Quoted from jamesmc:Prison and jail are two way different things. I'd much rather do federal prison time than be in a county jail. Generally speaking higher IQ in prison equals less fights. County jail can ignite quickly. Federal system can put you in county jails as they transport you across the country. I've been an inmate inside 5 different federal prisons.
But there are different types of federal prison. Were you in a minimum/low security situation? They aren't putting the violent offenders in there, at least I hope not.