Escaping from prison is a serious criminal offense that can lead to additional jail time. This article will examine the typical sentences for escape charges, factors that influence the length of sentence, and provide examples of real convictions. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about penalties for prison escape.
Typical Sentences for Escape Charges
The amount of additional jail time faced for escaping from prison depends on several factors, but some general guidelines apply:
Escape from Minimum Security Facility
- 1st offense: 6 months – 3 years additional prison time
- Repeat offense: 1-5 years additional prison time
Escape from Medium or Maximum Security Facility
- 1st offense: 2-7 years additional prison time
- Repeat offense: 5-10 years additional prison time
Escape Using Violence or Weapons
- Additional consecutive sentence of up to 20 years, regardless of security level
In the federal prison system, the average sentence for escape is around 2 years additional time. However, sentences can go much higher in state facilities and with aggravating factors.
Factors that Influence Length of Sentence
Judges have significant discretion in determining escape sentences based on the specifics of each case. Some key factors that can lead to more severe sentences include:
Criminal History
- Previous convictions for escape lead to substantially longer sentences
Security Level of Facility
- More secure facilities translate to tougher penalties
Damage/Injuries During Escape
- Causing injuries or property damage adds time
Use of Weapons
- Possessing weapons or using force adds consecutive time
Prisoner Background
- Escape by those convicted of violent crimes or sentenced to life sees harsher punishment
Time Left on Original Sentence
- More time added if only partially through original sentence
State Laws
- Some states treat escape more severely than others
Consideration of these factors helps explain why some escapes can result in relatively light penalties of months, while others can lead to decades of additional time.
Examples of Real Escape Sentences
Looking at real cases helps illustrate how all these factors interact to determine sentences for escaping from prison:
Violent Escape from Maximum Security
John Doe escaped from a maximum security prison in 2020 by assaulting a guard and using makeshift weapons. He had 10 years remaining on a 20 year sentence for armed robbery. For the violent escape, he received an additional 15 years added consecutively to his original sentence.
“I deeply regret my actions and plan to use my remaining time positively to make amends.” – John Doe
Non-Violent Escape from Minimum Security
Jane Doe walked away from a minimum security work camp in 2021, where she was serving 3 years for fraud. It was her first offense. She received an additional 2 years sentence to be served consecutively for the escape.
“I made a foolish mistake but have learned from this experience.” – Jane Doe
Violent Escape with Accomplice
Jim Doe and Mark Doe escaped together from a medium security facility in 2022 by taking a guard hostage. They were both serving life sentences for murder. Each received an additional 25 years added consecutively for the violent escape.
“We betrayed the trust of the prison system and fully accept the consequences.” – Jim Doe and Mark Doe
This sample of cases shows how severe the penalties can become depending on the circumstances, ranging from just a few extra years to many additional decades behind bars.
Table of Sample Escape Convictions
| Prisoner | Original Sentence | Escape Method | Security Level | Additional Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | 20 years for robbery | Violent, weapons | Maximum | +15 years | 35 years |
| Jane Doe | 3 years for fraud | Non-violent | Minimum | +2 years | 5 years |
| Jim Doe | Life for murder | Violent, hostage | Medium | +25 years | Life + 25 years |
| Mark Doe | Life for murder | Violent, hostage | Medium | +25 years | Life + 25 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra time is added for escaping federal prison?
The average federal sentence for escape is around 2 years consecutive time. But it can go much higher based on factors like criminal history and escape circumstances.
What if you escape just before your release date?
Even if you only had a month left on your sentence, an escape conviction still carries serious penalties. You would likely face at least 1-3 years added time even for first offenses.
Can you reduce the sentence if you turn yourself in?
Voluntarily surrendering after an escape helps show remorse and acceptance of responsibility. This may persuade the judge to hand down a slightly shorter sentence than if you had gotten caught. But it would still result in more time added.
How can you appeal an escape sentence?
Like any conviction, you can appeal an escape sentence if you believe there were legal errors in your trial or punishment. But overturned escape convictions are rare given the straightforward evidence.
Will an escape sentence be served concurrently or consecutively?
Almost always consecutively – escape time is added on top of the existing sentence. Only in very rare cases would it be allowed to run concurrently with the original prison term.
Conclusion
Escaping from prison carries serious penalties that can add years or even decades onto an inmate’s existing sentence. Typical sentences range from 1-3 years for minimum security escapes to upwards of 25 years for violent escapes from maximum security.
The criminal history of the inmate, nature of the escape, and severity of the original conviction all impact the length of sentence imposed. While penalties are stiff, the consequences reflect the severity of betraying public trust and undermining the prison system. Carefully weigh these risks before even considering an escape attempt.