It is illegal to bring drugs into a correction facility in California. Individuals can face charges under Penal Code 4573 for this action. California treats bringing drugs into a jail or prison as a felony offense. This crime can therefore lead to fines and jail time.
The Simmrin Law Group can help you defend yourself against PC 4573 charges. Get answers to your questions by contacting us today. We understand the complexities involved in building a defense case.
The Crime of Bringing Drugs Into a Correctional Facility
Individuals are not legally allowed to bring narcotic drugs into a correctional facility in California. Narcotics are considered controlled substances in the U.S. These substances are governmentally regulated and include:
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
Bringing any of these, or other controlled substances, to a jail or prison can lead to criminal charges.
Inmates can face PC 4573 charges if they try to bring any drugs into jail or prison. However, these charges can also apply to individuals who are visiting a correctional facility. Find out more about how to fight these charges by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles right now.
Charges Similar to PC 4573
There are many items that an individual cannot bring into a correctional facility in the state of California. Individuals can face criminal charges for bringing contraband, including alcohol, into a jail or prison.
Additionally, it is against the law to possess controlled substances in a jail or prison setting. Individuals can face drug possession charges even if they do not bring these substances to jail or prison. Individuals can also face possession for sale charges in California.
Some of the laws related to bringing drugs into a jail or prison include:
- California Penal Code Section 4573.5: Bringing Contraband Into a Correctional Facility
- California Business and Professions Code 25603: Bringing Intoxicants Into a Penal Institution
- California Health and Safety Code 11350: Possession of a Controlled Substance
Results of a PC 4573 Conviction in California
Bringing drugs into a correctional facility is a felony in California. This means that individuals can face harsher penalties for a conviction under PC 4573. In fact, the court can sentence individuals to up to four years behind bars after a conviction.
Judges can also sentence individuals to probation after a PC 4573 conviction. Probation allows individuals to remain free and out of jail after a conviction. However, they have to obey certain orders from the court, or they’ll go right back to jail, as the failure to follow these regulations can result in a probation violation.
Probation violations are very serious in the state of California. Violating probation can lead to time in jail or prison. Learn more about how to fight a probation violation, as well as your possible legal defenses to this charge, with the team at the Simmrin Law Group.
Other Consequences of a Conviction Under PC 4573
There are many other potential consequences for a violation of California Penal Code Section 4573. If convicted you could face:
- Fines and fees
- Professional license suspension
- Loss of visiting rights at the correctional institution
- Denial of entry into the military (or discharge from the military)
- Deportation
Will a Conviction Under Penal Code 4573 Affect My Gun Rights?
If you are convicted of violating California Penal Code 4573, you will face a lifetime ban on possessing firearms. PC 4573 is a felony violation and California forbids felons from owning guns.
Does a Conviction Under PC 4573 Count as a Strike in California?
You may be worried about a conviction for bringing drugs into a jail or prison adding a strike to your criminal record. However, if you are convicted of violating Penal Code Section 4573, you will not receive a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
Legal Defenses Against a Charge of Bringing Drugs Into a Jail or Prison
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help if you are facing PC 4573 charges. Reach out to a member of our team for assistance with working on your defense. We can help you show that:
- You had the proper authorization to bring in the drugs
- You did not know you were bringing in drugs
- You did not bring drugs into a jail or prison
You Had the Proper Authorization to Bring in the Drugs
Say you are working in a medical facility at a jail. You may have permission to bring in pain medication for appropriate use. If someone mistook you for someone else, you may be able to fight a PC 4573 charge.
You did Not Know You Were Bringing in Drugs
You should only face PC 4573 charges if you knowingly bring drugs into a jail or prison. You must have acted with intent to be convicted of this crime. If someone planted drugs on your person, you may be able to avoid conviction. Inform your lawyer if you are in this situation.
You Did Not Bring Drugs Into a Jail or Prison
You should only face PC 4573 charges if you brought a controlled substance into a correctional facility. Your lawyer could help you show that you brought a non-regulated substance into a jail or prison.
Get Help Handling Penal Code 4573 Charges Right Now
The Simmrin Law Group is here to help if you are being accused of a PC 4573 violation. Contact us to begin working on your defense today. Call us or reach out to us via our online contact form. Get help from a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles right now with a free consultation.
A member of our legal team will review the details of your case and answer any questions that you may have. We will explain all of your options and advise you of the various pros and cons. Should you choose to retain our services, we will get to work right away, building your defense.