Survival Guide for Wrongful Imprisonment: The Imprisonment Chapter from the 'Wrongful Conviction Exoneration Manual'

Judicial errors inevitably result in wrongful convictions. Therefore, exonerating the wrongfully convicted has always been a primary mission of judicial reform, aiming to correct mistakes and mend the systemic flaws of the justice system. The most terrifying aspect of a wrongful conviction is that it imprisons innocent people or even leads to their execution. Consequently, the JRF Complaint Center prioritizes arranging interviews for victims of wrongful convictions who are about to serve sentences, assisting them with gathering case files and evidence, providing consultations prior to imprisonment, and establishing contact with their families. This article introduces how to psychologically, practically, and legally adjust before and after entering prison due to a wrongful conviction, offering a reference for victims and their families as they embark on the long struggle to overturn their wrongful convictions.

Psychological Preparation for Imprisonment Due to Wrongful Conviction

1. Survival is Prerequisite to Exonerating a Wrongful Conviction
   According to statistics from the US-based Innocence Project, which has handled over 300 exonerations, the average time served before a successful exoneration in the United States is 13.6 years. There are no official statistics yet in Taiwan, but judging from experiences such as the White Terror era, the Chiang Kuo-ching (江國慶) case, and the Su Chien-ho (蘇建和) case, the time required to overturn a wrongful conviction in Taiwan is much longer than in the US. Therefore, if you wish to overturn your wrongful conviction, you must first survive in prison, maintain physical health, and steel your spirit and willpower in order to ultimately succeed.
   Heart-to-Heart Advice from Those Who Have Been There
   You might think you are the most unfortunate person in the world, but once you get inside, you will find that there are plenty of people just as unfortunate as you, and even some far worse off. In truth, what happened to you happens every single day in this society. Therefore, you must learn to face the reality of what has happened, calmly figure out where things went wrong, instead of throwing tantrums and making yourself miserable. Moreover, you must remember that even though you are the one wrongly accused and aggrieved, your entire family is facing this alongside you. Their pressure is no less than yours, and your emotional outbursts will heavily impact your family's lives and judgment.
   Since the grievance already exists, the angrier you get, the harder it is to think straight, and the more difficult it becomes to calmly ponder the reasons and causes behind your wrongful accusation. Hence, you must mentally prepare yourself: grievances cannot be cleared overnight, and impatience is useless. You must calm yourself down to have a chance at clarifying the truth and clearing your name. Feeling resentful and indignant will not help clear your name; it will only trap you in misery while the people who framed you chuckle in real life.
   Exonerating a wrongful conviction is not achieved through tears, nor through anger, let alone by railing against heaven and earth, and certainly never by seeking death! Staying alive is the most crucial task. Only by staying alive and voicing your grievance can you restore your innocence.
   
   
2. Strictly Obey Prison Order and Never Violate Discipline
   Innocent victims serving time are prone to emotional instability and impulsivity due to a sense of injustice, often trying to resolve issues through emotions. If you lose control, engage in verbal disputes, or even physical conflicts, you will be labeled a troublemaker, placed under "special care," and docked points, which delays your parole date.
   Inside correctional institutions, every cell block supervisor has a different management style; keep your eyes open and do not act clueless. Furthermore, group life has a strict hierarchy, and veterans are different from newcomers. Newcomers must behave; sometimes tasks that veterans refuse to do still fall upon newcomers to shoulder quietly. Likewise, certain privileges belong exclusively to veterans, and newcomers must not overstep. It may seem terribly unfair, but this is the ecosystem of correctional institutions—do not complain. Complaining will make the veterans view you as uninitiated, and if they gang up against you, you will surely have a miserable time.
   Do not treat administrative staff and fellow inmates as targets for protest; the target of protest in a wrongful conviction is the judicial system, not the correctional facility. Endure and endure again everything you see, hear, and encounter. Only by adapting to prison life can you dedicate yourself fully to overturning your case.
   
3. Be Easygoing and Protect Yourself
   Regardless of who you interact with, the primary rule is to be easygoing and protect yourself. Inside prison, everyone is a friend, but guard your heart against others. Remember never to give your relatives' names, home phone numbers, or addresses to fellow inmates. This is extremely dangerous and prevents family members from being threatened, harassed, or scammed by inmates who have just been released.
   There are all sorts of people in correctional institutions: violent individuals, high-profile figures, homosexuals, scammers, honest folk, the wrongfully accused, mentally ill individuals, scatterbrains, and snitches. You have no choice; whoever you run into, you must live alongside them. Truly famous gang bosses are rarely flashy and keep a very low profile. Those who love prying into privacy and flaunting their arrogance are either small fry or swindlers. Everything inside is fake; getting out is what's real. Living a low-profile life is the ultimate rule.
   

