Alcohol in California Prisons and Jails
Alcohol in California Prisons and Jails
Inside prisons and jails (penal institutions), those in custody are not permitted to have substances like drugs, alcohol, and other contraband. At all penal institutions, it is illegal for a person to transport an alcoholic beverage into the building. The repercussions for committing this crime are severe, and those who face this charge should immediately seek the counsel of an experienced criminal attorney.
How Does the Crime Occur?
Unfortunately, a lot of prohibited items make their way into penal institutions, but the consequences are not light. In all cases, the prosecutor will focus on proving several elements. With regard to alcoholic beverages, the defendant must have possessed alcohol as they were entering the building or premises of the penal institute. Furthermore, a penal institute can include anything from a California state prison to county jail. What is important to prove for this crime is that the defendant brought in the alcohol themselves. Furthermore, the alcohol does not have to be for someone in custody, as someone drinking alcohol as they enter the grounds can face this charge as well.
Penalties for Bringing in Alcohol
Walking in with alcohol for yourself or an inmate at a penal institute will result in a felony. The conviction can require spending up to three years in county jail and paying fines. While this specific crime only dealt with bringing in alcoholic beverages into a penal institution, California also has laws against all other prohibited items. Those entering a penal institution should be aware of applicable laws.
