Ask about your charges
Find out what you were arrested for, how long your sentence is, and whether you have a fine.
Trenchport Jail Guide
Got arrested? This guide explains your sentence, how to ask for help, and what you can do while you are in jail.
First, know this
A long sentence does not mean you have to sit in a cell for weeks.
Jail time is long on purpose because it gives you more roleplay to do. Ask for a lawyer, send a request to the judge, and see what release options are available. You are meant to take part in the process, not just wait for a timer.
About 1 weekEven with very serious charges, a player who uses the available options will usually spend no more than about a week in jail. This is not a guaranteed release date.
Why is my sentence so long?
Some crimes come with a lot of jail time. That is on purpose. Committing a crime should have consequences for your character. It also gives police, jail staff, lawyers, the judge, and other players more chances to roleplay with you.
You do not have to sit alone in your cell for your whole sentence. There are things to do in jail, and you can ask for help with your case.
Remember: If you choose to commit crimes in roleplay, be ready to spend some time in jail. Getting arrested is part of the story.
How can I get out sooner?
You can try to shorten your time in jail by using the legal options available in Trenchport. Here is where to start.
Ask for a lawyer
A lawyer can help you understand your case and ask the judge to review it.
Send a motion to the judge
A motion is simply a written request asking the judge to make a decision. Your lawyer can help you file one. You do not usually need to go into a courtroom.
Ask about other ways to be released
Depending on your case, you may be able to get bail, do community service, or receive parole. These options are not automatic. The judge or other authorized staff must approve them.
Finish what you agreed to do
If you are given conditions for release, follow them. Make sure the proper staff finish your release process.
Do I have to go to court? Usually, no. Trenchport has a judge who handles motions and requests. Most cases do not need an actual courtroom scene. You will rarely have to appear in court.
What if I get hurt when I am arrested?
If your character is injured during arrest roleplay, you go to the medical cell inside the jail, not the hospital.
You can roleplay getting medical care in the jail medical cell. After that, you continue the normal jail process. Getting hurt during an arrest does not mean you get to skip jail time.
Can I leave my cell?
Yes. You are allowed to leave your cell and spend time in the normal inmate areas. You do not have to sit inside your cell doing nothing.
Cell block
Hang out and roleplay with other inmates.
Games
Play the games placed out for inmates.
Commissary
Use the jail commissary to get available items.
Yard
Visit the inmate yard and spend time outside your cell.
Stay in areas inmates are allowed to use. If jail staff give you instructions or place you under restrictions, follow them.
Can I leave jail to do OOC things?
Yes. You may step away to take care of OOC things, like paying rent or shopping. You are not expected to skip those things just because your character is in jail.
Your jail timer pauses when you are out of range. Your sentence only counts down while you are within range of the jail sensor. If you leave that range, the timer stops counting. It starts again when you return. Time spent away does not count toward your sentence.
Going out for an OOC errand is not a roleplay escape or a release from jail. When you finish, come back and continue serving your sentence.
Are there events or rewards in jail?
Yes. Jail has more to offer than waiting for your release.
Fight events
There can be organized fights between inmates or between inmates and police officers. Players can earn rewards for taking part in these events.
Time served rewards
There is also a reward system that gives you items for time spent serving your sentence.
Fight events are planned activities. They do not mean you can attack other players whenever you want. Follow the event rules.
Can I escape if no police players are online?
No. The police station and jail are always staffed by NPC police officers in roleplay. NPC police are part of the roleplay setting, even when no police players are online.
No escaping or taking over the jail. You cannot escape, break other inmates out, or take over the station. This rule still applies when no police or corrections players are online.
You can enjoy the jail activities and events, but you must respect the security of the building.
Can my case be opened again after it is finished?
No. Trenchport is not a system where every case goes through a full trial. The judge helps with motions and requests, but most players will not need a court scene.
Once your bail, community service, or parole process is finished and your case is closed, that case is over. You cannot keep reopening it or ask to start it all over again. The case may stay on your record, but it is no longer an active case.
If you are still on parole or have other active conditions, you must still follow them. A new crime can also lead to a new case.
If you do the crime, be ready to do the time.
Criminal roleplay is fun, but arrests and jail time are part of it. Police officers, jail staff, lawyers, the judge, victims, and other inmates all spend time making these stories happen.
Please respect that time. Take part in your jail roleplay, use the options available to you, and let the process play out. Do not try to skip the consequences just because you do not like the sentence.
The goal is for everyone to have something to do and a chance to move their story forward.