CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
VISITING GUIDELINES

The CDC is announcing the permanent adoption of amendments to Sections 3170 through 3179,(visiting) of Title 15, of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). The CDC will implement the visiting regulations effective May 1, 2003. The CCR visiting section can be accessed on the internet at www.corr.ca.gov


The intent of CDC’s Visiting Program is to develop and maintain healthy family and community relationships. Enclosed are some visiting guidelines, expectations, practices, and noted changes contained in the visiting regulations amendments that all visitors should know.

Visiting in CDC institutions/facilities must be conducted in as accommodating a manner as possible in keeping with the need to maintain order, the safety of persons, the security of the institution/facility, and the requirements of prison activities and operations. Failure to comply with the established regulations and policies may result in warning, termination, suspension, or revocation of visiting privileges. These rules will help ensure the continued safety and security of the institution, staff, visitors, and inmates.

I hope you will assist us in making the visiting experience a pleasant one for you, your family, friends, and the person you are visiting.

EDWARD S. ALAMEIDA JR.
Director
California Department of Corrections

May 1, 2003

VISITING GUIDELINES

The California Department of Corrections, (CDC) Visiting Information Toll-Free Telephone Number is (800) 374-8474. This toll-free number will provide most visiting information for all CDC institutions in English and Spanish, Visiting hours and days could vary from one institution to another. This phone number will lead you to the information for each institution.

GENERAL VISITING GUIDELINES

Visitors entering CDC institutions/facilities are subject to a search of their person, vehicle, and property to the degree necessary to ensure institution/facility security and prevent the introduction of contraband. Visitors may leave the institution grounds rather than to submit to a search of their person, vehicle, or property. However, refusal to submit to the search will result in the denial of visitation for that day. Visitors shall not be forcibly searched unless institution/facility officials possess a court-issued warrant to conduct the search, or the visitor is being detained for unlawful actions or activities in accordance with Title 15, Section 3292

All visitors should also be aware that CDC is prohibited from recognizing hostages for bargaining to effect an escape by inmates or for any other reason(s). In addition, the prison may be surrounded by and electric fence. To protect visitors, especially children, from being injured, visitors are cautioned to stay away from the perimeter fence line.

It is a crime to:
* Assist an inmate to escape.
* Bring onto the grounds any weapon, firearm, ammunition, explosive devices, tear gas, pepper spray, alcohol or controlled substance, cameras and/or recording devices.
* Take letters and/or written documents to or from an inmate.
* Falsely identify yourself to gain admission to the institution.
* Enter without the permission of the Warden if you have previously been convicted of a felony.


TYPES OF VISITS

The following describes the different types of visits and their limitations. If the number of visitors on a particular day is especially high, visits may be terminated to allow all visitors the opportunity to use the visiting facilities.

Contact Visits

Visitors may visit with the inmate in the visiting room or in the visiting patio are where approved. The number of visitors is limited to no more than five visitors per inmate, including children at the same time. Groups of visitors in excess of five may be accommodated only once per visit by means of rotation through the visiting area. Such a rotation shall be considered a single visit in the event it is necessary to terminate a visit in accordance with Title 15, Section 3176(a)(9) and (10). No time limit is imposed on contact visits except when the visiting room reaches capacity. Visits may be terminated to make room for other visitors as they arrive. The “first in, first out” rule is applied in this case.

Non-Contact Visits

Non-contact visits are conducted in no-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three visitors, including children at the same time, for each inmate due to the limited space in the booths. Groups of visitors in excess of three may be accommodated only once per visit by means of rotation through the visiting area. Such a rotation shall be considered as single visit in the event that it is necessary to terminate a visit in progress in accordance with Section 3167(a)(9) and (10). Non-contact visits shall be scheduled in on-hour increments and may be extended based on space availability. Visitors arriving without an appointment will be subject to space available and a visit is not guaranteed.


Family Visiting (overnight)

Eligible inmates may apply for family visits. These visits are in an apartment-type setting and are for up to 43 hours in duration. Family visits involve only the inmate’s approved immediate family members. The inmate purchases food from the institution. The inmate and their family may review the different menus and make purchases prior to the visit. Minors may not normally participate in a family visit without the presence of another adult member of the inmate’s immediate family. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.

