Jailhouse Phone Calls - Yep, They're Listening

If you or a loved one has been in jail – whether before or after conviction – you may have noticed that jailhouse phone calls are out of the ordinary. Why? For one, there is a fee for the call. There’s also a disclaimer before the call notifying you that it’s being recorded. What’s the risk of these calls being recorded? In short, it’s your freedom.

           It may seem intrusive, but it’s common to record phone calls of inmates. These calls can and may very well be used in trial. So be careful what you say. Any comment may be played repeatedly at trial or a court hearing to affect your rights and potentially be key evidence to put you or a loved one behind bars. The less you say on a jailhouse call, the better.

           So what’s the best approach to jailhouse calls? The best approach is to avoid making any calls. While this may be hard, it could be the difference between freedom or jail. Even communications between you and a loved one made at the jail in person can be recorded. If you need to speak with someone while in jail on a phone, act like someone else (other than the person on the other end of the line) is listening. It’s likely because they are.



           If you have a criminal issue and are in need of legal help, please contact our office today.