theForum

I rent, what to do if I may go to prison


https://forum.unlock.org.uk/Topic34859.aspx

By NotMyName - 27 Aug 24 1:36 PM

Hello all, first post.

I can't find an answer to this so thought I'd ask here. I have yet to be charged but expect to be so in the next few weeks for indecent images (posession 'only' - no contact/sharing etc) as I agreed it was my phone (2 years of prior therapy, I have no want to plead no guilty!).

Solicitors have told me I may not get prison, BUT I like to prepare myself and if I do get prison time (not suspended) then how does it work if you rent?

Do people move out before they go to court? where do they put their belongings? I'm single and have lived away from my parents for pretty much 20 years so have a fair amount of stuff. I have storage but there would still be having to pay for that.

Any ideas? Do parents/family come along and clear your room? and who cancels your rental agreement?

Thanks for your time.
By JASB - 30 Aug 24 2:38 PM

NotMyName - 27 Aug 24 1:36 PM
Hello all, first post.

I can't find an answer to this so thought I'd ask here. I have yet to be charged but expect to be so in the next few weeks for indecent images (posession 'only' - no contact/sharing etc) as I agreed it was my phone (2 years of prior therapy, I have no want to plead no guilty!).

Solicitors have told me I may not get prison, BUT I like to prepare myself and if I do get prison time (not suspended) then how does it work if you rent?

Do people move out before they go to court? where do they put their belongings? I'm single and have lived away from my parents for pretty much 20 years so have a fair amount of stuff. I have storage but there would still be having to pay for that.

Any ideas? Do parents/family come along and clear your room? and who cancels your rental agreement?

Thanks for your time.

Hi
You may read my comments and think HECK, but though I was told a week before I was going away though I hoped not, I prepared and actioned everything so on the day ((% was done. I decided I'd do that and if I didn't then the wasted money was worth the issues that would of happened if I had done nothing!

I admit I had a couple of years to plan but I organized as follows:

Storage:
I sorted out my processions to see what I wanted and could get rid of and so lowered the amount of things for storage.
Then knowing how much I had, I got quotes for storage. Most places allow you to give notice so you have some flexibility in case you do not go or less term that you expect.
Just before my sentencing I was told I would be going away so I then confirm and put in storage. I did not tell them my situation and used a friend as a contact person in case of issues. I set a direct debit up for the payments.

finances:
I looked at when best to stop all non relevant standing orders / direct orders i.e gym membership.
I changed / canceled such things as bank account postage letters and changed it to email only.
I readied myself to put my car in storage so could SORN it etc
My insurance I checked to see if cheaper to stay as fully comp or change to fire only for example. Again stopped auto renewals.
I worked out how much cash I would need for starts on the basis I would be buying very little; so had some cash to take inside which is taken off you and put in your "prison spend account"
_Be warned - you will be a target for "experienced inmates" to become your friend and ask you to loan them or buy things for them as they know you will have done this.
Note every inmate has a million pounds and drives a sports car! Utter rubbish in the majority of times. Look after yourself in regard to monies - you do not have any if asked!!
I gave my brother a debit card that had some money in incase my children need anything or I wanted something purchased and sent in. Note always check first you can receive / allowed the item else it ends up in Prison storage until you released.

Clothes/personal effects: Beside my clothes for going to court, I took such things as underware and some trainers as I could be bothered or didn't want to wear my own clothes whilst inside.
Any perscriptions / meds take as you will have a chat with a Medical person and this will save time.
I took a little DAB radio with some earphones and batteries.
Books / stationary could well be taken off you so I wouldn't bother.
Bits and bobs.
Put a redirect on your mail to a trusted person.
Landlord: depending on if you personally know them you could say you may or not be moving and want to give them a heads up to see what penalites.
Be warned once they find out you are inside they will say they want money for damage knowing you have no way of seeing the place yourself. If you have a trusted person then they maybe able to stand in for you but the landlord may want something in writing that they can.
Utilities: Give them a heads up that you maybe be moving and on the day you go for sentencing and take the meter readings. Give them yo your trusted person and/or give the company the reading on the sentencing day.

I'm sure you will do what you can to reduce the stress of helplessnes if you didn't do anything .

take care and good luck