Normal Visiting Schedules

Each institution/facility has established a visiting schedule, which provides a minimum of 12 visiting hours per week. Institution heads have developed a local operation supplement, which includes their respective visiting schedules as follows:

Visiting Days

* Four Days: Thursday through Sunday
* Three Days: Friday through Sunday
* Two Days: Saturday and Sunday

Any routine modification to visiting hours and/or days shall be posted in areas accessible to visiting participants at least two weeks prior to implementation. Inmates may visit only during non-work/training hours except as provided in Title 15 Section 3045.2

Visiting On Five Major Holiday

Each institution shall have visiting scheduled on the following Holidays. The five major Holidays may or may not be on a regularly scheduled visiting day.

* New Year’s Day
* July 4 (Independence Day)
* Labor Day
* Thanksgiving Day
* Christmas Day

Visiting Questionnaire Process

The inmate should sing a Visitor Questionnaire (CDC form106) and send it to family members and friends to visit. All adult visitors must complete the questionnaire and return it to the Visiting Sergeant by mail . The visiting staff must approve the questionnaire before the person may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days. The CDC Form 106 must be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to provide all requested information might result in the request being either denied or delayed.

Adult Visitors

The inmate will let each visitor know that they are approved. Any visitor approved at one institution shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution. A visitor may be required to update the Visitor Questionnaire after 24 months.

Children

Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by and approved adult visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written, notarized permission to visit from the child’s parent or legal guardian and a certified birth certificate or embossed abstract of birth. Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document: it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year.

Visiting with minors shall be prohibited for any inmate convicted for violating Penal Code Section(s) 187 or 192 involving a minor, 243.4, 261, 261.5, 262, 264.1, 266c, 266j,273a,273d,273.5, 285, 286,288, 288a, 288.2 288.5, 289, 289.5, 311.1, 311.2, 311.3, 311.4, and 647.6 unless specifically authorized by a juvenile court, pursuant to Welfare and Institution Code Section 362.6. Arrests without conviction and substantial evidence shows the crime had taken place may be used to prohibit visits.

Attorney/Legal Representatives

An Attorney of record or legal representative must make an appointment with the institution designee usually the Litigation Coordinator or Visiting Room personnel to interview an inmate.


Persons on Active Parole/Probation

It is a felony for a former inmate or parolee/probationer to be on the grounds of any prison for any reason without prior written approval from the Warden of that institution. Persons discharged from parole must provide proof of discharge along with the Warden’s written permission to visit.


Acceptable Identification

* A valid state drivers license with picture (not laminated).
* A valid state Department of Motor Vehicles Indentification Card with Picture (not laminated).
* A valid Armed Forces Indentification Card with picture.
* Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigratioin and Naturalization Services with picture.
* Picture Passport.
* Picture indentification Matricula Consular De Alta Seguridad (MCAS) issued by the Mexican Consulate.

Visitor Attire NOT ALLOWED

* Clothing which, in any combination of shades or types of material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants.

* Clothing that resembles law enforcement or military-type clothing, including rain gear.

* Hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval from the Visiting Sergeant).

* Clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area, or buttocks.

* Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits when standing.

* Sheer or transparent garments.

* Strapless or “spaghetti” strap tops.

* Clothing exposing the midriff area.

* Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.

* Brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.

Allowable Items

Identification card
One handkerchief, no bandannas
Tissue pack, unopened
Clear change purse
$30.00 per adult and $10.00 per child, in coins and 1.00 bills
Comb or Brush
Two keys on a key ring with no attachments
10 photographs
Indian Medicine Bag, upon inspection and approval
Two small Toys (less than 12 inches in length) solid toys
One infant Carrier
Six disposable diapers
Factory sealed baby wipes
Two transparent plastic baby bottles of pre-mixed formula/juice per baby
One transparent pacifier
Three jars of factory sealed baby food and one plastic baby spoon.
One single-layer baby blanket
One transparent diaper bag
One change or baby clothing
One single-layer burp cloth



Visitors may retain only life-sustaining, condition-stabilizing medication with the prescribing physician’s written statement of its immediate need, and only in the physician’s prescribed amount immediately required to sustain or stabilize the condition during the visit. The physician’s written statement shall include the physician’s medical license number, address, and phone number.

