Prison and Jail
Complete guide to the prison and jail system in inZOI. Covers Crime Score thresholds, the arrest process, bail costs, three-tier lawyer system (Free, General, Elite), trial preparation missions, opportunity cards, jail cell amenities and needs management, sentence duration, release methods, the wall-crack escape, v0.7.0 crime changes, post-release consequences, and the upcoming Q2 2026 prison properties expansion.
Overview
In inZOI, Zois who commit crimes can be arrested, put on trial, and sent to prison. The justice system was introduced in the v0.5.0 update (December 2025) alongside business ownership and the crime system. It is tied to the Karma system and a separate Crime Score that tracks illegal activity. Only Young Adult and older Zois can commit crimes and face the justice system.
The system received further refinements in the v0.7.0 update (March 2026), which added vehicle theft and crop theft as arrestable offenses, reduced arrest rates for misdemeanors, and restricted Zois awaiting trial from traveling to other cities. Full prison properties with expanded facilities are planned for Q2 2026 as part of the 2026 Roadmap.
Crime Score
Every crime your Zoi commits increases their Crime Score. The Crime Score is separate from Karma (though criminal actions also lower Karma). As the Crime Score rises, the risk of arrest escalates:
Level | Description |
|---|---|
Low Crime Score | Police may issue a warning or a fine for minor offenses. As of v0.7.0, the chances of being arrested for misdemeanors have been reduced, so low-level infractions are less likely to result in custody. |
Medium Crime Score | Police actively look for the Zoi. Encountering an officer while carrying a Wanted Status leads to immediate arrest. |
High Crime Score | Police arrest the Zoi on sight. At a certain threshold, the Zoi is automatically arrested regardless of police proximity. |
Crime Score is influenced by the Crime Skill level, which progresses from Level 0 to Level 5 (the current cap). Higher Crime Skill unlocks more serious criminal interactions but also exposes the Zoi to greater legal risk. Supporting skills such as Rhetoric, Handiwork, and Programming affect the success rate of specific crimes; failed attempts are more likely to trigger police attention.
How Arrest Works
A Zoi commits crimes, lowering their Karma and raising their Crime Score.
Bad Karma causes other Zois to avoid them and spread rumors.
If the Zoi escapes a crime scene, they receive a Wanted Status lasting up to one in-game day. Encountering police during this period results in immediate custody.
If the Crime Score exceeds the automatic arrest threshold, the Zoi is taken into custody without needing a police encounter.
Upon arrest, the Zoi is transported to the police station and changed into an orange jumpsuit. A trial date is scheduled automatically.
Witnesses play a significant role in the arrest process. If another Zoi witnesses a theft or act of violence, they may report it to police, accelerating the investigation. Attacking a police officer directly guarantees immediate arrest regardless of Crime Score level.
v0.7.0 Changes to the Crime System
The March 2026 update (v0.7.0) introduced several changes that affect how Zois interact with the justice system:
Change | Details |
|---|---|
Vehicle theft | Zois can now steal and drive any vehicle in the city. This counts as theft and carries the risk of arrest. A map overlay shows red dots indicating vehicle locations across all three cities. |
Crop theft | Stealing crops belonging to other Zois is now classified as theft and raises Crime Score. |
Reduced misdemeanor arrests | The chances of being arrested for minor offenses have been lowered, giving Zois more leeway for petty crimes. |
Extortion rebalance | The rewards and success rate of the Extort interaction have been adjusted. |
Trial travel restriction | Zois who are scheduled for trial can no longer travel to other cities until proceedings conclude. |
Hacking arrest fix | A bug was fixed where police did not properly apprehend Zois after hacking incidents. |
Types of Crime
The v0.5.0 update introduced a range of criminal activities. Some require low Karma to unlock, while others are available through the Suspicious Job Agency. The v0.7.0 update expanded the list with vehicle and crop theft.
Category | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
Fighting / punching other Zois | Violence | Available once Karma drops low enough; attacking police guarantees arrest |
Destroying public property | Vandalism | Damages the environment; raises Crime Score |
Shoplifting | Theft | Stealing items from stores; witnesses can report to police |
Hacking ATMs | Theft | High-risk, high-reward crime; requires Programming skill; 8-hour cooldown per ATM |
Stealing coins from machines | Theft | Parking meters and snack machines; requires Handiwork; cooldown per machine |
Stealing bags | Theft | Pick-pocketing interaction; requires Handiwork |
Vehicle theft | Theft | Added in v0.7.0; steal and drive any car in the city |
Crop theft | Theft | Added in v0.7.0; stealing crops from other Zois' plots |
Extorting a police officer | Extortion | Only available at Bad Karma level; rewards and success rate adjusted in v0.7.0 |
Attempt Voice Phishing | Scam | Crime Skill Level 5; requires Rhetoric; ~30 min duration, 6-hour cooldown |
Scam In-Game Items | Scam | Crime Skill Level 0; online scam interaction; requires Rhetoric |
Impersonate Charity Worker | Scam | Crime Skill Level 2; social engineering crime; requires Rhetoric |
Hold Fake Seminar | Scam | Crime Skill Level 3; fraud interaction via the Suspicious Job Agency |
Scam Investors | Scam | Crime Skill Level 4; requires Rhetoric; ~4 min duration |
Secondhand Fraud | Scam | Crime Skill Level 1; depends on Rhetoric skill |
Burglary | Theft | Breaking into other Zois' homes; break-in intel purchased via the Suspicious Job Agency |
Suspicious Job Agency
The Suspicious Job Agency is a criminal employment board added in v0.5.0. Zois can use the agency's bulletin board to purchase crime information and take on shady jobs. These jobs provide structured criminal missions with payouts, but increase Crime Score and risk of arrest.
