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Prison and Jail - Version 14 vs Version 15
May 25, 2026, 02:21 PM
Corrected wikilink existence flags
Jun 8, 2026, 11:01 PM
Removed duplicate in-body wikilinks
11Overview22In 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.44The 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.66Crime Score88Every 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:1010LevelDescriptionLow Crime ScorePolice 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 ScorePolice actively look for the Zoi. Encountering an officer while carrying a Wanted Status leads to immediate arrest.High Crime ScorePolice arrest the Zoi on sight. At a certain threshold, the Zoi is automatically arrested regardless of police proximity.1313Crime 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.1414How Arrest Works1616A 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.1818Witnesses play a major 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.2020V0.7.0 Changes to the Crime System2222The March 2026 update (v0.7.0) introduced several changes that affect how Zois interact with the justice system:2424ChangeDetailsVehicle theftZois 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 theftStealing crops belonging to other Zois is now classified as theft and raises Crime Score.Reduced misdemeanor arrestsThe chances of being arrested for minor offenses have been lowered, giving Zois more leeway for petty crimes.Extortion rebalanceThe rewards and success rate of the Extort interaction have been adjusted.Trial travel restrictionZois who are scheduled for trial can no longer travel to other cities until proceedings conclude.Hacking arrest fixA bug was fixed where police did not properly apprehend Zois after hacking incidents.2626Types of Crime2727The 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.2929CrimeCategoryNotesFighting / punching other ZoisViolenceAvailable once Karma drops low enough; attacking police guarantees arrestDestroying public propertyVandalismDamages the environment; raises Crime ScoreShopliftingTheftStealing items from stores; witnesses can report to policeHacking ATMsTheftHigh-risk, high-reward crime; requires Programming skill; 8-hour cooldown per ATMStealing coins from machinesTheftParking meters and snack machines; requires Handiwork; cooldown per machineStealing bagsTheftPick-pocketing interaction; requires HandiworkVehicle theftTheftAdded in v0.7.0; steal and drive any car in the cityCrop theftTheftAdded in v0.7.0; stealing crops from other Zois' plotsExtorting a police officerExtortionOnly available at Bad Karma level; rewards and success rate adjusted in v0.7.0Attempt Voice PhishingScamCrime Skill Level 5; requires Rhetoric; ~30 min duration, 6-hour cooldownScam In-Game ItemsScamCrime Skill Level 0; online scam interaction; requires RhetoricImpersonate Charity WorkerScamCrime Skill Level 2; social engineering crime; requires RhetoricHold Fake SeminarScamCrime Skill Level 3; fraud interaction via the Suspicious Job AgencyScam InvestorsScamCrime Skill Level 4; requires Rhetoric; ~4 min durationSecondhand FraudScamCrime Skill Level 1; depends on Rhetoric skillBurglaryTheftBreaking into other Zois' homes; break-in intel purchased via the Suspicious Job Agency3131Suspicious Job Agency3232The 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.3434Break-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.3636Criminal Careers3838Two 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.4040Bail4242Zois 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.4444DetailDescriptionBail costCalculated based on the type of crime committed and the expected sentence length. More serious crimes require higher bail amounts.Posting bailRequires 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 centerZois 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.4646Posting 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.4747The Trial System4949Lawyer Appointment5151Before 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:5353Lawyer TypeCostEffectivenessFree Lawyer0 MeowLimited assistance; fewer opportunity cards during trial; lowest chance of favorable outcomeGeneral Lawyer1,000 MeowModerate assistance; more opportunity cards than a free lawyer; reasonable chance of reduced sentenceElite Lawyer8,000 MeowBest assistance; unlocks the strongest opportunity cards; highest chance of reduced sentence or acquittal5555Legal Cost Breakdown5656The total cost of going through the legal system can add up quickly. The following breaks down expenses a Zoi may face during a single arrest and trial cycle:5858ExpenseApproximate CostNotesBailVaries by crimeRefunded if acquitted in some cases; forfeited if the Zoi fleesLawyer fee0 to 8,000 MeowPaid upfront when selecting representationCase preparationUp to ~5,000 MeowCosts incurred during the trial preparation mission (gathering evidence, consultations)Court finesUp to ~6,000 MeowImposed as part of the verdict; amount depends on crime severity6060For 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.6161Trial Preparation Mission6363When 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.6565The 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.6767Trial Proceedings6969The trial proceeds automatically with opportunity cards appearing at key decision points. Each card presents choices that affect the verdict:7171Choosing 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.7474As 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.7676Possible Outcomes7878OutcomeDescriptionAcquittalZoi is found not guilty and released. Rare; requires elite lawyer and excellent preparation.FineZoi pays a Meow penalty (up to ~6,000 Meow) and is released. Common for minor offenses.Reduced sentenceSentence is shortened through good opportunity card choices.Prison sentenceZoi is sent to jail for a set period. Default outcome for serious crimes.Harsher sentenceExtended jail time imposed after a failed acquittal attempt. Worse than the standard prison sentence.8080Jail Time8181Zois 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.8383Cell Features8585The jail cell is a small room containing:8787FeatureDescriptionBedFor sleeping through the sentence. Sleeping is the fastest way to pass the time and maintain your Zoi's energy needs.Toilet and sinkBasic hygiene facilities. The sink can be used for handwashing, and the toilet fulfills bladder needs.MirrorA small mirror is available on the wall, though its functionality is limited compared to mirrors at home.Vending machinePurchase food and drinks to manage hunger. This is the only food source available in the cell.Water coolerProvides drinking water to help manage thirst needs alongside the vending machine.SmartphoneaccessYour Zoi retains access to theirphone, allowing limited interactions like checking messages, browsing apps, and playing mobile games even while incarcerated.8989The Zoi is dressed in an orange jumpsuit during their sentence. Normal clothing is restored upon release.9090Managing Needs in Jail9292While 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:9494NeedSolutionHungerUse the vending machine to buy food and drinksEnergySleep in the bed; sleeping also advances time fasterHygieneUse the toilet and sinkBladderUse the toiletThirstUse the water cooler or buy drinks from the vending machineFunUse the smartphone; options are limited compared to free lifeSocialLimited phone interactions only; no direct socialization with other Zois9696Entertainment 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.9797NPC Prisoners9999In 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.101101Sentence Duration103103Standard 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.105105Getting Released107107Two methods exist for leaving jail through normal channels:109109MethodTimingDetailsAutomatic release9:00 AM the next dayThe Zoi is released once their sentence expires. Automatic if you do not intervene.Manual releaseAfter 4:00 AMClick on your Zoi and select 'Get Out of Jail' to leave early once the option becomes available.111111After 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.112112Escape114114Prison 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.116116Find 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.118118The 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.120120Post-Release Consequences122122Whether your Zoi is released normally or escapes, there are ongoing consequences to consider:124124ConsequenceDescriptionKarma remains lowServing 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 persistsYour Crime Score does not reset upon release. If it remains high, police will continue to monitor and potentially re-arrest your Zoi.Social reputationOther Zois remember your criminal behavior. Rumors may have spread during your incarceration, affecting relationships with neighbors and acquaintances.Career impactTime 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 drainBetween 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.126126Rebuilding 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.127127Upcoming: Prison Properties (Q2 2026)129129The 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:131131FacilityPurposePrison yardOutdoor time and exerciseLibraryReading and study activitiesWorkshopCrafting activities including laundry and sewingLoungeSocializing with other inmatesCafeteriaCommunal mealsShower areaHygiene facilitiesVisitation roomFamily visits during incarceration133133The 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.134134The 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.136136Tips138138Hiring 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.