All medication shall be in its original pharmacy container with the patients name, pharmacy, name of medication, prescribed dosage, and the physician’s name indicated on the container label. Non-prescription medicine is not permitted.

Prohibited Items

* All tobacco and tobacco products.
* Food. All refreshments are to be purchased from the vending machines located in the visiting room, except Camps and Ranches.
* Chewing gum.
* Purses.
* Cameras.
* Pagers.
* Cell phones.
* Writing materials or books, unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room.

Search Requirements

All visitors must successfully pass through a metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector (e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, belt buckles, suspenders, shoes etc.), should be removed before attempting to pass through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through the metal detector, the visitor is subject to delay, additional searches, or denial of visit.

Visitors who have implants or prosthetic devices must bring a notarized statement from their physicain detailing the implant or device and its specific location in the body. Visitors with implanted or prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices may contact the Visiting Sergeant for information and/or special instructions. The medical verification shall be renewed every two years.


Visiting Room Procedures

Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules and regulations may result in termination, restriction, suspension, or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary action may be taken against the inmate. An inmate and his/her visitor(s) are allowed to briefly embrace and kiss at the beginning and the end of their visits. An inmate may hold his or her minor children. Inmates may also hold minor children accompanied by and adult. Children are to remain under the direct supervision and control of the visiting parent or guardian at all times. Holding hands on top of the table in plain view is permitted., with no other physical contact. Excessive contact (kissing, massaging, stroking, and sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps) could result in termination of the visit. Nursing mothers shall be discreet and covered when breast-feeding their baby in the visiting area. Failure to do so may result in termination of visiting for that day. Inmates cannot receive any items, gifts, money, jewelry, or documents during a visit. However the adult visitor may ask for a pencil and notebook paper as needed. Smoking is not allowed in the visiting rooms or outside patios in the institutions at any time.

Citizen’s Complaint Process

If you have a problem concerning visiting, you should try to resolve it immediately. You should ask to speak with the Visiting Sergeant and/or Visiting Lieutenant.

Visitors may appeal in writing departmental policies, staff decisions, and institution/facility procedures relating to visiting. All appeals by visitors related to visiting shall be submitted in writing to the institution head.

A written response shall be provided within 15 working days from receipt of the appeal. If dissatisfied with the institution/facility response or action, the appellant may refer the appeal, with a copy of the institutions/facility decision, to the Director or designee.

A written response to appeals addressed to the Director shall be provided within 20 working days from the date of receipt.

All subsequent decisions made as the result of an appeal and the reasons for the decisions shall be documented with a copy to the appellant and/or inmate. Visiting privileges shall be promptly approved or restored when an investigation concludes that no violation of rules, regulations, or procedures took place.

Thanks so much for the info...we appreciate it! :D

I'm impressed! You have been a busy Bee!
Love
Kathy

Thank you for this information it will really help a great many people out here with their questions. I have made this a sticky so it will alway be available. Love Barb

thanks much needed info.

shady

Thanks for the info! I'm coming up on my very first visit and am scared to death I'm going to wear or bring the wrong thing! This helps!

Thanks for that info. Do you know the max on how long visits can be taken away for excessive contact?

Hi, Thanks for info. For inmates in reception what are the rules? I noticed that some prisons on the CDC Web site have some different rules as to clothing. How do I go about getting info for a specific prison? On the Web site not all the prisons list their rules, and some are very strict. When I call the prison I get a recording only. Seems that they are never in. Thanks

Hi SuperMom !

Welcome to PTO and the world of CDC.. You will learn patience like never before.

Reception inmates will generaly receive visits for 2 hours behind glass, as they are considered un-classified. That would be the rule of thumb.

Yes, it is true each prison has their own policies that they have had to adopted for various reasons. Your best bet for clothing, is to wear colors like black white red purple-stay away from any blue shades or green and tan . Wear tenny shoes the first visit just incase they have some sandals must have back strap or high heel policy going on .