Break-in intelligence can be purchased at three tiers through the agency. Low-tier information costs 500 Meow (available at Crime Skill Level 3), intermediate information costs 2,000 Meow (Level 4), and high-tier bank break-in intelligence costs 5,000 Meow (Level 5). Higher-tier jobs offer significantly larger payouts but carry greater risk. A successful high-tier bank heist can net over 50,000 Meow after deducting the intelligence cost, though failure rates hover around 40 to 50 percent even with maxed-out supporting skills.
Criminal Careers
Two dedicated criminal careers tie directly into the justice system. The Gangster career is exclusive to Bliss Bay and progresses from Rookie to Underboss to Boss. The Street Soldier career is available only in Dowon and follows a Muscle to Crew Manager to Boss track. Both careers involve regular criminal activity, meaning Zois in these professions will interact with the arrest and trial systems frequently.
Bail
Zois placed under arrest can post bail to buy temporary freedom before their trial. Bail gives the Zoi time to prepare for the trial, hire a lawyer, and complete the trial preparation mission.
Detail | Description |
|---|---|
Bail cost | Calculated based on the type of crime committed and the expected sentence length. More serious crimes require higher bail amounts. |
Posting bail | Requires the Zoi (or their household) to have sufficient Meow. If they cannot afford bail, the Zoi remains in a detention center until the trial begins. |
Detention center | Zois who do not post bail are held in custody with limited activities until their court date. During this time, the Zoi cannot work, attend school, or visit other locations. |
Posting bail is strongly recommended because it unlocks the trial preparation mission, which directly influences the quality of opportunity cards available during the trial. Without bail, you lose the chance to prepare properly and face the trial with a weaker hand.
The Trial System
Lawyer Appointment
Before the trial, you can choose a lawyer to represent your Zoi. The quality of legal representation significantly affects the trial outcome. There are three tiers of legal representation:
Lawyer Type | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
Free Lawyer | 0 Meow | Limited assistance; fewer opportunity cards during trial; lowest chance of favorable outcome |
General Lawyer | 1,000 Meow | Moderate assistance; more opportunity cards than a free lawyer; reasonable chance of reduced sentence |
Elite Lawyer | 8,000 Meow | Best assistance; unlocks the strongest opportunity cards; highest chance of reduced sentence or acquittal |
Legal Cost Breakdown
The total cost of going through the legal system can add up quickly. Here is a rough breakdown of expenses a Zoi may face during a single arrest and trial cycle:
Expense | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Bail | Varies by crime | Refunded if acquitted in some cases; forfeited if the Zoi flees |
Lawyer fee | 0 to 8,000 Meow | Paid upfront when selecting representation |
Case preparation | Up to ~5,000 Meow | Costs incurred during the trial preparation mission (gathering evidence, consultations) |
Court fines | Up to ~6,000 Meow | Imposed as part of the verdict; amount depends on crime severity |
For context, a single high-tier bank heist through the Suspicious Job Agency can net over 50,000 Meow, so the legal costs are recoverable. However, repeated arrests drain savings quickly, especially if combined with lost income during detention.
Trial Preparation Mission
When a lawyer is appointed, a trial preparation mission is assigned. This mission involves gathering evidence, consulting with the lawyer, and making strategic decisions about the defense. The results of this preparation directly influence which opportunity cards appear during the actual trial. Thorough preparation unlocks better cards with more favorable options.
The preparation mission has its own objectives and a limited time window. Completing all objectives before the deadline produces the best results. Skipping or rushing the preparation leads to a weaker set of cards during trial proceedings, making conviction more likely.
Trial Proceedings
The trial proceeds automatically with opportunity cards appearing at key decision points. Each card presents choices that affect the verdict:
Choosing the correct answers on opportunity cards can reduce sentencing or lead to acquittal.
The cards available depend on how well the trial preparation mission was completed.
