Code of Alabama § 13A-10-36 (2023) makes it a Class C Felony to bring contraband into a jail or prison. The law says a person is guilty of promoting prison contraband in the first degree if:
- He intentionally and unlawfully introduces within a detention facility, or provides an inmate with, any deadly weapon, instrument, tool or other thing which may be useful for escape;
- Being a person confined in a detention facility, he intentionally and unlawfully makes, obtains or possesses any deadly weapon, instrument, tool or other thing which may be useful for escape.
Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree, Code of Alabama § 13A-10-37 (2023) is a also a Class C Felony. The law states that a person is guilty of promoting prison contraband in the second degree if:
- He intentionally and unlawfully introduces within a detention facility, or provides an inmate with, any narcotic, dangerous drug or controlled substance as defined in the “Alabama Controlled Substances Act,” or any amendments thereto; or
- Being a person confined in a detention facility, he intentionally and unlawfully makes, obtains or possesses any narcotic, dangerous drug, or controlled substance as defined in Chapter 2 of Title 20 of this Code.
A person is guilty of promoting prison contraband in the third degree if the person does any of the following:
- He or she intentionally and unlawfully introduces within a detention facility, or provides an inmate with, any contraband or thing which the actor knows or should know it is unlawful to introduce or for the inmate to possess.
- Being a person confined in a detention facility, he or she intentionally and unlawfully makes, obtains, or possesses any contraband.
- He or she intentionally introduces within a state detention facility operated by the Department of Corrections, or provides an inmate in a state detention facility operated by the Department of Corrections with, any currency or coin which the actor knows or should know is unlawful to introduce or the possession of which is not authorized by an inmate by the written policy of the Department of Corrections.
- Being a person in the custody of the Department of Corrections, he or she obtains or possesses any currency or coin, the possession of which is not authorized by the written policy of the Department of Corrections
The Stoves Law Firm, P.C. has considerable experience dealing with cases related to Alabama’s prison contraband laws. In Alabama, it’s a serious offense to bring contraband items into a correctional facility. Contraband items can include weapons, drugs, cell phones, or any unauthorized item that’s not allowed within the prison’s premises. Contact our Promoting Prison Contraband defense attorney today at (205) 823-7233 to discuss your case.
Under Alabama law (Section 13A-10-36), anyone found guilty of promoting prison contraband in the first degree (a Class C felony) can face a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years and a fine up to $15,000. Promoting prison contraband in the second degree (a Class A misdemeanor) can result in a jail sentence of up to 1 year and a fine up to $6,000.
If you or a loved one have been charged with promoting prison contraband in Alabama, it’s crucial to seek legal advice. At The Stoves Law Firm, P.C., we can help you understand your rights and work to protect them. Contact our Promoting Prison Contraband defense attorney today at (205) 823-7233 to discuss your case.