What Are the Consequences of Bringing or Receiving Contraband in Jail?
Generally speaking, the term “contraband” refers to illicit goods that are imported or exported illegally. The term comes from the words “contra,” which means “against,” and “bando,” which means “ban.” When you combine the two terms, you get a word that literally translates to “against a ban.” Contraband can be used in various contexts, but the most common context in which it is used is when discussing the bringing in or receiving of illicit goods in jail.
Though state laws vary as to what constitutes contraband and how offenders should be punished, smuggling or accepting illicit goods in prison is a very serious offense. If you face a contraband in jail charge, contact an attorney right away to discuss your rights and possible defenses.
Providing or Possessing Contraband in Prison: The Offense
Per the law, a person may face contraband in prison charges for committing one of two offenses:
- Providing a prohibited object, or attempting to provide a prohibited object, to a prison or jail inmate
- Being an inmate and possessing, making, obtaining or attempting to obtain a prohibited object in jail
If you were caught committing either of these offenses, you face both jail time and fines. The exact consequences of contraband in jail vary from state to state.
Consequences of Providing or Possessing Contraband in Prison
Chapter 87 of Title 18 of the United States Code deals with contraband in prison and sets forth the charge and punishment for the crime. The severity of the punishment is largely dependent on the type of item smuggled in.
- Contraband in prison may result in a fine and a term of imprisonment not more than 20 years if the item in question is methamphetamine or a narcotic drug, or ingredients commonly used to make either.
- The offense may result in a fine and/or prison term up to 10 years if the illicit item in question is a firearm, destructive device, or a Schedule I or II controlled substance.
- The crime may result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine, or both if the contraband item is marijuana, a Schedule III controlled substance, ammunition, a weapon other than a firearm or destructive device, or an item whose intention is to cause harm.
- A contraband in jail conviction may result in up to one year in jail, a fine, or both if the illicit object is foreign or United States currency, a controlled substance other than that mentioned above, an alcoholic beverage, a cellular device or a device that is connected to a commercial mobile service.
- Any other item that threatens to disrupt the discipline, order, or security of a prison, or of the safety, health or life of another individual, can result in a prison term of up to six months and/or a fine.
The law provides an overview of what constitutes contraband in jail. However, individual facilities may decide for themselves what they do and do not allow inmates to possess.
Examples of Contraband in Prison
What may constitute as contraband varies based on situations and unique inmate populations. Moreover, different types of prisons (for instance, minimum- or maximum-security prisons) will likely have specialized lists of prohibited items. However, items that are banned in every jail across the country are as follows:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Tobacco paraphernalia
- Illegal drugs
- Legal drugs
- Aerosol spray cans
- Equipment that may assist with an escape
- Explosive substances
- Explosive devices
- Flammable liquids
- Tattooing equipment
- Weapons
- USB storage devices
More recently, cell phones and other connected devices have been added to the list. It is not uncommon for inmates to use connected devices to intimidate witnesses or conduct business while behind bars. While technologies exist to prevent these types of communications, they come with several legal implications that many prisons are unwilling to navigate.
The Prosecution’s Burden To Prove
Just because an inmate is already in jail does not mean he or she does not have the same legal rights as any other American, free or not. After pressing contraband in jail charges, the prosecution has the burden of proving that the crime occurred. To prove that its allegations are correct, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that two elements exist:
- The defendant introduced illicit items into a prison facility, gave contraband to an inmate, knowingly had said contraband, attempted to take or give contraband or did take contraband while in a detention facility; and
- The defendant discretely introduced the contraband, such as through approved channels.
If you face contraband in jail charges, and if the prosecution can prove that these elements exist, you must contact a criminal defense lawyer who can help you draft a viable defense.
Possible Defenses to Contraband in Jail Charges
While it may seem like contraband cases are open and shut — either a person gave or accepted an illicit item while in or visiting jail — there are several possible defenses to such charges. The most common defenses are as follows:
- The prosecution lacks sufficient proof of knowledge
- The defendant truly lacked knowledge of the contraband
- The prosecution does not have sufficient proof regarding who gave or received the contraband
- The items in question are not actually “contraband” per the law or prison’s regulations
- The introduction of the contraband was unintentional
- The items were placed on the defendant’s person without their knowledge
- Jail personnel gave consent
- The contraband introduced to the system was introduced because an officer failed to remove the item from the defendant’s person upon processing
Whether you believe you have a case, or whether you stand firm in your innocence, the best thing you can do for yourself is to hire a criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling contraband in jail charges.
Work With an Experienced Local Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contraband in prison charges can lead to either in prison time or an elongated prison term, depending on whether you gave or received illicit items. A conviction can also result in hefty fines, which only adds insult to injury. For the best possible chance at receiving a not-guilty verdict, reach out to a criminal defense attorney right away. Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations. Contact Aaron at [email protected] for article suggestions, collaborations, or inquiries.