An elite lawyer provides access to better opportunity cards than a free or general lawyer.
Not-guilty verdicts are difficult to achieve and require thorough preparation combined with good card choices.
Failed acquittal attempts may result in harsher sentences than if you had not tried for full acquittal.
As of v0.7.0, Zois who are scheduled for trial cannot travel to other cities until the proceedings conclude. This means your Zoi is confined to the city where the arrest occurred for the duration of the trial process.
Possible Outcomes
Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
Acquittal | Zoi is found not guilty and released. Rare; requires elite lawyer and excellent preparation. |
Fine | Zoi pays a Meow penalty (up to ~6,000 Meow) and is released. Common for minor offenses. |
Reduced sentence | Sentence is shortened through good opportunity card choices. |
Prison sentence | Zoi is sent to jail for a set period. Default outcome for serious crimes. |
Harsher sentence | Extended jail time imposed after a failed acquittal attempt. Worse than the standard prison sentence. |
Jail Time
Zois sentenced to prison are taken to the police station and placed in a cell. Unlike many life simulation games, jail in inZOI is not a time-skip or a rabbit hole. You can control your Zoi inside the cell, though activities are extremely limited. The jail is a fully rendered in-game location, and you remain present throughout the sentence.
Cell Features
The jail cell is a small room containing:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Bed | For sleeping through the sentence. Sleeping is the fastest way to pass the time and maintain your Zoi's energy needs. |
Toilet and sink | Basic hygiene facilities. The sink can be used for handwashing, and the toilet fulfills bladder needs. |
Mirror | A small mirror is available on the wall, though its functionality is limited compared to mirrors at home. |
Vending machine | Purchase food and drinks to manage hunger. This is the only food source available in the cell. |
Water cooler | Provides drinking water to help manage thirst needs alongside the vending machine. |
Smartphoneaccess | Your Zoi retains access to theirphone, allowing limited interactions like checking messages, browsing apps, and playing mobile games even while incarcerated. |
The Zoi is dressed in an orange jumpsuit during their sentence. Normal clothing is restored upon release.
Managing Needs in Jail
While incarcerated, your Zoi's needs continue to decay at normal rates. The limited amenities in the cell mean you must actively manage them to prevent your Zoi from becoming miserable. Here is how each need can be addressed:
Need | Solution |
|---|---|
Hunger | Use the vending machine to buy food and drinks |
Energy | Sleep in the bed; sleeping also advances time faster |
Hygiene | Use the toilet and sink |
Bladder | Use the toilet |
Thirst | Use the water cooler or buy drinks from the vending machine |
Fun | Use the smartphone; options are limited compared to free life |
Social | Limited phone interactions only; no direct socialization with other Zois |
Entertainment and social needs are the hardest to maintain in jail because there are no recreation facilities, television, or other inmates to interact with in the current version. The smartphone is the only source of fun and social fulfillment, and it does not raise these needs as effectively as real-world activities.
NPC Prisoners
In the current Early Access build, jail cells are exclusively used by player-controlled Zois. NPC Zois do not appear as fellow inmates, which means the jail facility feels empty outside of your own Zoi's sentence. This is a known limitation; community feedback has requested that NPC incarceration be added to improve immersion. The upcoming prison properties expansion in Q2 2026 is expected to address this by introducing a populated prison environment.
Sentence Duration
Standard jail time lasts approximately 24 in-game hours from the time of arrest. The exact duration may vary based on the crime severity and trial outcome. Reduced sentences (achieved through good trial performance) shorten this period, while harsher sentences from failed acquittal attempts extend it.
Getting Released
Two methods exist for leaving jail through normal channels:
Method | Timing | Details |
|---|---|---|
Automatic release | 9:00 AM the next day | The Zoi is released once their sentence expires. Automatic if you do not intervene. |
Manual release | After 4:00 AM | Click on your Zoi and select 'Get Out of Jail' to leave early once the option becomes available. |
After release, the Zoi's clothes revert to their normal outfit and they are free to return home. The manual release option saves roughly five hours compared to waiting for the automatic 9:00 AM release, so it is worth checking for the prompt after 4:00 AM if you want to get back to normal life sooner.
Escape
Prison escape is possible by digging through the cell wall. This method requires patience and repeated attempts but does not require any particular skill level or Fitness stat. The only real requirement is persistence.
Find the crack: Look for a vulnerable spot on the wall between pieces of furniture (typically between the bed and table, or the bed and sink). The crack is subtle and easy to miss if you are not looking for it.
Scratch repeatedly: Select the crack and choose the scratch interaction. You must scratch the crack many times over a long period. The crack does not grow gradually; it appears as a hole suddenly after enough scratching. Multiple community reports confirm that this process takes significant in-game time, often several hours of repeated scratching.
Escape through the hole: Once the hole forms, your Zoi can pass through it to leave the prison facility.
