You probably know that prisoners are pretty restricted when it comes to what types of items they’re allowed to have.
It may seem unfair, particularly if your loved one is still legally presumed to be innocent and just waiting their day in court. Don’t let your heart override your head, however, and decide to try to slip your loved one a few items they may have requested from “the outside,” or you may find yourself facing charges of your own.
It’s a felony to try to sneak anything into a correctional facility
When you visit a correctional facility, it isn’t hard to tell where the guard lines are – they’re usually marked with a line on the floor and signs are often posted letting you know exactly where you’re standing.
Whether it’s just the local lock-up, the county jail, a low-security facility or actual prison, it’s illegal to take even a single step over the guard line with any of the following items hidden on your person:
- A firearm
- Any other kind of weapon
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Biphetamines
- Hallucinogens
- Any other drugs (including over-the-counter or prescription meds)
If you get caught, you will be charged with a felony. If you’re convicted of crossing the guard line with contraband, you will face between one and four years in prison – in addition to any other charges associated with the items that were found in your possession.
Unfortunately, people make mistakes like this all the time, and they don’t always do it deliberately. For example, maybe you went to visit your brother in jail, and you legitimately forgot that you had a couple of Percocets for your back pain in your pocket or a marijuana joint tucked into your shoe.
Whatever criminal charges you may be facing, don’t panic: Exercise your right to remain silent until you have a chance to discuss all your defense options.