After being found guilty of tax evasion, Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on October 24, 1931. He spent several months at the Cook County Jail in Chicago, where he began serving his sentence. The Supreme Court's denial of his appeal on May 4, 1932, ultimately led to his transfer to the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for his leadership of the Chicago Outfit and involvement in various criminal activities, Capone's conviction was a significant victory for law enforcement in their battle against organized crime.

The transfer to Atlanta came as Capone's health was declining due to syphilis, which had advanced to a severe stage. His move was also symbolic, as the federal government was stepping up its efforts to combat organized crime by placing notorious figures like him in federal facilities, which had stricter regulations and control compared to state jails. Upon arrival at the Atlanta penitentiary, Capone continued to exert influence and maintain connections with the underworld despite being incarcerated.

Capone's imprisonment marked a turning point in the public's perception of organized crime as the government began to take a more aggressive stance against such figures. He remained in Atlanta until 1934, when he was transferred again, this time to the federal penitentiary in Alcatraz. His incarceration in these high-profile prisons drew considerable media attention, making him a focal point in discussions about crime and punishment in America.