Do not wear anything tight fitting either, causal and comfortable is best. Look around at how others are dressed, it will give you an idea of what you can wear in there.

Have you completed your visitors form?? In California you must be an approved visitor before you can visit any State Prison. If you have not completed your form, you should write to your son, and have him send you the visitors form. He MUST sign the form before he mails it too you. When you have filled it out completely, mail it back Atten: Visiting Department for the prison your son is at. It should take about 30 days for your approval.

Good Luck !

Linnie, I'm hoping that you or perhaps Cobra can enlighten me as to one of those little pesky technicalities of The System:

What differentiates the 80% from the 85%? I know that my husband drew 85% on an enhancement regarding weapons. At the time of his arrest, I had MY .38 in a locked case in the garage and a .22 rifle I had just given my son four days before tucked in the far recesses of my closet behind a dresser. We camp alot and enjoy skeet shooting, etc. Both weapons were registered in my name but due to the fact that he had a prior felony conviction almost 15 years ago, the law says no weapons even though he was not convicted of a 'violent' crime, rather a 'serious' offense (drug sales).

As you can imagine getting even 5% reduced from his time would be a blessing. I'm just curious as to what the criteria was for the 80% enhancement and if it is something I could pursue as a sentence reduction. He has 1- 1/2 years left to do but because of his health he is definitely at risk surviving his incarceration (he had a liver transplant in 1995 and the anti rejection drugs leave him wide open to any number of infections that could prove deadly).

Thanks for any info you can provide.

p.s. Had we known that after a ten year period crime free we could have filled out a petition that would have reinstated his rights and prevented his previous arrest from being a strike. It's one of those little things that NO ONE within the system tells you or makes very public info. How different things could have been...

judy

judy

Hi Judy:

That is a good question! My only thoughts would be for first time offenders with no previous strikes, they would be eligable for the 80% time served. Each crime has a mandatory minimum and a maximum sentencing guideline.

Any person whom has prior confinements, 1 strike or 2 stikes, violent or non-violent, sentencing is based on felonies...are not eligable for anything less than 85% time served.

This is per a case called Ramos vs. CDC.. which the courts upheld. It basically states that previous offenders are not eligable for more than 15% credit.

Heres and example: A plea bargain is accepted on 4 year sentence at 50% time served, or two years total additional time served for a currently incarcerated inmate, with 2 strikes. The Judge had to strike a strike in order to avoid the 3 strike law being imposed, and a life sentence issued.

Upon the time calculation from CDC records department, the inmate was informed that he was not eligable for 50% credit earned because of the above mentioned case, which calls for a mandatory 85% time served, for repeat offenders, ie: Your enchancement-at 35% !

When dealing with enchancements, its tricky at best! The simplest way I can explain it: What is a misdemeanor for us on the outside, automatically becomes a felony for those on the inside or with previous confinement history.

Check out that case listed above, and also check into a case called Black vs. CDC- Black is pending decision until January of 2004-It appeals the enchancements structures used and based on the Ramos case. If Black wins, many many people will have their sentences reduced !!

I hope this helps and I didnt confuse you any further !

Thanks for the case cites, Linnie. I will get right on them. I usually wade into the CC's but even with years of experience in a law office, legaleze is still a difficult language at best. Your knowledge gives me a definitive place to start.

I'll let you know if I find anything pertinent to us all in this particular trick bag.

judy

Hi Judy !

You are most welcome.. and I would love to hear any information, or knowledge that you have on this particular issue of enchancements, and sentencing structures. Maybe you can dig something up that will be helpful to us all- like you said 5% is alot.. as is 35% .

Good Luck !

ok here is the info that seems to be the hot topic

Sentence reduction credits. The law sates back to 1994 and is part of the Penal Code, which I have inclued for reference

1/2 time see PC 2933. Just like it states. the inmate receives a day off his/her sentence for every day they are in a work/voc program. Otherwise they get 1/3 off the term

2nd strike see PC 667(b)-(i) eligible for NO MORE then 20% credits..ie does 80% of term

Violent Felonies see PC 2933.1. Vilent Felonies committed on or after 9/21/94 are eligible for no more the 15% credit ie do 85% of the term

and OneWay comes through again.. Thankyou for your input ! =0)

Thank you oneway and Linnie. I have been doing some extensive reading/research but as usual, find myself wandering off from my specific quest in pursuit of some other detail that has caught my eye.

