My brother is in High Desrt Prison in Susanville, CA. He was brutally assaulted and stabbed on Nov 3rd. His family was not contacted because he only had his "girlfriend " listed as an emergency contact. She was not contacted because she is not "related". Nonetheless, we have found out what happened from a anonymous call and upon contacting the prison was given very minimal info regarding what happened and am told we can not see him or have contact with him unless he is dying. Thank God he is not dying , but from what I have found out he is "lucky to be alive."
Does any body have any experience with this type of situation? Do we , as his family , have any rights? I was able to discover on my own where he is at, but the hospital will give me no information, other than the fact that he is going to pull through.
Please, anybody with advice, let me know what I can do.
Supposedly, this happened because an inmate released in Sept, 03 owed $200 and my brother stood up and vouched for him.
-a concerned Brother

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I'm not sure how it works in California, but I know in other states, if you send cards and letters to their regular address, they'll get them delivered to them at the hospital. You might call the prison again and ask to speak to the Warden or the Chaplain. They might be able or willing to give you more information. Unfortunately, once they become a "guest" of the state, the family has very little right to information unless you get lucky and find someone with a heart willing to talk to you. I'm very thankful that he's alive and that he's going to pull through.

I would suggest that you contact the Chaplian at High Desert Prison. He would be your best bet for information. It is true, as long as he is at a public hospital you will not be allowed to see him.. for security reason. Once he is returned to the prison you will be able to see him. Im am glad to hear that he is doing okay, and going to make.. Prayers to your family, and your brother. and make sure he updates his contact card as soon as he is able.. Sheeeeew !

my foster kids' brother is at High Desert. I know that when they are in reception they go into family history, etc, with them. I would call his counselor to get all the information you can, and be listed as an emergency contact. I would contact the prison chaplain also. I should think that you'd be able to visit him. I'd call the warden, myself.