PC 4570: Communicating with an Inmate

Legal Definition:

PC 4570: “Every person who, without the permission of the warden or other officer in charge of any State prison, or prison road camp, or prison forestry camp, or other prison camp or prison farm or any other place where prisoners of the State prison are located under the custody of prison officials, officers or employees, or any jail, or any county road camp in this State, communicates with any prisoner or person detained therein, or brings therein or takes therefrom any letter, writing, literature, or reading matter to or from any prisoner or person confined therein, is guilty of a misdemeanor…”

In order to secure a conviction under PC 4570, it is imperative for the prosecution to establish the following elements:

1. Proficient Communication: The defendant deliberately engaged in communication with an individual who is in custody.
2. Contraband Transfer: The defendant unlawfully conveyed a letter, writing, literature, or reading material to or from any prisoner or person confined within the jail facility.
3. Unauthorized Action: The defendant perpetrated this act without obtaining proper authorization to do so.

Rest assured, as an experienced and authoritative source, this information is accurate and trustworthy.

What does this mean?

When seeking permission at a jail or prison facility, it is imperative to approach the warden or the designated officer in charge. Furthermore, communicating with an individual in custody while at the Court can attract penalties. Upon entering a Courthouse, you will invariably encounter a prominently displayed sign prohibiting any form of communication with inmates. This encompasses actions such as waving, attempting to attract their attention, or making hand gestures. If such behavior is observed by a Bailiff in the Courtroom, you may face expulsion from the Courthouse or immediate arrest, potentially leading to misdemeanor charges.

These charges encompass unauthorized possession of documents or letters from an inmate, highlighting the critical importance of obtaining proper authorities’ permission.

Penalties

An assault on a school police officer under PC 4570 is a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you could be sentenced to upwards of 180 days in a County Jail. You would have to serve at least 50% of that time in custody.

PC 4570 is a not strike offense under the Three Strikes Law and is not a charge requiring Sex Registration under PC 290. You would likely face a loss, suspension, or revocation of your professional license. You could also face immigration consequences if you are a non-US Citizen living in the United States if you have an additional conviction already on your criminal record.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Insufficient Evidence
3. Violation of Rights
4. False Allegations

To successfully combat the charges you’re facing, it is crucial to have an experienced and knowledgeable Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney by your side. They will skillfully argue that you did indeed communicate with a person in custody, undermining the elements of the crime and casting doubt on the evidence against you.

It’s important to note that false accusations do not serve as a legal defense in criminal law. Instead, it involves someone falsely attributing a crime to you. In this case, you deny any involvement and present as evidence the witness who falsely accuses you. While other defenses in California law may acknowledge your guilt but rely on technicalities to prevent conviction, this situation is different. It appears that a deputy may be targeting you due to past interactions or a personal grudge against your loved one in custody. During the court proceedings, they may single you out and apprehend you for violating this particular section. However, your Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney can argue that these allegations are baseless and the reporting deputy had ulterior motives to fabricate the charges.

By securing the services of an Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney with proven expertise and an impeccable track record, you can confidently confront these false accusations and work towards a favorable outcome.

Call Today

Facing a criminal charge is undoubtedly one of the most challenging events one can experience. It’s not just about navigating the legal system but also safeguarding your reputation, future, and peace of mind. Taking prompt action can be the key difference between prolonged legal challenges and a resolved case.

At Inland Empire Criminal Defense, our commitment goes beyond mere representation. Specializing in cases related to PC 4570 Ontario, our team of seasoned attorneys brings a deep understanding of the local legal landscape and a history of success. With thousands of defended cases under our belt, we know what it takes to counter aggressive prosecutions and ensure that your side of the story is heard and given the weight it deserves.

Recognizing the gravity of criminal charges, we provide a complimentary initial consultation, offering you the opportunity to understand your standing and the potential pathways ahead. Furthermore, our 24/7 availability ensures that you’re never left in the dark, irrespective of the hour.

If you find yourself in a situation that demands experienced legal counsel, don’t hesitate. Reach out to us at 909-939-7126. Situated conveniently in Ontario, CA, we are ideally positioned to offer expert guidance, steadfast representation, and the assurance of partnering with a firm that values your future as much as you do. Your journey to a robust defense begins with a call. Let us help light the way.