Expensive Sentences – Are They Worth the Cost?

Jail Sentences for First-Time Offenders of Non-Violent Crimes

For first-time offenders convicted of non-violent crimes such as larceny, fraud, DUI, or other similar offenses, there is an expanded range of options for serving their jail sentences. In Southern California, certain jails offer "pay-to-stay" programs for qualifying offenders. These programs allow inmates to serve their sentences in more comfortable settings compared to traditional jails.

Pay-to-Stay Jail Options

Facilities participating in the pay-to-stay program typically offer semi-private cells that resemble dormitories or small apartments. Inmates enjoy various amenities, such as recreational areas, televisions (with some cable channels), music, a publication library, provided meals that can be eaten at a dining table, private bathrooms and showers, closets, laundry services, and even in-room refrigerators and phones. Some facilities also offer the privilege of going to work while serving the sentence, or allow inmates to be jailed on weekends only. Additionally, some programs allow inmates to participate as trustees, giving them the option to remain at the facility or return home each night.

Eligibility and Costs

Not all offenders qualify for these programs, especially if they require special medication or if the facility has limited space for women. The cost of participating in a pay-to-stay program is not inexpensive. For example, in Glendale, California, the city collected over $60,000 from 263 pay-to-stay cases in 2014, with an average cost of $236 per inmate. A two-year sentence at a pay-to-stay facility in Seal Beach, CA, for instance, could cost around $72,000, which equates to $3,000 per month for living expenses.

While these options may seem luxurious compared to regular jail conditions, the ability to pay for a more comfortable stay is available to those who can afford it. If you are eligible, the decision to participate in a pay-to-stay program is a personal one, but if you have the means, why not choose a more comfortable setting?

Examples of Work Furlough and Trustee Pay-to-Stay

City of Hawthorne in Los Angeles County

• Option A: Free per day, with a $50 non-refundable processing fee for TB shot and weekend admission. Inmates perform duties such as washing cars, doing laundry, and landscaping. Each day counts for 1/3 credit toward the sentence, so it would take 45 weekends to complete a 30-day sentence.
• Option B: $75 per day, where inmates do all the duties of Option A but stay in a dorm-style assignment for the duration of the sentence. A short sentence like a 5-day petty larceny would cost about $375.

City of Anaheim in Orange County

• Work Furlough – Pay to Stay: $125 for the first day and $100 for each additional day. Two weeks’ pay is required in advance, and approved medications may be allowed with waivers. Work is required both within and outside the facility.

City of Fullerton in Orange County

• Pay to Stay: $100 for the first day, $75 per day thereafter. Inmates perform duties assigned by the police department, such as washing cars and landscape work.

City of Newport Beach Trustee Program

• Free per Day: Inmates remain on the premises and perform tasks like janitorial work, distributing meals, and cleaning cells. Any rule violations result in a return to main lockup.

Pay to Stay Options While You Keep Your Day Job

City of Huntington Beach in Orange County

• Pay to Stay: $125 for the first day, $75 per day thereafter. Inmates may leave for their job on workdays and must return in the evening.

Generic Pay to Stay Options – Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Below are some contact numbers for pay-to-stay programs in the Greater Los Angeles County area:

• Azusa: (626) 812-3200
• Burbank: (818) 238-3000
• Culver City: (310) 837-1221
• Gardena: (310) 217-9600
• Glendale: (818) 548-4840
• Glendora: (626) 914-8250
• Hawthorne: Officer John Dixon at 310-349-2775
• Hermosa Beach: (310) 318-0360, Contact Angela Jenentz $175/day
• Huntington Park: (323) 584-6254
• La Verne: (909) 596-1913
• Monterey Park: (626) 573-1311
• Pasadena: (626) 744-4501, (626) 744-4616

Luxury Incarceration – Beverly Hills

In Beverly Hills, inmates can pay for a luxury experience, with options like private marble-walled cells, the ability to bring personal food, snacks, and bedding, and access to amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee-maker. The pay-to-stay rate is about $115 per night, and a trustee program is available.

Know Your Options

While pay-to-stay and work furlough programs are not widely used as the primary method of serving jail sentences, they offer a more comfortable alternative for qualified offenders. It’s important to research whether you are eligible based on the specifics of your case, such as your charges, medical conditions, and sentence length. The process typically involves submitting an application and paying a non-refundable processing fee.

These programs are not available to everyone—violent offenders and individuals with certain medical conditions may not qualify. But for those who can afford it and meet the criteria, these programs can provide a more comfortable, manageable jail experience.