{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-22-2603.02","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 22-2603.02","heading":"Unlawful possession of contraband.","body":"(a)\nExcept 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:\n(1)\nKnowingly 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;\n(2)\nKnowingly 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\n(3)\nKnowingly 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.\n\n(b)\nIt 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.\n\n(c)\nIt 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.\n\n(d)\n(1)\nAny 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.\n(2)\nAny 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.\n\n(e)\nIt 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:\n(1)\nPossess 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\n(2)\nGive or transmit to an inmate or securely detained juvenile legal written or recorded communication pertaining to his or her legal representation.\n\n(f)\nIt 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.","path":["Title 22. Criminal Offenses and Penalties.","Chapter 26. Prison Misconduct.","Subchapter III. Introduction of Contraband into Penal Institution."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/22-2603.02","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"609cc0cfc5c36f5917d98e69a3ea12858381182becdf2300194f493deb2e286e","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-22-2603.01","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-22-2603.03"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}