Unit H is an underground bunker in the maximum security prison where death row is held indefinitely in solitary confinement and confined to their concrete graves, no larger than a parking lot, for 22 to 24 hours a day. Underground, without outdoor exposure or human contact, one prisoner compared the environment to burial alive. PLS is actively working to support laws that strengthen the protection of prisoners` rights in Massachusetts. Our staff regularly speak at public hearings and work closely with legislators to make meaningful legislative changes. The research conducted by Prisoners` Legal Services of Massachusetts is based on interviews with 22 women currently or previously incarcerated in state and prisons. Of the women interviewed, the vast majority – 19 women – said they had experienced or experienced sexual harassment or violence while in detention. For more than 30 years, this nonprofit public interest law firm (Prison Law Office, San Quentin, California) has been at the forefront of legal efforts to enforce the Constitution and other laws in California prisons. With a small team of lawyers and support staff, the Prison Law Office represents individual prisoners, participates in class actions and other impact litigation, educates the public about prison conditions, and provides technical support to lawyers across the country. (The Bureau does not generally handle criminal appeals or habeas corpus petitions challenging criminal convictions.) Use this link to access the Prison Law Office`s resource webpage: prisonlaw.com/research.php California prisons remain dangerously overcrowded with 195% planning capacity, with more than 160,000 prisoners crammed into 33 facilities, plus another 10,000 inmates housed out-of-state and in community facilities. Basic necessities of life, such as medical and mental health care, are often lacking. Prisoners with disabilities are not recognized as disabled, and many do not receive reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Through individual and impact litigation, the Prison Law Office has changed many of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation`s policies and practices, mitigating many of the cruel and unusual conditions inflicted on tens of thousands of state prisoners. WHAT WE DO AND HOW TO CONTACT US The Prison Law Office provides free legal advice to prisoners in the State of California and occasionally to probation officers in California.
As a general rule, our assistance is limited to cases involving conditions of detention. In addition, the Office does not generally assist or represent detainees in court proceedings where monetary damages are the primary objective. Instead, the Office focuses on cases where a change in conditions is requested. The office tries to resolve these cases informally, if possible (by contacting prison officials) or through formal litigation. With regard to accommodation conditions, the decision to help in a particular case depends on the problem or problem presented, the chances of success, the time and resources required for adequate support, office resources, staff availability and workload. The Prison Law Office regularly publishes and updates the California State Prisoners Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Prison and Parole Law. Click here for more information on orders. We are also pleased to provide self-help and information materials to prisoners, some of which are published on this website, including a habeas corpus manual, a probation law manual and a set of assault prosecutions, as well as documents on administrative remedies, divorce, custody brutality, immigration, loss of personal property, pleadings, release dates, workers` compensation and time credits. If you or a family member has a problem that you think we can help you with, please contact our office.
Letters regarding individual prisoners and conditions of detention can be sent to: Prison Law Office General Delivery San Quentin, CA 94964 Due to the large number of requests, we cannot take phone calls from prisoners and their families. The Legal Services and Discovery Unit, under the supervision of the General Counsel, works with the Risk Management Division of the Department of Agriculture, the Attorney General`s Office and contract counsel on liability issues arising from claims against the Division. Through its General Counsel, it advises the Director and the Heads of Division on liability matters; reviews all proposed settlement actions against the department; reviews and analyzes proposed written policies to ensure they comply with legal requirements; organize personal statements and statements from inmates; provides legal advice on disciplinary complaints and grievances; provides system-wide oversight and operational oversight through the Department`s Inmate Lawful Access Program; and its General Counsel oversees hearing officers for inmate complaints and disciplinary appeals. The Prison Law Office strives to improve the living conditions of prisoners in the State of California through free legal services. The prison attorneys` office represents individual prisoners, participates in class actions and other impact litigation, educates the public about prison conditions, and provides technical assistance to lawyers across the country. The Prison Law Firm is deeply saddened to announce that our co-founder and first director, Michael Satris, passed away on July 29, 2020 at the age of 70. Mike and Paul Comiskey founded the Prison Law Office in 1976 after graduating from UC Davis Law School. Mike was a tireless lawyer for his clients, and without him, the office would not exist and many people would still be in jail today.