Every correctional facility operates under a disciplinary system that governs inmate behavior and imposes consequences for rule violations. Understanding how that system works is essential for anyone trying to navigate incarceration successfully, because a disciplinary record can affect housing assignments, program eligibility, good time credits, halfway house placement, and parole decisions. This section covers what types of disciplinary infractions exist and how they are classified, what the disciplinary hearing process looks like, what rights inmates have when facing a disciplinary charge, what sanctions can be imposed including loss of privileges, solitary confinement, and good time forfeiture, and how to appeal a disciplinary decision. The guidance here is written for inmates who want to understand the rules clearly enough to avoid violations and for families who want to help their loved one protect their record. See also our sections on Prison Violence, Survive Prison, and Sentence Reduction
Subject: Prison discipline
We don't know the facts, but it sounds like he did something to jeopardize his release date. You can call the facility and ask to speak to the counselor, if you are a close relative they might confide in you.
Subject: Prison discipline
Inmates are not permitted access to the internet. However, there are some services where an inmate can pay someone on the outside to do their posts for them. BUT, if he is harassing you, you can call the facility and ask to speak with the warden's secretary. Give them the details and request a call back or you are going to the local police. This could become a serious issue so be careful
Subject: Prison discipline
It is entirely possible they could have problems. The inmates do not look favorable on men who molest, abuse or are otherwise convicted of a crime involving children or women. Depending on the terms of the crime, the inmates will decide if there is any retribution meted out.
Subject: Prison discipline
Most inmates in the SHU are allowed visitation in a limited form. The SHU inmates are allowed mail and one phone 15-minute call per week. The SHU is a nasty existence. Solitary confinement could make anyone a little crazy. When I was there, every minute felt like an hour... time just drips slowly.
Subject: Prison discipline
First, the inmate is taken into custody by the correctional officers with handcuffs. They are transported or walked to the area called the Special Housing Unit (SHU), what others call "the hole", also known as solitary confinement. Once there they are stripped-searched and given new clothing to wear. This is a special uniform for SHU inmates, usually an orage jumpsuit with lightweight blue sneakers. They are then walked shackled to their cell. It is usually a one-man cell. There, there...
Read moreSubject: Prison discipline
If you are saying your inmate assaulted a guard to keep him from finding their hidden cellphone, they have a huge problem. Cell phone possession by an inmate carries a five-year federal charge. They do not often up the charges, they usually throw the inmate in the SHU for 6 months to a year then transfer them to a higher security facility. But, the assault of an officer changes everything.
Subject: Prison discipline
Yes, but you would have to do something illegal that helped them in some way. For instance, if you brought in contraband and your inmate received it from you. On their way back to the housing unit, they search and find what you passed. He is going to the SHU, or worse depending on what it was. Was there something you were thinking about that you want a private answer, please ask, we do not judge anyone for anything.
Subject: Prison discipline
The hole anywhere sucks. It is solitary confinement. There is nothing good about it, except you can sleep a lot... which gets old in a hurry.
Subject: Prison discipline
The statute for contraband cell phones in a penal facility is now federal and carries up to five years of additional prison time. We don't know how they are treating the case - our best guess is that he will not get more time, but he will spend considerable time in the SHU (months) and have his privileges reduced.
Subject: Prison discipline
No good! Cell phones in prison or jail is a new charge, a felony thanks to the Obama Administration. If they are in federal, the punishment is probably 6-12 months in the SHU (disciplinary segregation), no phone privileges, no visitation, no commissary and at the end of the SHU stay, they will be shipped to a higher security facility most likely hundreds of miles away from the nearest family member to add another hardship to the folks that care about...
Read more