Contrary to what has been plastered over the other news outlets, by testing positive for drug use, Vick has not been convicted of a crime that can be used to enhance his prison sentence.  There is no evidence as to when the drug use occurred. The judge has restricted Vick a little more, but this is well worth the end benefit to Vick.

Vick knows he is going into the United States Prison system. Any normal person would think that by doing drugs you would get a longer sentence.

NOT TRUE. The federal prison system is a breed of its own.

 First of all, there is no parole in the federal system and you are eligible for a maximum of 10% off of your sentence for “good time”. That is keeping out of trouble while serving your sentence. Had this happened in prison it would be very bad.  Other than “good time”, there is only one other means to have your sentence reduced once you enter the federal prison system. It is to request and agree to enter a drug treatment program. Upon completion of the drug program one year is taken off your sentence of confinement in prison. Only prisoners with a documented drug problem are eligible to enter this program.

Vick is going through what is called a presentencing investigation. This investigation will be used to determine the type of confinement he will be subjected. Up until yesterday he had no documented history of drug use and would not be eligible for the program or the associated time off his sentence. I think anyone would give up a few nights out on the town to have a full year of confinement knocked off a prison sentence.

BUT WAIT, there is more,

There are several levels of confinement within the BOP (Bureau of Prisons), from low to high security facilities;

A Halfway House is for reintegration into society and is generally the last month or two of a sentence.

Non violent prisoners with relatively short sentences (less than 5 years) are sent to “prison camps”. Fences and doors if installed are to keep people out- not in. For example Martha Stewart was sent to a prison camp. Should a person leave without permission it is considered an escape and will have 5 years added to the sentence they are already serving and they are then sent to a place where the doors are locked and the fences keep the people in.

Low level prison facilities are for inmates that require forced confinement. These will have fences and locked doors are there to keep inmates in. The Medium, High, Max, Super Max prisoners will be in cells with an increase in the level security and a decrease in human contact.

Vick will most likely be sentenced to serve his term in a Prison Camp if he has a drug problem.  Prison Camps with the drug program have nicer living facilities than most other BOP facilities.  Not all BOP facilities have drug treatment programs, and are generally available only in lower level security facilities.  The majority of drug offenders are considered non-violent and are placed in Prison Camps.  Because of the violent nature of the charges against him, Vick will want to make a good case for being assigned to the lowest level security facility possible – and the positive drug test is a very efficient mechanism to make this case.

I don’t know who or if someone advised Vick to have a positive drug test before he was sentenced, but testing positive for drugs is very good for Vick, not bad as everyone thinks.