Can you get in trouble for texting an inmate?

Asked by: Mrs. Sophie Boyle III  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (34 votes)

All messages back and forth, have to be approved first. So the answer is NO, so long as the person is texting through the getting out app, then this is legal and you won't get in trouble. No inmate is allowed any cell phone. You could get into trouble of course if you text an illegal cell phone inside prison.

Can you go to jail for texting someone?

Short answer: Yes. If someone is engaging in harassment via phone calls or texting then a warrant could be issued and the person arrested. If a person is threatening physical harm to another person via texts or calls, again an arrest could be made...

Can you text with prisoners?

ConnectNetwork's Messaging service lets you send electronic messages to inmates in just a few simple steps. It all happens from your computer or mobile device. Then, depending on the facility, your inmate will be able to view your message, print it, or respond electronically!

What happens if an inmate gets caught with a cell phone?

Laws have been passed in various jurisdictions, placing penalties on inmates who possess mobile devices as well as staff who smuggle them in. Inmate penalties range from loss of privileges and behavior credits to additional sentencing. Staff penalties range from disciplinary action to job loss to criminal charges.

Can I kiss my boyfriend in prisoner on a visit?

Yes. You are allowed one brief hug and kiss at the beginning of the visit and again at the end.

Texting from behind bars

27 related questions found

Can prisoners give sperm to spouse?

California inmates have no constitutional right to impregnate their wives by mailing sperm from prison, a sharply divided federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled Thursday.

Do prisoners have access to condoms?

In 2014, California passed Assembly Bill 966, which required condom access for persons incarcerated in all 35 California state prisons (33 men's and 2 women's prisons).

How long can an inmate be on the phone?

Call limitations vary depending on the prison's house rule, but calls are typically limited to 15 minutes each, and inmates must wait thirty minutes before being allowed to make another call. Calls are recorded and monitored by the prison's staff.

How do you know if an inmate is using you?

You'll know you're being played by someone in prison when the red flags start piling up. Are they constantly asking for money, making empty promises, or using guilt to manipulate you? Do their words not match their actions? If you're always left feeling confused or second-guessing yourself, that's your answer.

Can inmates use social media?

Closed prisons (high security prisons) do not allow the use of mobile smartphones while mid to low security do. All of these prisons have a limited access to Internet and prisoners do not have access to social media.

How does inmate texting work?

Secure Messaging Systems – Many jails and prisons have implemented secure messaging systems or kiosks that allow inmates to send and receive electronic messages to and from approved contacts. These systems often operate on a closed network and are monitored by correctional staff.

What app allows you to text inmates?

GTL's GettingOut mobile app is rooted in the power of relationships. It provides simple and reliable communication between inmates and their family and friends -- allowing them to stay connected, even on the go!

Can inmates reply on text behind?

The inmate reply message from ICS kiosks and tablets:

TextBehind sends an email notification when a new response from your loved one is added to your account. The Correctional Officers will still need to approve your loved one's response.

Can you go to jail for texting an inmate?

All messages back and forth, have to be approved first. So the answer is NO, so long as the person is texting through the getting out app, then this is legal and you won't get in trouble. No inmate is allowed any cell phone. You could get into trouble of course if you text an illegal cell phone inside prison.

Can screenshots of text messages be used in court?

Just like social media posts, screenshots of text messages can be used in court, but face similar challenges regarding authentication. Without the original metadata and context, proving that a screenshot is an accurate and unaltered representation of the original message can be difficult.

Can you get charged for texting?

SMS and MMS carrier fees are additional costs charged by wireless carriers, which are providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T (to name a few). These fees vary per message and number type. For example, some carriers only charge fees for messages sent on toll-free numbers.

Can a prisoner fall in love with you?

Prisons employ strict rules around physical touch, partnerships and other forms of closeness. But in spite of these challenges, people still seek and foster intimacy behind bars. In fact, many PJP writers have found that falling in love is meaningful, even if it's short lived and ends in heartbreak.

What app can you use to see if someone is in jail?

The VINELink app is free and offers users the following features and benefits: Access the VINE online portal 24/7/365. View offender custody status information from over 2,900 law enforcement agencies across 48 states (data availability is determined by agency)

How do you make a prisoner feel loved?

Some tips for showing respect and compassion to an incarcerated individual are to use their name, listen attentively without judgment, offer words of encouragement when appropriate, and be patient and understanding.

Can inmates call everyday?

Regardless of the reasons, inmates make phone calls from jail every day about a wide variety of topics and, contrary to the popular perception, you're generally not restricted to just one phone call.

How to talk to inmates online?

Video Connect offers you the opportunity to connect with your incarcerated loved one in real time. To use the service, you must first schedule a session and have it approved by your loved one's facility, a process that is made simple with a convenient caledar function on JPay.com.

Can prisoners wear bras?

Inmates may keep underwear provided it does not resemble gym shorts or swim trunks. Female inmates may also keep bras provided wires are removed.

What are prisoners not allowed to have?

Some items are strictly prohibited, including money and credit/debit cards. Prisoners may be allowed to have non-essential health care, religious, spiritual or cultural articles, educational textbooks or supplies, and arts and crafts raw material. These are generally approved on a case by case basis.

Can prisoners kiss?

The following contact/touching will be allowed pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 3175: At the beginning and end of each visit, incarcerated persons and their visitors may briefly embrace and kiss.