What might seem like a simple solution to stay connected can lead to serious consequences for both your incarcerated loved one and yourself. Let’s discuss why contraband phones are so risky and what better alternatives exist to keep those vital connections strong.
Why Contraband Phones Find Their Way Into Prisons
Before diving into the risks, it helps to understand why this happens in the first place:
- Standard prison phone calls can be extremely costly, creating a financial burden for families
- Limited call times and availability make consistent communication difficult
- The desire to maintain more normal, private conversations
- The need for immediate communication during family emergencies
While these reasons are understandable, the risks simply aren’t worth it.
Legal Consequences for Your Incarcerated Loved One
When someone inside a correctional facility is caught with a contraband phone, they face serious repercussions:
Disciplinary Actions
For your loved one, being caught with a contraband phone typically results in immediate disciplinary measures:
- Loss of privileges like commissary access, recreation time, and visitation
- Placement in more restrictive housing
- Loss of “good time” credits that would have reduced their sentence
- Delays in parole consideration
One contraband phone can erase years of good behavior in an instant, and end up limiting their ability to communicate even more.
Additional Criminal Charges
Beyond internal discipline, contraband phones can lead to new criminal charges:
- Possession of contraband (a felony in most states)
- Additional sentences that can add years to their current time
- Potential transfer to higher-security facilities with fewer programs and opportunities
Example: James was just 3 months from release when a contraband phone was found in his cell. Not only did he lose his imminent release date, but he received an additional 12-month sentence. What would have been a homecoming celebration became another year of separation for his family.
The dangers aren’t limited to those inside. As a family member or friend, you face your own serious legal risks if you communicate with an incarcerated person using a contraband phone.
Criminal Charges
When you accept calls from a smuggled phone, you may be at risk of criminal charges:
- Aiding and abetting illegal contraband use (which can be a felony)
- Conspiracy charges if you’re aware the phone is contraband
- Potential charges related to any illegal activities discussed on that phone
These charges can carry penalties including:
- Substantial fines (often $5,000-$10,000)
- Probation
- Your own prison sentence (typically 1-3 years in many states)
Professional Consequences
Beyond the criminal justice system, your involvement with contraband can impact other areas of your life:
- Loss of professional licenses in fields like healthcare, education, or law
- Difficulty finding employment with a criminal record
- Potential loss of custody or visitation rights with children
- Ineligibility for certain housing options
Example: Michelle never imagined she’d face criminal charges. She simply accepted calls from her husband’s contraband phone, knowing it was against facility rules. When authorities traced the calls, she was charged with conspiracy and aiding illegal contraband use. As a nursing assistant, she lost her job and had her certification revoked. Five years later, she’s still working to rebuild her career.
The Unexpected Digital Trail
One aspect many people don’t consider is the digital evidence trail contraband phones create:
Digital Forensics
When a contraband phone is confiscated:
- All call records, texts, photos, and app activities can be examined
- Everyone who communicated with that phone becomes part of an investigation
- Messages and calls may implicate others in the contraband network
- Evidence of other illegal activities may be discovered
Even after the phone is destroyed or discarded, records from service providers can still connect you to the contraband device.
Surveillance Expansion
Correctional facilities have rapidly expanded their technological capabilities:
- Cell phone detection systems can pinpoint active phones within facilities
- Call analysis software can identify voices and connections
- Digital forensics teams specifically focus on contraband phone networks
What might have gone undetected years ago is now much more likely to be discovered and thoroughly investigated.
Better Ways to Stay Connected
Maintaining connection with your incarcerated loved one is absolutely important – but there are legitimate ways to do it that won’t put either of you at risk:
- Use approved communication systems – Yes, they can be expensive, but many facilities are beginning to offer more affordable options through tablet programs
- Written letters – While not immediate, letters provide a tangible connection that many incarcerated people deeply value
- Scheduled video visits – More facilities now offer video visitation options
- Pay Attention to New Technologies – OurFreedom.ai is offering more affordable, accessible communication options
How OurFreedom.ai Can Help
At OurFreedom.ai, we understand the challenges of maintaining connections during incarceration. Our platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens faced by families with incarcerated loved ones. Here’s how we can help:
- Affordable Communication: We provide reliable, contract-free services that include calls, soundbites, and mail, all accessible through a single app. This approach significantly reduces the costs typically associated with prison communication systems.
- Flexible Plans: Our subscription plans are designed to be straightforward and transparent, ensuring you have access to all our resources without hidden fees.
- Unique Innovations:
- Soundbites: Send and receive short voice messages anytime, eliminating the need to wait for scheduled calls.
- Connection Tracking: Monitor and celebrate communication milestones with your loved one, making staying in touch more rewarding.
- Freedom Jr.: A dedicated feature that allows children to maintain connections with their incarcerated parents through a free account.
By choosing OurFreedom.ai, you can maintain vital connections with your incarcerated loved one safely and legally, without the risks associated with contraband communication methods. Our platform is designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your bond remains strong throughout the incarceration period.
Visit OurFreedom.ai today to explore our services and discover how we can assist you in staying connected.
Take Action Today
Instead of risking your freedom and your loved one’s future with contraband phones:
- Connect with others facing similar challenges through online communities
- Learn about upcoming reforms that might improve communication access
The desire to stay connected is natural and important. But by choosing legitimate methods, you protect both yourself and your loved one while still maintaining that crucial bond.
Visit OurFreedom.ai today to explore our services and learn more about safe, legal ways to stay connected with your incarcerated loved one.