Are there any downsides to going to prison for a few days instead of paying a fine? I know if you pay a fine, everything is sorted, but I wondered whether you have something on record if you take the prison option or could end up with difficulties getting a job etc.?

I suspect you may still have to pay the fine anyway.

Your fellow prisoners may take a dislike to you. Or worse...they may like you

Ok, what did you do...you can tell us...we can keep a secret.

I hear the rösti they serve in there is not all that good. That, and the fact that you have to watch Swiss TV...

The plus side is that you can suspend your Billag payments.

On the negative side your government pension is also suspended and you will be "Be-straffed" i.e. have a criminal record.

The world is always adding regulations, and having a clean record might well arrive soon. You would also be refused Swiss nationality. I think New Zealand would also deny you a residence permit. You will never get a US Visa and in the future you might also have other troubles like getting employment with security companies.

Doesn't Switzerland kick out foreigners who commit crimes?

I think everyone has said it above. I don't see that there can be any advantages.

You may still be liable for the fine.

You will have a criminal record that is bound to affect you in future in some way.

The likelihood of being kicked out is low. Doesn't that only apply for serious crimes?

most important
do they have internet? is Englishforum considered safe by them?
can you post questions on englishforum, from prison?

My daughters boyfriend went to prison for a day(instead of 150fr) they gave him a good dinner, he had to work for the day, he quite enjoyed it
Oh and by the way it doesnt give you a prison record

So was he let off the Fr 150 fine?

Yes. The fine is paid with your days work as he was out of a job at the time so it was better for him and he didnt have to sleep there, just went in the morning and in the evening home

It depends on your punishment option, but for some offenses you are offered the option of a fine OR jailtime. Money punsihment or Time punishment. I've heard that the jails are pretty cushy for the weekenders. In Biel, for example, you can bring your laptop and watch films all weekend. In Basel no laptops are allowed.

So... just like NOT being in jail....

The difference is those in the jail get it for free.... you have to pay for it.

You will have a record in your Strafregister. This is no good, if you will ever want to do some serious business, where you need to show, that you are a good guy. Although it would be an experience for sure!

you will have that in any case if the fine was over 500 Fr (which I suspect it was, otherwise you'd hardly think about going to prison instead of paying).
What did you do? Drunk driving?

Peter

He just wants to go to jail because he thinks it looks like this vvvv

In view of his silence, it would suggest they don`t have access to internet in the prison he currently occupying !

maybe he just has his mouth full.. I mean with excellent rösti and all...