Essential Practical Knowledge for Imprisonment Due to Wrongful Conviction

1. Life Preparations Prior to Serving the Sentence
   For individuals imprisoned due to a wrongful conviction, the choice of a correctional institution should take into account the convenience of family members or lawyers visiting. Having regular visits is crucial; an isolated life in custody can sap one's fighting spirit, and constant encouragement and support are needed. Choosing a correctional institution requires submitting an application to the District Prosecutors Office. The notice of imprisonment (execution order) contains a remark stating: "For cases of serving prison sentences, if one wishes to serve the sentence at a prison near their place of residence, supporting documents outside the jurisdiction of residence may be submitted to apply to the executing prosecutor for commissioned execution." For specific details, please call the Execution Division of the District Prosecutors Office and submit your application as early as possible to facilitate the handling clerk's work.
   It is recommended to bring the following items upon imprisonment:
   
   • Identity Documents
     Please bring identity documents such as your National ID card and household registration certificate, as well as your National Health Insurance (NHI) card. NHI is currently available in various correctional institutions, and bringing your NHI card is necessary to facilitate medical visits.
     
   • Medical Items
     Those who are ill should apply in advance for a physician's diagnosis certificate and prescription, present them upon entry, and receive medical treatment or medication prescribed by the facility's doctor. If you wish to take medications you are accustomed to, you must submit a written report to apply, though approval is not guaranteed. If you wish to bring medications in yourself, in addition to preparing the diagnosis certificate and prescription, the carried medication must be completely unopened and accompanied by a description of ingredients; only after passing inspection may they be taken.
     Health supplements cannot be brought in, but can be applied for purchase after entering the facility (i.e., by first submitting a report, followed by purchase through the General Affairs Division). If you suffer from chronic illnesses or special conditions, please arrange in advance for family members to visit as soon as possible after entry (e.g., the next day) to understand your health status inside. If you are urgently short on medication, you can immediately apply to have it mailed in to avoid delayed treatment.
     If you possess a catastrophic illness diagnosis certificate or disability handbook, please also remember to bring them. This helps the correctional facility understand your physical condition. Having certain catastrophic illnesses may qualify you to live in the medical ward, obtain long-term prescriptions, and reduce the personal burden of NHI copayments.
     
   • Daily Living Items
     Remember to bring money when entering prison, as many things inside must be purchased by yourself and cannot be brought in from the outside. Surviving inside without money is very difficult; sometimes one has to exchange favors by washing underwear, underpants, and bowls for others so they can help buy things. Since the upper limit of money allowed into prison varies by facility, it is recommended to call and check beforehand. Generally, it is advised to bring around NT$10,000—do not bring too much to avoid being targeted as wealthy. When funds are running low, ask family or friends to mail money in during visits, which will be credited the next day. Alternatively, money can be mailed via postal money order, though it may take an extra day due to receipt signing and processing times.
     Basic daily necessities should be purchased within the facility. Space varies across prisons, and items available for purchase differ; ask your fellow inmates after entering. However, special care must be taken: to avoid infectious diseases, never borrow or share toothbrushes and razors with others. In addition, cigarettes are extremely useful tools inside for solving many problems and constitute a valuable asset.
     
   • Correspondence and Documents
     It is recommended to bring about 20 stamps upon entry (some facilities require writing inmate numbers on stamps brought in upon initial intake, and bringing too many might draw scolding from supervisors or attendants) along with 50 blank legal pleading forms. When running low, they can be purchased at the cooperative store or mailed in during family visits. Books and reading materials are highly welcomed items; you may bring 3 to 5 books you enjoy reading. Even if you dislike reading, bringing a few novels is recommended to help build interpersonal relationships. However, books with hardcover bindings, staples, or restricted/adult content cannot be brought in.
     Most importantly, prepare a complete and unabridged photocopy of your case file and evidence, bound into a book format using perfect binding. Remember: absolutely no staples are allowed, otherwise every page must be inspected and unfastened, which is time-consuming and may draw scolding. Do not write or underline on the book in advance to avoid being harassed during inspections. Case files can be brought in upon entry or mailed in by family members afterward. This is essential for carrying out the work of exonerating your wrongful conviction while serving your sentence.
     