I must wonder still then if the 15% applies to the third strike also because his crime was considered 'serious' not 'violent'.

Linnie, thank you also for the contact info re IFC at CMC. We have been in contact.

judy

third strike
It doesn't matter what the 3rd strike is the inmate does a life term and their parole date is set by BPT. It is a moot point on sentence reduction credits. The sentence reduction credits only determine the inmates MEPD (min eligible parole date) which drives when they will be scheduled for BPT review.

Hey oneway,

That's what I figured but I keep grasping at straws. They struck a strike already and I should be grateful (and I am); I'm just so concerned for his health I keep looking for an early out (he has another 1 1/2 years to go). I'm not sure that even if they revamp the manditory minimums that it will have any affect on his status.

Anyway thanks for the info. Just got advised of our next family visit so I've plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving as we are now getting visits about every 60+ days.

judy

p.s. I'm also SOOO thankful for finding PTO and some dynamite people that have laid the groundwork for one well constructed and organized site. Heretofore, the only one I discussed my sadness, madness and other rollercoaster emotions with was my pug, Leroy. He's a good listener but very little input. Thanks again to all of you!

Hi SuperMom !

Welcome to PTO and the world of CDC.. You will learn patience like never before.

Reception inmates will generaly receive visits for 2 hours behind glass, as they are considered un-classified. That would be the rule of thumb.

Yes, it is true each prison has their own policies that they have had to adopted for various reasons. Your best bet for clothing, is to wear colors like black white red purple-stay away from any blue shades or green and tan . Wear tenny shoes the first visit just incase they have some sandals must have back strap or high heel policy going on .

Do not wear anything tight fitting either, causal and comfortable is best. Look around at how others are dressed, it will give you an idea of what you can wear in there.

Have you completed your visitors form?? In California you must be an approved visitor before you can visit any State Prison. If you have not completed your form, you should write to your son, and have him send you the visitors form. He MUST sign the form before he mails it too you. When you have filled it out completely, mail it back Atten: Visiting Department for the prison your son is at. It should take about 30 days for your approval.

Good Luck !
my guy just got 2 wasco, he sent the visiting forms, but there not signed by him. Is it a 4 sure thing that he signs it b4 sending it?????

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Good Morning-In September of last year, CDC decided to change their visiting application forms. The new forms require the signature of the inmate, the old ones did not. Some Institutions have already made the change over to the new forms, others have not. I would read the back of the form along the bottom carefully and see if you can find a line that says "inmates signature". If you can not find anything that refers to that, it is safe to say they are using the old forms and still accepting it.

Good Luck

Wow... I loved the prison series...
This could be a book as far as I'm concerned... I was an avid reader to your series Ken, but was that the end of it?
Chapter 10 left me wanting more...! lol

Hi, I'm new to this site, but so far I've found it to be very informative. I have a question about visiting. My mom's in CCWF, and I've already sent in my visiting form (I'm 18). When I get approved to go visit my mom, I want to take my little sister with me (she's 14), does she need to have anything but a birth certificate to go with me?

Thanks

You will need a notarized statement from your Dad or your sisters guardian, stating that you can take her to a state prison for the purpose of visiting her mother. If there is guardianship of your sister, it wouldnt hurt to have the court paper work either. Your sister will need some form of picture I.D- student I.D. or California I.D. would work.
Good Luck and Happy Visiting !

