you trust, who can address and send it off once your location is confirmed. Your attorney might assist with this task as well. Additionally, remember to check BOP resources for federal prison books that may help you during your incarceration.

4. Eliminate personal possessions.

Sell anything you can. When you are incarcerated, especially as a federal inmate, you will find that you want money more than possessions. If you have a sentence over 5 years, clothes will go out of fashion, cars won’t run properly, and any books or other belongings may end up damaged or molded. Consider using BOP resources to sell it, give it away, or do whatever you need to do. You don’t want to be preoccupied with possessions while inside. You can always replace them, including federal prison books, when you get out.

5. Send yourself money.

If you have been processed by the US Marshalls, you should possess an inmate Register Number. This number is essential for using BOP resources, as it allows you to mail a Postal Money Order to the National Lock Box, ensuring that funds reach you fairly quickly. Make sure to drop this money order right before you report to the federal prison. Keep in mind that if you are not currently in the custody of the BOP, they will reject the funds. The address for sending money is:


Federal Bureau of Prisons

(Your Full Name)

(Your Eight-Digit Register Number)

P.O. Box 474701


Additionally, for federal inmates, consider looking into resources for federal prison books that may be helpful during your time.

6. Exercise.

Start now by exploring BOP resources to learn a couple of simple body-weight workout routines that you can do anywhere. Getting yourself in shape–or trying to–is a good idea for federal inmates. Continuing to practice these routines while you are incarcerated will only help you physically and emotionally, and you can also find useful guidance in federal prison books.

7. Take self-defense classes.

Learn the basics of self-defense, if you do not already. While you hopefully will never need to use it during your time as a federal inmate, having some knowledge on how to protect yourself is far better than having none at all. Utilizing BOP resources can provide valuable insights, and the confidence you gain from this knowledge will help you avoid looking like an easy target to other inmates. Additionally, consider exploring federal prison books that focus on self-defense techniques.

8. Spend time with loved ones.

Enjoy time with those you care about now. It is important to have quality time with elderly family members and children, as well as to consider the companionship of pets. Remember, if you are a federal inmate, most pets won’t live long enough to see you when you are released, and they can’t come visit you. Additionally, exploring BOP resources can help you stay connected during your time in federal prison, including finding federal prison books that can provide comfort and entertainment.

9. Do the things you love to do.

Go on a hike, fish, drive—whatever you enjoy. Experience the activities you know you won’t be able to do for a long time. Indulge in your favorite foods and catch up on your favorite movies or television shows. If you're looking for more ideas, check out BOP resources that can help federal inmates access enjoyable federal prison books to keep their spirits high.

10. Prepare everyone you want to keep in contact with.

Even writing letters to someone in prison isn't as easy as it should be, especially for those trying to connect with federal inmates. To make things easier, provide everyone with a note card or an email detailing how they can write to you, send money, and what steps they need to take to be added to your visitation list if they wish to visit. Additionally, consider ordering a copy of federal prison books for each of them, as these BOP resources can help them better understand what you are going through.

Facing the Feds


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