I have not heard of TV's being allowed; I know there is a common area where TV viewing is allowed. My son was involved in a car wreck and had no insurance and his driver's license was revolked because the victim filed restitution. It was mandatory that he pay this before getting out of jail. But his was due before his sentence was filed. I have never heard of restitution while in prison. Also my son was sent a bill from the county (while awaiting his current sentence) for paper/stamps given to indigent prisoners. No money was taken out of his commissary account for these items. Is he currently serving his sentence?

Most prisons they can have tv's. I eliminated the possibility of them being able to take that money by ordering it myself through the appointed catalog.

I haven't heard of them taking the restitution out of his prison money I put in, but in county jail they do. They do take money out of it if he sees a doctor at his request. It varies from prison to prison I guess. That really sucks though.

I think all prisons have a common area or day room where there is a tv, but usually they never get to watch what they want. Getting them a tv makes them be able to get away from some of the guys and have a bit of " privacy", if you can call it that. The tv's where he's been at have to have headphones or earplugs. The regular speakers don't work. Can't have everyone's tv going at the same time, would be too noisy.

We never got any bills to pay for indigent prisoners. While I feel sorry for people that don't have anyone to help, we out here are barely making it as it is without them, and it costs us every dime we have to talk to them, see them and give them a little money.

I know in the Federal system, the judge has to actually state in his sentence that restitution is deferred until after the time is served. If that isn't in the final report, they can take his commissary (or a portion of it) to start the restitution process. I don't know if that is the same in State or County, but I know that we have been advised to make sure that it clearly states in the sentencing report to defer until after time is served.

Thanks for your replies. I am trying to find out now what the total amount is he has to pay and whether it has to be paid before he gets out. I have contacted his lame attorney and he has not called me back yet (of course). My husband did not receive any papers when he was sentenced stating what the amount to be paid is or when it was supposed to be paid, etc. He is serving his sentence and is in state prison. He was in an accident and is lucky to be alive he suffered a severe brain injury and is not able to figure any of this stuff out for himself so I am trying to do everything I can from the outside to help him. Thanks for your help everyone!

In CA they will take 55% of any funds I put on his commissary account. This was mandated at time of sentencing for all court costs, etc. If I send something to him directly (but only when he is on main line and not reception) they can't take restitution. However, I can only do this 4 x's a year. Right now, we only put enough to get essentials.

In pa they can take 30% of commissary money to pay fines, restitution and victims fees.

I know that it is really frustrating, but think of it this way. When he gets out it still has to be paid, so any paid now will make things easier when he comes home!
I am so glad the only thing my brother had to pay was 100$ in court costs, which he had them take the day he surrendered for this sentence.

That's awful. Don't get me started on the insanely costly court costs etc. Was told they must be paid or he will lose his license. Even though he cant pay them because hes in jail. They just come up with the most ridiculously inconvenient ways of doing things. Its all a money thing.

Ok, I think I have part of this figured out. In MI, if you put in over $50, they take half of the amount over $50. For example if you put in $110, the amount over $50 is: $60 half of that is $30 and that is what they take. I am STILL waiting to hear back from attorney to find out what total amount owed is and if it has to be paid back before he can be released. I sure hope he can pay it back after he gets out, I don't know how I will pay it myself... Geesh. I talked to my hubby today and he said he heard something about how if you take a plea then you don't have to pay restitution. Let's hope there is some truth to that as he did take a plea. Maybe there was something positive about that whole plea thing as I thought the whole deal stank (like our lawyer and Pros. Atty were on the same side...)

I think they all work together. A "deal" isn't really a deal. Don't get me started on how I feel about the justice system. Un-justice and get em get em get em is the system.

Taking a plea does not mean zero restitution, unless that was written in as part of the plea deal.
You need to remember when your husband says he heard something, he is hearing it from other inmates, so usually not true.
google plea deal in your state and than you can find out more info, you should be able to find his sentence online, most of it is public record.

When I called Monday to the prision to see if they took out money they said they take 100 out for medical and if its less then 100 he gets then half until they get there 100 dollars so yea I just put 250 so they could just take it and I am sure they will charge for his insulin so yea its crazy crazy