Thank you

I would like to thank you for posting all that information about visiting. I'm fairly new to all this and you just helped me out a great deal. :) [QUOTE=MsClever]CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
VISITING GUIDELINES

[What about leaving an animal in the car while visiting? I live in the bay area and am going to Jamestown to visit March 27 & 28. The 26 is going to be a cool day 28 not so cool. My dog travels everywhere with me and assists with serisure control too. But mostly he is an over sized baby brear. Will I have problems with this and if so does anyone have any ideas in the Jamestolwn area. I plan on leaving from Atwater 3/27 Am Please let me know Thank You
Lou :dance:

It is VERY important to know that while the dress codes stated in this post are over all, each and every instutition has a different set of rules. Example; at SVSP your shoulders cannot be exposed at all. At Corcoran, you may wear a tank top as long as the straps are thick and do not show your bra strap.
Also, please note that the guide line for skirt length has now been raised to 2 inches above the knee from the previous 1 inch. While the guide line states the 2 inches above the knee is while STANDING, I find they will harp on you if it's above the knee at all. From their (the staff) point of view, when you sit, the skirt will rise up more so and expose more leg which can cause visiting drama if another inmate is caught looking at you for too long. I can see their perspective.
The amount of 'fitting' your clothes do is another subject. Now, this is not meant to offend anyone at all okay. But I notice that when I wear tasteful clothes that fit me, I am singled out and made to change. But the big girl wearing the leopard print leggings gets in just fine. Pisses me off!! And they are never consistant, I can wear a pair of pant one time and it's fine. A few weeks later all of a sudden they are too tight. It needs to be more regular, if I can't wear it because it might be appealing to look at, the big girl shouldn't be able to wear it because it might not be.
Another thing is jewelry. Some places don't have a limit on what you can wear, others are very strict. To help speed the process of visiting along, if your jewelry is fake or plated, it will cause the metal detector to go off. Please take it off before you get up there. :)

I've found it always is best to keep what you wear simple. We all want to look nice when we see our loved ones. But, the most important part is that we get to see them with no hassle. I wear no jewelry. A printed dress or blouse with sleeves, grey, white, or black dress pants. Pink, lavender, lime green, or stripped or tri-colored or printed shirts for the guys. Tennis or flat soled, close toed shoes. Good grooming always helps. If you have tattoos, cover them if you can. You don't want to look like an Inmate or like anyone who works there. Just keep in mind, you want to see your loved one and the big smile and a hug/kiss is what you both want to see and feel.

One of my home girl's was curious if any body knew what a life sentence meant...how many years you serve...I guess her man has a life sentece with the possiblity of parole but she is not sure what that means...I told her to get register w/PTO...so she can find out this info herself...so Im'a keep pushing her...thanks for anybody's help in advance...

Hi Jazzmoe:)
I believe Life with possibility of Parole means he should be able to meet with the Parole Board every 2 years, where they will review his crime and whether or not he has performed in a manner which shows that he would not be a threat to society. They will have reports from any and all Personnel who have come in contact with him. The victims of the crime he committed would also be allowed in that hearing, and the Board will take into serious consideration how they would feel about his release. It is really tough and usually takes years and he almost has to be a "model" Inmate. Also, most victims will be doing all they can to make sure they don't get out. But, it can and has happened. Hope this helps or someone will come along and share more info.
Donna K

I've read what was posted on calculating a sentence. But i still don't understand. My husband has 2 strikes and was given 4 years on a parole violation at 80% (I was told that by the DA) He keeps telling me that now that he's working it's 2 days for 1. Then I was told that it does't matter, he has to all of the 80%. I really need someone to help me with this. I don't want to get my hopes up for an early home coming if it's not going to happen.

I am still waiting to see my husband. He has been classified as a level 4. Does anyone know what difference there is in the visitation process/guidelines that i should be aware of?

There should be No difference in the visitation guidelines through all California Institutions,unless you are visiting a death row, or condemed inmate.

However, some institutions will vary from this unless you challenge them. Processing your application to visit should not take more than 30 days. If it has been over 30 days, you should contact your Visiting Sargeant.

Perhaps you can post for information on your specific institution, that way others could help with information on the actual process. Good Luck !

where are thes cases located?Black vs cdc? and Ramos vs. cdc? I tried to find them on the cdc web site no matches were found? that doesnt surprise me ,

I used http://www.findlaw.com/ last year and it was very helpful. Some of this information is on sites for a fee or you can go to the Law Library. The message boards here are really good too! There are lots of other sites that will help you find this information. Good Luck!
:dance: Lou

There should be No difference in the visitation guidelines through all California Institutions,unless you are visiting a death row, or condemed inmate.