Change clothes immediately: After escaping, change into alternative clothing as soon as possible. The orange jumpsuit makes your Zoi easy to identify for recapture by police.
Avoid police: Escaping prison does not clear your Zoi's Crime Score or Karma. You may face re-arrest if police encounter you while your Crime Score remains high. Stay away from populated areas until you can lower your Crime Score through legal activities.
The wall-scratch escape carries no additional penalties beyond the risk of being re-arrested. There is no added Crime Score for escaping, but because your existing Crime Score and Wanted Status persist, you remain a target for law enforcement. Some players prefer the escape route because it avoids the financial cost of fines and legal fees, though the ongoing risk of re-arrest remains until Crime Score decays.
Post-Release Consequences
Whether your Zoi is released normally or escapes, there are ongoing consequences to consider:
Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
Karma remains low | Serving time or escaping does not restore Karma. You must actively rebuild Karma through positive actions such as friendly interactions, helping other Zois, and making good dialogue choices. |
Crime Score persists | Your Crime Score does not reset upon release. If it remains high, police will continue to monitor and potentially re-arrest your Zoi. |
Social reputation | Other Zois remember your criminal behavior. Rumors may have spread during your incarceration, affecting relationships with neighbors and acquaintances. |
Career impact | Time spent in jail is time away from work. Your Zoi may miss shifts, deadlines, or promotions. If your Zoi holds a criminal career (Gangster or Street Soldier), the arrest is simply part of the job, but non-criminal careers suffer from the absence. |
Financial drain | Between bail, lawyer fees, case preparation, and court fines, a single arrest-to-trial cycle can cost upward of 19,000 Meow if using an elite lawyer. Repeated arrests compound this cost. |
Rebuilding after prison takes deliberate effort. Focus on positive social interactions, consistent employment, and avoiding criminal triggers. Over time, Karma will recover and Crime Score will decay, reducing police attention.
Upcoming: Prison Properties (Q2 2026)
The 2026 Roadmap includes full prison properties planned for Q2 2026. These will transform jail from a small holding cell into a fully interactive environment with multiple facilities:
Facility | Purpose |
|---|---|
Prison yard | Outdoor time and exercise |
Library | Reading and study activities |
Workshop | Crafting activities including laundry and sewing |
Lounge | Socializing with other inmates |
Cafeteria | Communal meals |
Shower area | Hygiene facilities |
Visitation room | Family visits during incarceration |
The roadmap also includes plans to add a detailed arrest and incarceration process (on-site arrest and police station procedures), bail amounts calculated based on crime type and sentence length, richer court interactions including prison visitation during trial waiting periods, and home/vehicle security systems like surveillance cameras and alarm devices. These are all planned as free updates for Early Access players.
The Q2 2026 prison expansion is expected to also introduce NPC inmates, creating a populated prison environment where your Zoi can form alliances, rivalries, and social bonds with other incarcerated characters. This will add depth to what is currently a solitary confinement experience.
Tips
Hiring an elite lawyer costs 8,000 Meow but significantly improves trial outcomes. Budget for legal costs if you plan to commit crimes regularly.
The general lawyer at 1,000 Meow is a solid middle-ground option. It provides noticeably better opportunity cards than the free lawyer without the steep cost of elite representation.
Complete the trial preparation mission thoroughly for the best opportunity cards. Rushing preparation leads to worse options during the trial.
Maintain positive Karma to avoid police attention entirely. The justice system only triggers when Crime Score reaches certain thresholds.
Post bail immediately if arrested to gain time for trial preparation and lawyer consultation. The preparation mission is your best tool for influencing the verdict.
Consider insurance policies that may help offset legal costs and bail amounts.
If you plan to escape, be patient. The wall-scratching method takes many in-game hours but works reliably. No special stats or skills are required.
After release or escape, focus on rebuilding Karma through positive actions to avoid re-arrest. Friendly conversations, helping neighbors, and good dialogue choices all contribute.
The Suspicious Job Agency offers structured criminal missions, but each completed job increases your Crime Score and arrest risk. Weigh the payout against the potential legal costs.
Keep at least 15,000 to 20,000 Meow in reserve if your Zoi lives a criminal lifestyle. This covers bail, an elite lawyer, case preparation, and potential fines for a single arrest cycle.
Invest in supporting skills like Rhetoric and Handiwork before attempting high-level crimes. Higher skill levels improve success rates and reduce the chance of getting caught.
Use the manual 'Get Out of Jail' option after 4:00 AM instead of waiting for the automatic 9:00 AM release. This saves roughly five hours of in-game time.
After escaping from jail, change out of the orange jumpsuit immediately and avoid areas with heavy police presence until your Crime Score decays.
If your Zoi works a legitimate career, avoid committing crimes on work days. Missing shifts due to arrest and detention can set back your career progression significantly.