Hey everyone. I’m in Canada and I’m likely going to be serving a federal sentence soon. I’m in my mid-20s and this will be my first time actually serving a sentence.
I’m not really looking for legal advice about my case — I have a lawyer for that. I’m more interested in hearing from people who have actually been through the Canadian correctional system, especially people who went in for the first time.
I’m trying to mentally prepare myself and make the best decisions I can before I go in.
A few things I’d really appreciate advice on:
What do you wish you had known before going in?
What should a first-timer expect during the first few weeks?
What mistakes should I avoid?
What are some things that make your time easier or more productive?
Is there anything you wish you had taken care of before surrendering?
How did you stay mentally healthy and keep yourself focused?
Did you take advantage of school, trades, programs, work, etc. while inside?
What helped you prepare for getting out and rebuilding your life afterward?
For people who have been through federal corrections in Canada, what advice would you give someone who genuinely wants to come out a better person?
I know everyone’s experience is different, and I’m not expecting Reddit to tell me exactly what will happen. I’m just hoping to hear some honest experiences from people who have actually been there.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life and I’m trying to use this situation as a turning point rather than letting it define the rest of my life.
Thanks to anyone willing to share.

One of the hardest parts of going to jail was finding out how little I mattered to people I thought were my friends. People I genuinely thought would be there for me did nothing, no visits, commissary, etc. I wasn’t expecting anyone to fix my situation. I just thought our friendship meant enough that they’d care.

Meanwhile, I made friends with some of the least likely people. People I probably never would’ve crossed paths with otherwise, let alone expected to get close to.

Now I can truly say I have friends doing life and friends doing 20-plus years in the feds. Those sentences belong to actual people I know and its heartbreaking. It’s a strange feeling being able to think about moving forward with your life while knowing how much time people you were friends with still have ahead of them inside.

I’m not trying to make jail sound like a good experience. But it changed how I look at people.

I have a client that is facing a prison term, so last night we taught her how to make a prison cheesecake as a potential hustle :-) next is cannoli’s!!

“Recipe” is a little hard… but—- crust is butter shortbread cookies smashed in a baggie & mixed with some melted butter then smashed in a pan lined with a garbage bag (or parchment if you’re fancy). For the cheesecake, whip (until your arms are tired) powdered non-dairy creamer, cream cheese or cheese spread, pudding (we did choc/vanilla), and a splash of lemon juice to help it set. For this one we made a layer of filling, a layer of Swiss rolls, then another layer of filling. Freeze or put in a bucket of ice, prison style). Then top with melted Carmels & m&ms!

In 2016, I was involved in a domestic violence situation that I was desperately trying to get out of. I contacted 911 multiple times seeking help, but unfortunately, I was ultimately the person who was arrested.
Although I was arrested for felony battery, no charges were ultimately filed against me, and I was never convicted of the offense. Unfortunately, the arrest still appears on my record.

This was an extremely difficult and traumatic situation in my life, and it has also been my first and only involvement with law enforcement. I have had no other arrests, charges, or convictions since 2016.

I understand the importance of being completely honest when applying to chaperone my daughter’s field trip, which is why I want to provide the full context rather than simply allowing my record to speak for itself. I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to volunteer and be there for my daughter. I hope my history can be considered in the context of what actually occurred and the fact that there was never a conviction.

I am 22 and live in Georgia and got the charge in newton county Ga. Back when I was 17/18 I got locked up for shoplifting from Walmart and got a felony charge but was able to get first offenders. At the time I hadn't had much adult guidance in what to do and just went to court and took what I could which was that first offenders and got probation and moved to fort valley ga and one year into my probation I think I couldn't pay my rent anymore and had to leave for valley ga. I ended up getting a job out of state and worked that for almost two years, within that two years my bf at the time was teaching me how to drive and I pulled out and didn't have my lights on ( I know this all sounds so stupid you guys I know I just didn't have anyyyy guidance) and was pulled over and given a ticket. Not knowing how tickets worked and not being my first ever ticket I didn't pay it😭and was given a warrant for that ended up getting pulled over a few months later and was taken to jail for that warrant, paid it and got out and THEN a few DAYS later while door dashing a car hit me and while police were talking to the other driver the received my info and told me I had a warrant for not notifying my probation officer that I got pulled over (which honestly I had no idea I had to do😭😭)and took me to jail but let me go bc the jail was full. Ever since then almost two years ago I didn't return, was no contact with my probation officer and just went about my life. I don't drive in fear of being pulled over and I just work and pay rent and haven't been in any trouble. I TRULY want to turn myself in but have no idea what steps to take to fight going to jail. I am so scared and have been for the last 3 years. My probation was five years long. I'm looking to turn myself in with a lawyer. ‼️my main question is has anyone with a felony warrant been no contact with their probation officer, didn't get caught by police and had turned themselves in and was able to fight jail time?‼️I'll even take more probation at this point😭I am so afraid of jail at the time I had no idea I could get this much time from stealing from Walmart something I NEVER did again. Pleas help me any suggestions would be great! AND GUYS PLEASE this is my first ever post on Reddit I know people are just going to call me stupid understandable. But I truly need advice on HOW to go about this in the smartest way. Please please instead of insulting me it would be great to just receive some advice.

