He was kept there pending his trial and execution.
He believes it is the right thing to do
Crito visited Socrates in prison to persuade him to escape, believing it was unjust for Socrates to be executed. Crito also wanted to help Socrates avoid the consequences of not escaping.
The dialog of Crito takes place in Socrates' prison cell in Athens, after he had been sentenced to death. Crito visits Socrates to persuade him to escape, but Socrates ultimately decides to accept his fate and remain in prison.
Socrates refers to the body as the "prison" in which the soul is confined. He believed that focusing on the physical world and material desires trapped the soul, preventing it from reaching its true potential. Socrates emphasized the importance of pursuing wisdom and virtue to free oneself from this "prison."
Socrates had many friends and followers, but two of his close friends were Crito and Phaedo. Crito was a wealthy Athenian who tried to help Socrates escape from prison, while Phaedo was one of Socrates' disciples present at his death.
he refused to escape from prison
Yes, in Plato's "Crito," Crito appears in Socrates' prison cell to persuade him to escape before his execution. Crito argues that it would be unjust for Socrates to remain in prison, but Socrates maintains that he must abide by the laws of Athens.
Socrates should not escape prison because he believed in upholding the laws of the state, even if he disagreed with them. By accepting his sentence, he could demonstrate his commitment to philosophical principles and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of adversity.
In the beginning of the dialogue, Socrates seems calm and resigned to his fate, while Crito seems anxious and eager to help Socrates escape from prison.
Until penitential imprisonment was introduced in the 19th Century CE, prison was essentially a place of restraint where people were kept until they were disposed of - by whipping, execution etc. Socrates didn't choose to stay in prison - he was kept there awaiting execution after conviction on the capital charge of impiety.
he stays out of jail
In Plato's "Crito," Crito unsuccessfully tries to persuade Socrates to escape from prison and avoid his impending execution by bribing the guards and fleeing. Crito argues that it is unjust for Socrates to remain in prison and that his friends would be criticized for not helping him escape. However, Socrates believes it would be wrong to evade the law and chooses to accept his fate.