However, some institutions will vary from this unless you challenge them. Processing your application to visit should not take more than 30 days. If it has been over 30 days, you should contact your Visiting Sargeant.

Perhaps you can post for information on your specific institution, that way others could help with information on the actual process. Good Luck !
I am getting married on Oct 3rd. My future husband has been incarcerated for 18 yrs. for an accidental shooting. He was found guilty of 1st degree murder and received a sentence of 25 yrs to life without the possibility of parole. I understand that when there is an indeterminate sentence, the prisoner should have an MEPD hearing after 15 2/3 years to determine a possible parole date. He has not had one. He also has no points and is trying to get down to a level 3 so that he can be transferred to a level 3 prison. If that were to happen would we be able to get family visits? I am in the process right now of trying to get a new trial because I believe that he was railroaded because he was black and poor. For one thing there are alot of things wrong with the case. The three witnesses that testified against him were high on crack on the day of the shooting. The gun was never found, the police did not test him for gun powder residue. His lawyer did not try to get the D.A. to try him on a lesser charge of manslaughter. His lawyer was trying to get paid by the state and did not care whether he went to prison for the rest of his life or not. I talked to the lawyer who handled his case and he claimed he did not remember the case. I have written a letter to the governor, but as of yet I have heard no reply. Will you please guide me as to what my next step should be. He is not a violent person. He just got caught up in the game of drugs in the 80's. He was a user and also sold it. We all make mistakes, and I do not think that he should have to spend the rest of his life in prison. He has given his life to Christ and he stays away from negative behavior. He is in Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, Ca. I need help. I truly believe he deserves a second chance at life on the outside. He has been in prison since 1986. Will you please help me find the resourses that will help me get my man a parole date or a new trial? My email address is deblovesmike2004@yahoo.com. Anything you can find will be helpful. I am doing what I can by keeping his packages coming and his stationary supplies. He calls me 4 times a month because that is all I can afford. Well will you please see what you can come up with and get back with me. Anyone else who can possibly guide me to some leads I would appreciate it.

Thank you,
Ms. Debra Brooks ( soon to be Brown)

Debra, how could he have 25 years to life without the possibility of parole. That doesn't make sense, either he has 25 years to life with the possibility of parole or he has life without the possibililty of parole and if he has life without the possibility of parole there is no reason to have the MEPD hearing because there is no possibility of parole. However, assuming he does have the possibility of parole, he will not be eligible for parole until he has done 20 years I believe and then, he will be eligible ever two years thereafter. But, I must warn you, generally Murder 1 is life without the possibility of parole.

My husbands a 3rd striker was sentenced to 70 years to life for a robbery. Is it true, he will not be able to have family visits? If this is true, it's very sad, I was hoping he would be able to touch his sons hands, throw him a ball, play with him a little, not just see him through a glass and talk on a phone..

thank you for the information i will be coming for my first visit in 2 week time

Ok heres a good for ya...my fiance got a strike, served a 4 yr term PVSP, paroled in May and is on his way to reception as we speak. He jumped on a deal with gave him 2 with 1/2 and a 2nd strike. They screwed up and for some reason didnt file on his original strike cause he shouldnt get any less than 85%. Now heres my question...what if during the time he's down they discover their error...can they file on it and add the additional time to his sentence or no because he already took a deal?

is it going to be really packed on chirsitmas day

information & questions related to visitation in all California facilities should be posted here.

has any 1 got appoved 2 visit at c.r.c if they also have done time? i have been off of parole a year july

briansprincess88... This just happened to my husband... we were looking forward to the error and him coming home October 29th! They did find the error and he is now coming home August 6th next year :(

So... to answer you, they WILL find it. There was another guy there that they released 4 months early (again, their error) and he was at home and the police came and got him and said oops, you still had 4 months to go.

Ok heres a good for ya...my fiance got a strike, served a 4 yr term PVSP, paroled in May and is on his way to reception as we speak. He jumped on a deal with gave him 2 with 1/2 and a 2nd strike. They screwed up and for some reason didnt file on his original strike cause he shouldnt get any less than 85%. Now heres my question...what if during the time he's down they discover their error...can they file on it and add the additional time to his sentence or no because he already took a deal?