This Is What Happens If You Get Caught with Contraband in Texas Prisons

In Texas jails and prisons, getting caught with things you shouldn't have is a pretty heavy offense, but what actually happens if you get busted? Do you get a slap on the wrist or some extra days in confinement? Let's find out!

What Does Texas Consider 'Contraband?'

To first see the punishments, let's go over what contraband actually is here in Texas. According to a Texas law firm, "Contraband in jail refers to any item prohibited within the confines of a correction facility."

This can include a wide array of things, but the more common ones include the following:

• Illegal drugs or other controlled substances
• Alcohol or tobacco/vapes
• Weapons or tools for escaping/attacking
• Cell phones
• Cash

Penalties for Contraband in Texas

Punishments for being caught with contraband depends on what actually you were caught with. For instance, a prisoner caught with illegal narcotics can result in a felony charge, meaning additional two to 10 years in prison and optional fines up to $10,000.

Drug charges in jail also vary on how much of the substance was found and whether or not the inmate had any previous convictions. For example, getting caught with large enough quantity of illegal drugs can up your charge to intent-to-distribute, and inmates who have previous drug-related charges will both result in more severe punishments.

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Getting caught with weapons or tools for escape are also not to be taken lightly and can add years onto an existing sentence. Having a cell phone in jail or prison is a little lighter in severity, but can still result in some hefty fines.

Most Common Ways Texas Inmates Obtain Contraband

In Texas, the three most common ways an inmate gets their hands on some contraband are as follows:

• Family or friends attempt to sneak the items in while visiting
• An inmate has the item(s) on them already while in lockup
• A corrupt officer or prison staff member smuggled the items in for the inmate

If you're curious about how those caught with contraband can get out of any charges, the best course of actions are either denying that you had any knowledge whatsoever that you were carrying anything illegal, proving that you were forced to carry the contraband for another, or proving that there is a lack of evidence in the case to bring these charges against you.