2. Life Adjustment After Entering Prison
   Upon entering prison, you must first face the investigation and classification process. Do not conceal anything, do not omit anything, and fully cooperate. Medical conditions, wounds, tattoos, genital pearl implants, and physical characteristics must be fully disclosed. Failing to report or record them clearly will cause trouble for future reviews and may result in unnecessary disciplinary action. Correctional institutions exist for the purpose of punishment; inmates have no names—remember your number. When officers demand recitation of the newcomer rules, recite them loudly, execute every command with a matching action, and never challenge officers' authority.
   No matter what your status was on the outside, everyone inside is a "classmate." Before entering the cell, classmates will help you receive your belongings. Be polite upon entering the cell and say, "Hello classmate, where should I place and organize my belongings?" There will be a senior inmate responsible for receiving newcomers who will help separate necessary items, inform you of your seat, bed, locker, towel, toothbrush, basin, slippers, bowls, bucket, garbage sorting, etc.—please remember these instructions. Next, you will be informed of your assigned duties within the room, hygiene matters, clothing etiquette, and admonitions from teachers and seniors. Please keep these notes in mind, as you will use them immediately. Responses and replies should not be hypocritical or exaggerated; save joking until you know each other well. Observe attentively, silence is gold. Never look down on anyone; any repeat offender or recidivist has something worth learning from.
   Regardless of which workshop unit you are assigned to, and whether you are skilled at the assigned work or not, do not be overly flashy upon arrival to avoid usurping others' original positions, which will only create trouble for yourself. Work assignments vary in intensity and quality; do not complain, just endure and work. Strictly adhere to workshop production quality, carefully maintain raw materials and equipment, and report when entering or leaving seats, taking tools, going to the restroom, or drinking water. Even during break times, mind your manners in every move. Remember to wear your rank badge on your chest, as it represents your identity; losing it can be treated as a rule violation. Every classmate who can walk around the workshop, guide work, or wear clean, creased uniforms must be cooperated with and respected. Learn and master each task curriculum as quickly as possible, adhering to the prescribed time, quantity, and standard operating procedures to complete your daily quota.
   
3. Precautions During Imprisonment
   To prevent accidents, daily life in correctional facilities is monitored by 24-hour video recording, and bullying among inmates is strictly prohibited. There is an emergency buzzer inside the rooms; if an emergency arises, you can press it immediately to report, but do not press it indiscriminately. In the event of harassment or arguments, choose forbearance rather than retaliation, because anyone involved in physical conflicts or fights will be punished for rule violations regardless of right and wrong. If you truly do not get along with your roommate, you can apply to the supervisor to change rooms. However, before a room change is approved, patience and forbearance remain paramount.
   Do not fake illness or make ungrounded complaints; doing so will only bring trouble upon yourself if caught. If you are truly ill, you may first request a clinic visit within the facility. However, clinic time is limited, so make the most of it to express clearly where your body feels uncomfortable. If your condition is serious, you can apply independently for escorted medical treatment (at your own expense) or transfer to Peite Hospital, and ensure your family or lawyers know promptly so they can assist with mailing medication, petitioning legislators, and fighting for proper medical care.
   Writing letters in prison requires lying prone, which is grueling. However, for someone carrying a wrongful conviction, writing letters is vital. Persist in writing regularly to spell out the truth of your wrongful accusation, record research progress on your case, recall life experiences, and share reading and study insights. Treat letter-writing as a spiritual discipline and test of willpower. The recipient of your letters should be a trusted person, preferably someone who can write back. Crucially, you must properly safeguard drafts or copies of outgoing letters and not throw them away. Please note that inmates' letters are subject to routine inspection, so contents must not involve prison life—especially institutional malpractices—otherwise they will not be sent out. If you truly need to complain about prison issues, utilize lawyer-client visits, as prison staff are legally prohibited from eavesdropping on the contents of attorney visits.
   When Parents Are Imprisoned, Children Need Care
   In New Taipei City, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy nicknamed "Hao-hao" was abused and tortured to death by his biological mother's cohabiting boyfriend and a drug-using friend because his father was imprisoned. To prevent similar tragedies, the Legislative Yuan amended Article 54-1 of the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act, requiring police, prosecutors, and courts to proactively visit and check on the living conditions of children under 12 in households where parents or guardians are wanted for drug offenses, detained, undergoing drug rehabilitation, compulsory treatment, or serving prison sentences.
   To this end, the Judicial Yuan formulated the "Directions for Courts Handling Visits and Notifications under Article 54-1 of the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act." When parents, guardians, or other actual caregivers of children under 12 violate the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and are issued a warrant or detained during trial, if questioning or case records reveal that the child lacks care, an "emergency notification" is issued. If it is impossible to confirm whether the child's living care has shortcomings, the court assigns specialized personnel well-versed in child protection to conduct visits and, based on the results, notify or inform the competent authority accordingly.
   Wrongful conviction victims who are parents should properly arrange for their children's living care prior to imprisonment. If difficulties arise, call the 113 Child Protection Hotline for assistance, or raise the issue with judges or prosecutors during court hearings. If already serving a prison sentence, you may report the matter to the correctional facility. Regulations protecting children are not limited to drug cases; any inmate may request state assistance to ensure their children receive basic living care.
   
