Hillsborough County Jail

Closing Advice

Interview with Aaron and Jessica


JM: Is there anything else you would want a friend or family member to know if they have a loved one going to jail?
Aaron: Tell them to keep their eyes and ears open and keep their mouths shut unless surrounded by people that you respect and that respect you and that you have a connection with. Don't ever give anything away unless you are paying someone back or unless you put a price tag on it because people will take advantage of you in there in some way or another. Don't be too friendly with anyone because they are all criminals in there in some way, shape, or form or they just make bad decisions or in most cases have really BAD luck. Friendly mannerisms are considered either a weakness or an excuse for people in their to think you like men sexually which can come back to hurt you later on.
Jessica: If you are doing a short stay like I did, just stay quiet, do what the guards say, and read some books in your jail cell.

JM: Is there anything else you would recommend to a future inmate?
Aaron: Take an anger management class as soon as you think you might be going to jail or at least get into deep breathing exercises and learn ways to relax. Also consider doing the same after you get out so you can help keep yourself out of jail. That is all jail is: a group of angry people that are clouded in their decision making skills.
Jessica: For any trips to court, be prepared to spend a lot of time in shackles. You'll be handcuffed with a chain around your waist, and be put in leg irons, and kept that was for up to 10 hours. They don't remove them when you are in a holding cell or in court, so prepare yourself for a long day.