Expert: Philip Sweeting - 12/28/2005

Question
Hi--

I often see (on Court TV) reference to a prisoner's getting "time off for good behavior".

Does a prisoner getting "time off for good behavior have to be parolled, or does this "time off" get him automatically released.

Many thanks,

Steve
nighttrain@nyc.rr.com

Answer
It depends on the laws in your state. I haven't looked at the law lately but in Florida if you behave you can reduce your sentence in most cases by about 2/3. Once released you may still be on probation,but that depends on your original sentence.

For instance if you were convicted of burglary, you might be sentenced to 5 years plus 5 years probation once released from jail. If you behave while in jail you might get out in less than 2 years but you still would be on probation.

In Federal prison there is no time off for good behavior. If you do a federal crime like bank robbery you will have to serve your entire sentence. If you are sentenced to ten years, you are probably going to be in prison for ten years.