The absence of those in jail can be felt deeply by family members and loved ones. 

Off the Block

Away from home: An audio journal

Meet LePriest Valentine, who kept winding up in the only sanctuary he could find after getting out of jail: Skid Row.

In and out of the biggest mental health facility in Los Angeles

All prisoners have the right to marry, but there are lots of restrictions. You can't exchange rings or request a special ceremony, there's thick glass separating the couple and even applying for the marriage license itself can be complicated. It may not be a fairy tale wedding, but for Elizabeth, marrying her fiance while he's in jail is worth it.

There's no glamour in a jailhouse wedding

Thousands of Los Angeles County prisoners are housed in Pitchess Detention center, 50 miles from the inner city neighborhoods where police make many arrests. For visitors, the journey to the jail can take all day. The closest bus stop is a mile away from the jail, and visitors can either walk the last mile or get a ride from Mama Betty.

Lost weekends

If you have the money, getting out of jail can be straightforward. If you don't, you're going to need some help.

Bail: How to buy your freedom [Explicit]

One small neighborhood in Los Angeles accounted for hundreds of bookings into county jail over a five year period - and more than a million dollars in incarceration costs.

Life on a million dollar block [Explicit]

Preview a series of stories tracing the path from city block to jail block and back.

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A trip to jail, even a short stint, can upend many lives - the inmate, their loved ones, and their children among others. This series traces the path from city block to jail block and back.

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Off the Block

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