That article is informative but is embellished for those who haven't been there. If your in a county prison or doing a few years there's a good chance your not going to be housed with lifers. Guys doing 5 years and under are going to play by the rules rather then turn into Edward Norton and tattoo themselves up before going in the bing.

Mandatory Minimums are soon to become a thing of the past in some states because the guidelines are way to strict.