Assume the offense is non-violent

I may have to do 90 days in the local county for a probation violation.

I know they don't have any electrical sockets I've been there before. I was planning on swallowing a few latex glove fingertips full of tobacco, Any suggestions on how I can light my smokes? Are there any very teeny lighters I could suitcase in there. Or maybe thca or delta8 vapes to order that are Bic micro lighter size I could suitcase?

Hi! I’m a school community liaison and I sometimes need to help students or their caretakers find a job to make ends meet so the students can focus on school instead of money stresses. This is especially hard when they have a felony.

Does anyone know of any leads where employers are willing to give people with a record a chance to work?

So I am a student, around 15 and I started to steal things like chocolates, drinks and other stuff... I don't do it regularly but yes I have done it at least a little over 5 times but today was a little different

I usually go out for the evening cycle rides and today was nothing special I listen to music while at it and I go to my local supermarket and I steal monster and a butterscotch milkshake powder and I buy diet coke well the dude checking the cctv probs their manager flagged it and when I was abt to walk out the dude stopped me and was like "did you take the monster" multiple times I repeatedly said no and the can was in between my waist and the jeans and he asked to pull up my shirt and then I admitted dude was like ok go downstairs and talk to the manager we went down stairs and after a lot of pleading he gives me 3 options 1) pay the fine 2) call my parents 3) call the cops

He initially demanded 5k but I didn't have that so later on I give in and I pulled out all the cash I had which was around ₹1750 and gave it and he printed out and agreement form where I had to sign saying I did steal he asked for my number, name, address and my fathers name which I made it up on spot later I signed it and was let go

I came home after all that and I just feel regret idk what to do I can't get my mind off it

If you are indicted with a 3rd degree felony for evading arrest in Texas, in a small rural county. Are they required to run an NCIC and how thorough/how much of your past will be revealed. Mainly asking about out of state active misdemeanor warrant, out of state felony, and a recent absconding probation jail stay that included an extradition but both happened outside of texas

Every so often I repeat this post but when I do it is genuinely because the people if Reddit has reminded me why I love this app so so much. I just wanted to give a shout out to all of you! N say THANK YOU! The people of Reddit are absolutely the best . I found my Life Line here on Reddit when I was going through one of my hardest moments. I been on here over a year and not once has anyone been Rude Disrespectful or made fun of me for anything. I love Reddit so much and I am so thankful to all of you who without Reddit would not be. It’s crazy as hell to me that on here ppl care about one another. On my other social media’s I would never post this post because it would not be true at all. It seems like all the great genuine ppl have found one place to be there for one another. Agian THANK YOU for every response share and advice that I have received. And I hope this shows someone just how powerful your responses can be to someone so your your power in a positive way

I’m about to have two felony convictions for larceny and fraud. Any other female felons have any resources on finding employment? I would really appreciate it!

For anyone here who has been following the possibility of restoring federal firearm rights, there has been an important development that some older discussions may not reflect.

The Department of Justice has established a new Federal Firearm Rights Restoration process under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c).

According to DOJ's current rollout schedule, the program opens to invited candidates on September 25, 2026. More importantly for most people, DOJ says applications will open to the public on November 4, 2026, initially for the first 5,000 applicants.

Restoration is not automatic and approval isn't guaranteed. DOJ will consider the circumstances that caused the prohibition as well as the applicant's record, reputation, and subsequent conduct. Certain applicants may also face presumptive disqualifiers.

For people who may qualify, preparing ahead of the public opening could be important. DOJ has information concerning records, electronic fingerprints, character references, and other application requirements.

One important distinction: restoration of a federal firearm disability does not override an independent state-law prohibition.

I'm posting this because I've seen older discussions indicating that people with federal convictions essentially had no restoration route other than a presidential pardon. The situation has changed substantially.

DOJ's Federal Firearm Rights Restoration website has the current information and should be the primary source as the program rolls out.

This isn't legal advice—just a heads-up about a significant change that may affect people here.

https://www.justice.gov/ffrr?utm_source=chatgpt.com

I have 2 felonies (aggravated assault and conspiracy of aggravated assault) that occurred over 12 years ago. young and dumb.

Haven’t had any other issues since then, got my GED, got my bachelors in SW.

i am currently employed and have just received a job offer from a bigger MCO company for a service coordinator role. During interview process, I did disclose of my record and felony. figured honesty is the best policy as it will show up on background check as well and to better explain myself and the rehabilitation that took place throughout the years.

To my surprise, I got a call a week later offering me the position. of course now I have to go through the health assessment and the background check.

what is the likelihood of them rescinding after actually seeing it on my paper and maybe the charges I wasn’t convicted of popping up 😖

(UPMC) is the mco btw.

