Current as of January 01, 2020 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes, a free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
(a) Except as authorized by law, the Mayor, the Director of the Department of Corrections, or the Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, it is unlawful to:
(1) Knowingly bring Class A, Class B, or Class C contraband into or upon the grounds of a penal institution or a secure juvenile residential facility with the intent that it be given to or received by an inmate or securely detained juvenile;
(2) Knowingly cause another to bring Class A, Class B, or Class C contraband into or upon the grounds of a penal institution or a secure juvenile residential facility with the intent that it be given to or received by an inmate or securely detained juvenile; or
(3) Knowingly place Class A, Class B, or Class C contraband in such proximity to a penal institution or a secure juvenile residential facility with the intent to give an inmate, a securely detained juvenile, a staff member, or a visitor access to the contraband.
(b) It is unlawful for an inmate, or securely detained juvenile, to possess Class A, Class B, or Class C contraband, regardless of the intent with which he or she possesses it.
(c) It is unlawful for an employee of the Department of Corrections or Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services who becomes aware of any violation of this section to fail to report such knowledge as required by department regulations, policies, or procedures.
(d)(1) Any item listed as contraband is not deemed to be contraband when issued by a penal institution or secure juvenile residential facility to an employee and the item is being used in the performance of the employee's duties within the penal institution or secure juvenile residential facility.
(2) Any item listed as contraband is not deemed to be contraband when issued by a law enforcement agency to its sworn officers and the item is being used in the performance of his or her duties.
(e) It is not unlawful for an attorney, or representative or agent of an attorney, during the course of a visit for the purpose of legal representation of the inmate or securely detained juvenile, to:
(1) Possess a cellular telephone or other portable communication device and accessories thereto for the purpose of the legal visit for use by the attorney, representative, or agent, and not for the personal use of any inmate or securely detained juvenile; or
(2) Give or transmit to an inmate or securely detained juvenile legal written or recorded communication pertaining to his or her legal representation.
(f) It is not unlawful for a person to possess or carry a controlled substance that is prescribed to that person and that is medically necessary for that person to carry.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - District of Columbia Code Division IV. Criminal Law and Procedure and Prisoners. § 22-2603.02. Unlawful possession of contraband. - last updated January 01, 2020 | https://codes.findlaw.com/dc/division-iv-criminal-law-and-procedure-and-prisoners/dc-code-sect-22-2603-02/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.