   
4. Guidelines for Family and Friend Visits
   For someone imprisoned due to a wrongful conviction, support from family and friends is paramount. Therefore, whenever possible, friends and family are encouraged to conduct regular visits. Upon initial entry, only legal relatives are permitted to visit. If the visitor is a domestic partner, proof of cohabitation must be processed within the correctional facility; once the report is approved, you may ask family members to notify them, and the partner can then bring their ID to visit.
   It is best when visitors can bring homemade food (meeting dishes) or snacks. Since items sold near correctional facilities tend to be expensive, you can purchase them at a local market or bakery on the day of the visit. Because inmates share a culture of sharing inside, you can prepare a bit extra. However, since mailed food items are subject to a 2-kilogram weight limit, do not prepare too much. It is recommended to pair heavy and light items—for instance, pairing sticky rice with light crackers. No liquid, powdered sugar, salt, or thickened/gravy-like items are allowed; prepare only dry foods. Breads, pastries, steamed buns, and dumplings must be cut open, and fruit must also be cut open; whole items cannot be mailed in. Meeting dishes must be portioned into clear plastic bags without tying the openings, facilitating visual inspection. Since the strictness of inspections varies across correctional institutions, it is recommended to check online beforehand (for example, the Tainan Prison has posted guidelines online) or inquire with the specific facility.
   

Essential Legal Knowledge for Imprisonment Due to Wrongful Conviction

1. Legal Preparation Prior to Serving the Sentence
   Before imprisonment, secure a trustworthy lawyer. Finding a reliable lawyer is crucial because once inside prison, you can do nothing else; only by finding a lawyer who handles your case diligently can you rest assured and cooperate. Prior to imprisonment, make sure to complete all case file and evidence review work, ensuring no unattached exhibits are missed—especially audio and video recordings such as telephone wiretaps, police interrogations, Investigation Bureau interrogations, and prosecutor interrogations. Obtain these evidence pieces and produce transcripts (verbatim records). Copy case files and evidence at least three times: keep one copy at home, one with your lawyer, and take one into prison with you to study. If you request assistance from the Taiwan Judicial Reform Foundation regarding a wrongful conviction grievance, please also provide a copy of the case files and evidence to the JRF Complaint Center.
   
2. Legal Work After Entering Prison
   Inside the correctional facility, it is recommended to re-read case files and evidence from beginning to end, word for word. In society, one is easily distracted by many things; inside prison, however, you can focus single-mindedly, uncovering numerous issues previously unknown to you, which can then be developed into key evidence for exonerating the wrongful conviction. Once you have adapted to prison life, you may occasionally consult fellow inmates. Because some inmates become "veteran patients through prolonged illness," they might offer unexpected help regarding your case. Nevertheless, advice obtained inside can sometimes be terrible ideas—for instance, some inmates believe suing a judge for dereliction of duty will achieve exoneration, which is merely unfounded speculation on their part. Always discuss ideas and advice obtained in prison with your lawyer, respect their professional judgment, and do not act headstrong, otherwise you risk losing the golden opportunity to overturn your case. Read newspapers and periodicals regularly, and absorb new legal knowledge to keep abreast of judicial reform trends. Among these, new developments in forensic science are especially critical and serve as the most powerful weapon in overturning wrongful convictions—make sure to grasp them firmly.
   

Conclusion: Imprisonment is Only the Beginning of Exonerating a Wrongful Conviction

The terrifying aspect of judicial miscarriages is that they rob innocent people of their freedom and even their lives. Serving a prison sentence is the legal consequence of a judicial error, yet it is merely the beginning of a wrongful conviction case; exoneration work remains a long road ahead. Those who are unjustly wronged should not lose heart or despair when facing imprisonment; opportunities are reserved only for those who do not give up. Cleansing oneself of a grievance requires time, effort, and luck, with not a single one dispensable. To witness the day justice is realized, please persist in surviving inside the correctional facility.