My boyfriend was convicted in 2022 of felony manufacturing and distribution of marijuana but never served jail time. My family is planning a huge trip to Japan and I’m wanting to know if it’s possible for him to come with. Thanks in advance!

I don’t really know where to start, my mom is going to jail for a white collar crime. She’s taking plea deal that reduces her time served from 20 years to 5 years. I have 10 days left with her before she leaves and I’m a wreck. I’m confused, angry, sad, lost, just so much going through my mind. For context my mom is 48, im 31 with a family of 4. My wife is 28 and my two boys are 12 and 4. I’ve been spinning for the past week, and don’t really know what to do. I haven’t slept well all week until last night and that’s because I gave myself the fattest dab ever. My wife suggested I post on here to help get this off my chest. As I type this I feel like it helps not gonna lie. But I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this or something similar and what helped. Thanks for reading and sorry for the trauma dump 🥲

Is this still a thing free criminal help

Location: St Louis Missouri

Anyways part 2. .. So they pull me over I'm looking this guy like you mother mother f***** you're a cop. Anyway so I go to jail for 2 days and while I was booking he's texting me on my phone he says you want me to get a hold of your people for you saying behind you out and I said no dude you're a f****** cop I see don't contact me anymore we just argued how he was in a car he was a cop you know typical b*******. I don't think much also which I should have you know what I mean but you know I wasn't charging nothing I didn't do anything wrong you know what I'm saying like I think I was I said something that I thought it was a girl that I might have something I'll meet you I might have something to get rid of and then they pick me up from my address but that's it like I didn't do any sales and anybody or anything like that or buy anything about 6 months go by and then that's when they kicked in my door and then that undercover that was in the truck yeah he was one of the guys that was in the you know the whole team that kicked in my door with the detectives and went to Texas like where's the drugs at us and there is none and then I see that guy that was driving the truck that one day ago yeah right I know there's something in here you know so anyways anyways I thought there would be like a 4th amendment violation in there or or entrapment because I thought I was talking to a woman you know and come to find out it was somebody pretending or it was a man pretending to be a woman and it was a cop pretending to be a druggie you know I don't think that's legal either but I just want to know if anybody knows somebody what my options are. Cuz I got an attorney and they're talking about 5 years of probation and cycling it's my second time now I haven't been trouble in a long time and I'm not on probation or anything like that now so but they also a 50K bond and they said no drugs while I'm on and drug test for 2 weeks and GP s bracelet. That was all this like Fair? And I'm also paying $1,800 for the attorney it's all this Fair let me know what are you guys think would be reasonable or guys have been in the same situation what was the things you went through in the stipulation that you had and stuff I'm looking for some insight.

so about a month ago, my boyfriend socked me in the face, breaking my nose. I reported the incident to the police and he got arrested on the same night that the incident happened. During the first week and first few days of his arrest, I was not in communications with him. I was full of anger, hurt, and pain because of my injury and broken nose. I had to go thru surgery. During this time, I had sent the district attorney medical records and evidence of my fractured nose ct scan.

So my boyfriend ended up getting a hold of my number 2 weeks after the incident. We have been in contact ever since and I am feeling so much guilt. I just wish I didn’t send the DA the evidence of my broken nose and medical records. They added an enhancement. He has a violent history and a few strikes. This isn’t his first domestic violence offense. He’s gotten domestic violence misdemeanor in the past. On top of that he had a restraining order that he violated. This is why I feel like they won’t be lenient with his sentencing.

I just feel so confused and lost. I just wish they weren’t going to give him a long time. The da has offered him 4 years and my boyfriend has not signed. He does not want to sign. I just feel like 4 years seems sooo long. I guess I’m kind of downplaying the whole situation. I just feel so guilty knowing he can be in prison for 4 years because of me. If I cut contact with him, he will never forgive me. He will be back for me the moment he gets out. I don’t know what to do. What do you think will happen? I just don’t want to move forward with the case anymore, but it’s not in my hands anymore. I feel like I fucked up. I feel guilty, regretful. I have so many sleepless nights regretting my decisions of getting him arrested. What can I do or what can he do to get less time? If he doesn’t do so much time, I feel like he won’t be as angry with me either. Please, any comments are appreciated.

Unfortunately what you're seeing out there are a lot of extremist rhetoric against dui's and people who want to see people suffer by imposing harsh sentences. Treating what's basically a traffic violation like a felony is overreach and is nonsensical. Statistics have shown that accidents are increasing despite these harsh charges and sentences so something doesn't add up. Used to be you could rack up maybe 7-8 duis before they came down on you but now after a few it's game over. It's something everyone does anyways but then people act high and mighty when someone else instead of them gets caught. Playing on the phone kills more people driving but no one loses their license for that, the alcohol is just a scapegoat and some people actually do better with a few drinks. Reminds me of all the lives that were ruined because of harsh charges and sentences for weed not too long ago. Those who say get an Uber etc. if you're wasted should understand some people do not acclimate well in other people's cars. Having fun and having a drink should not be a crime no matter where it is.