How to Prepare for Federal Prison

If you’re heading to federal prison, you’ve already been through a lot—an investigation, charges, court hearings, and sentencing. By the time a judge hands down your sentence, you’re likely exhausted. But the work isn’t over. The way you prepare now will influence how well you adjust in prison.

I’ve been there, and I know what works. Here’s what actually matters before you surrender:

1. Document Your Journey

If you want the best shot at early release or more freedom later, start documenting your progress now. This isn’t about bragging or proving anything to the BOP. It’s about showing a consistent effort to grow, learn, and improve.

• Set up a way to track what you’re doing—this could be PP Talent, a blog, a journal, or even letters to a trusted person who keeps records for you.
• Look at it this way: When arguing for early release or probation modifications, you want proof of what you’ve been doing—not just words.

2. Have a Primary Contact Person

Once you’re inside, you need someone on the outside to handle things if something goes wrong. This person could be your spouse, parent, friend, or lawyer. They should know what to do if you don’t call within 24 hours of surrendering.

• Ensure all necessary paperwork is at the prison before you arrive.
• If the paperwork isn’t there, you could end up in the Special Housing Unit (the hole) while they sort it out. Avoid that hassle by double-checking everything.
• If no one hears from you, your contact person should call the lawyer and the BOP’s Grand Prairie office to find out what’s going on.

3. Get Your Finances in Order

Money inside matters. It makes life easier. You’ll need it for phone calls, email, and commissary items.

• Open multiple bank accounts before surrendering. If your conviction is for fraud, your bank might shut you out, so have a backup.
• Give someone you trust Power of Attorney to move money if needed.
• Set a budget. Minimum: $100/month. Comfortable: $300–$500/month.
• Avoid financial infractions. Don’t discuss business or money transfers on prison calls—they monitor everything, and you could lose phone or email access.

4. Build a Reading Plan

Prison gives you time, whether you want it or not. Use it wisely.

• Choose books that will help you—business, law, personal development, or whatever aligns with your plans.
• Keep a record of what you read and what you learned from it.
• Have family send books directly from Amazon—prisons are used to it and won’t reject them.

5. Start Writing

Writing is powerful. It keeps your mind sharp and can be used later to support early release or career plans after prison.

• Journal regularly. It shows consistent effort and helps track progress.
• Consider writing a book or starting a blog to share your experiences.

6. Pack Smart

Don’t bring much. The prison will provide the basics, and you’ll buy what you need from the commissary.

• Bring a simple wedding ring (no stones, under $100 value).
• Prescription glasses (bring two pairs if you can).
• Religious materials if needed.
• Leave behind credit cards, cash, and anything unnecessary.

7. Handle Medical Needs in Advance

Medical care in prison isn’t great. Plan ahead.

• Check the BOP’s approved medication list. If yours isn’t on it, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Get medical documentation from your doctor before surrendering—it could help you get the care you need inside.
• If you need specialized treatment, try to get designated to a medical facility.

8. Understand Communication Rules

You’ll want to stay in touch with family and friends, but prison communication comes with restrictions.

• Write down names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails before surrendering.
• Send yourself a letter with all this info so it’s waiting for you at the prison.
• Know that emails and calls are monitored, so be careful with what you say.

9. Make Smart Decisions Inside

Every decision you make in prison matters. Think ahead.

• Avoid unnecessary risks. Stay away from drama, gambling, and anything that could lead to trouble.
• Be aware of how choices impact your release prospects. Stay productive, follow the rules, and document your efforts.
• If it won’t help you get out sooner or build a better life after prison, don’t do it.

One way to make smart choices is to use a quadrant system to assess risk and reward:

Wasted opportunities: Low risk, low reward (endless TV watching, gossiping, wasting time instead of learning something useful).

Best choices: Low risk, high reward (staying out of trouble, taking classes, building a release plan).

Cautious choices: High risk, high reward (legal maneuvers, complaints about conditions—sometimes necessary, but risky).

Bad choices: High risk, low reward (arguing with staff, getting involved in prison politics).

10. Have a Release Plan from Day One

The day you enter prison, you should already be thinking about how you’ll leave.

• Know what job you’ll pursue after release and start preparing for it inside.
• Build a support network—connections inside and outside matter.
• Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve while serving time.

Final Thoughts

The more you plan ahead, the more control you’ll have over your experience. Focus on what actually matters: documenting progress, managing finances, staying connected, and using your time wisely.

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Justin Paperny

P.S. Register for our next webinar here.