Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility in Texas
Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility and Contraband in a Correctional Facility Lawyer in Texas
CONTACT ME TODAY AT 512-457-5200
It is a crime to bring prohibited substances and items or contraband into a correctional facility, such as a prison or a jail. Prohibited substances include:
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Controlled substances; and,
- Dangerous drugs.
Prohibited items include:
- Deadly weapons;
- Cellular telephones, or other wireless communication devices;
- Cash; and,
- Cigarettes or tobacco products.
Contraband refers to any materials not provided by or authorized by the operator of the correctional facility. The State can charge with this crime even if you do not hand off the contraband to an inmate. You can face charges merely by introducing contraband inside the correctional facility. Additionally, if you are an inmate and staff finds you with contraband, the State may charge with possessing contraband in a correctional facility.
A person commits the offense of Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility, if the person provides, or possesses with the intent to provide:
- An alcoholic beverage.
- A controlled substance.
- A dangerous drug.
- A deadly weapon.
- A cell phone or other wireless device.
- Cash.
- Cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone confined in a correctional facility.
A person also commits the offense of Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility, if he or she possesses a controlled substance, a dangerous drug, or a deadly weapon while in a correctional facility or on property owned, used, or controlled by a correctional facility.
I have 20-years of experience defending individuals accused of crimes like Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility and Contraband in a Correctional Facility. I currently practice criminal defense in the greater Austin area. I dedicate my time and effort to preserving your freedom and obtaining the best possible outcome on your case. Contact my office today at 512-457-5200.
Potential Consequences
Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility and criminal attempt to commit Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility are both punishable as a 3rd-Degree Felony. The punishment range for a 3rd-Degree felony is:
- 2 to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division; and,
- Fine up to $10,000.
When people think of contraband, they typically think of items like weapons or drugs. Those types of things are covered and charged under the more severe Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility statute. Texas law defines contraband as any item not provided or authorized by the correctional facility, or an object that was provided by the facility but altered from its original State.
Typically, Contraband in a Correctional Facility is a Class C Misdemeanor. If the State convicts you of a Class C Misdemeanor, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $500.
However, if you are an employee or a volunteer at the correctional facility and staff finds you with contraband, the State may enhance the charge to a Class B Misdemeanor. The punishment range for a Class B Misdemeanor is:
- Up to six months in the county jail; and,
- Up to a $2,000 Fine.
Contact Me At 512-457-5200
If you the State has charged you with Prohibited Substances and Items in Correctional Facility or Contraband in a Correctional Facility, contact me today. I have 20-years of criminal law experience and will analyze your case to build the most vigorous defense possible. I currently practice in the greater Austin, Texas area, including Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bell, Burnet, Comal, and Coryell counties. Call me today at 512-457-5200.