Los Angeles Bringing Narcotics into a Correctional Facility Lawyers
Fierce Defense Against Bringing Narcotics into a Correctional Facility Allegations in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County jail system consists of a total of nine facilities with a rated capacity of 12,512 inmates. California State Prison, Los Angeles County, is located in Lancaster. As of June 30, 2022, the population of this prison was 97,179 inmates, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Bringing narcotics into a jail or state prison is a criminal offense that carries heavy penalties. If you are facing these charges, speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we specialize in handling matters of great personal consequence to our clients. Our firm has a proven track record, and we pride ourselves on delivering the best criminal defense available. We have been featured on major media outlets, such as CNN, CBS News, Fox News, and the Los Angeles Times. Our attorneys provide one-on-one, personalized service. When you choose us, you get a team of trusted allies and an attorney dedicated to achieving the most favorable outcome.
Contact our Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers at (213) 688-0460 today for a complimentary consultation.
What Is the California Law on Bringing Drugs into a Correctional Facility?
The law against bringing controlled substances into a jail or state prison can be found in the California Penal Code at Section 4573. This section states:
“. . . any person, who knowingly brings or sends into, or knowingly assists in bringing into, or sending into, any state prison, prison road camp, prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or any other place where prisoners of the state are located under the custody of prison officials, officers, or employees, or into any county, city and county, or city jail, road camp, farm or other place where prisoners or inmates are located under custody of any sheriff, chief of police, peace officer, probation officer or employees, or within the grounds belonging to the institution, any controlled substance . . ., any device, contrivance, instrument, or paraphernalia intended to be used for unlawfully injecting or consuming a controlled substance, is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment . . . for two, three, our four years.”
Law Violations and the Consequences
The law prohibiting controlled substances in a jail or state prison can be violated in a number of ways, leading to legal consequences. Violations of this law would include:
- Smuggling drugs into jail after being arrested
- Bringing illegal drugs to an inmate during visiting hours
- Maling a package containing a controlled substance to a person incarcerated in jail or prison
- Selling drugs to jail or prison inmates
In practical terms, to bring illegal drugs into jail, prison, or any type of camp or farm where inmates are held in custody is a felony offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to four years.
Legal Defenses Against Charges of Bringing Narcotics into Jail or Prison
If you are facing charges of violating Penal Code Section 4573, our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can raise every legal defense that applies in your case. Common defenses include:
- No knowledge: You are only guilty of this crime if you knowingly brought drugs into jail or prison.
- Authorization: Under the statute, it is not a violation to bring drugs into a correctional facility if you were authorized to do so by the person in charge of the facility.
- Not a controlled substance: If you carry a substance into jail or prison that is not classified as a controlled substance, you are not guilty of this crime.
Secure Your Future with Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we act fast in criminal defense matters, knowing your future is on the line. Our Los Angeles attorneys are committed to making every move count and providing you with the legal representation you deserve. Our partners include former prosecutors with an in-depth understanding of both sides of the courtroom.
Call us at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free consultation if you have been accused of bringing narcotics into a correctional facility.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
