'serving hard time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is serving a lengthy or difficult prison sentence. Example: "After being convicted of robbery, John found himself serving hard time in a maximum-security prison."
The notorious police commissioner, after serving hard time (three years), has become a prisoners' advocate.
This is the place to buy a painting by a burglar, a purse by a sex offender or a T-shirt by someone serving hard time for assault.
Directed with heart by Eugene Jarecki, the movie is an insistently personal and political look at the war on drugs and its thousands of casualties, including those serving hard time for minor offenses.
Sobered by the prospect of a dishonorable dismissal, losing his pension and serving hard time, as well as facing a panel of military superiors in dress uniforms, Colonel Lakin said the winter had been "a confusing time, a very emotional time for me".
"Forty percent!" And that doesn't count the many men serving hard time in prison, often for victimless drug crimes that carry stiff mandatory sentences.
Before we get to Hemsworth's character, a convicted hacker serving hard time named Nicholas Hathaway, we get to see, in a way that takes full advantage of Mann's gifts as a visual stylist, "Blackhat's" villain doing his worst.
Analysts say Mr. Baumgertner is not likely to serve hard time but is instead being held as a hostage to compel the Russians to rejoin the cartel.
Mr. Azmath has been locked in a segregated cell, in virtual isolation, around the clock, Mr. Ricco said, adding, "He's served hard time".
Even though few served hard time, the most serious cases — those involving murder (Charles Carneglia), kidnapping (Angelo Ruggiero, Jr). and racketeering (Joseph Corozzo, who, though still in prison, was charged anew in the roundup on Thursday) — ended in relatively stiff sentences that ranged from eight years to life.
While every exoneree's experience is unique, I am repeatedly surprised at how well these men and women have dealt with the horror of having served hard time for a crime they didn't commit.
"I served my hard time," said Camby, who has not played in a game since Jan . 15
