County jails are local facilities where individuals are held while awaiting trial or serving short sentences, typically for misdemeanors. They are operated by county governments and are designed to house people who have been arrested but not yet convicted of a crime. These jails differ from state and federal prisons, which are used for longer-term incarceration. County jails often provide basic services, including meals, medical care, and access to legal resources, to ensure the well-being of inmates during their stay.