Appeals of Inmate Disciplinary Actions

Inmates in New Jersey state prison retain certain rights regardless of their incarceration. One of those is the right to appeal an adverse disciplinary ruling resulting from an alleged violation of institutional rules. Prison life is tough, and filled with many opportunities to get into trouble with fellow inmates and prison guards. Disciplinary matters are initially dealt with in the prison setting, without meaningful legal representation for the inmate.

Your Right to Appeal a Disciplinary Action

After receiving an adverse disciplinary ruling from a state prison hearing officer, the inmate appeals the decision to the director or superintendent of the institution where they are incarcerated. Not surprisingly, the director or superintendent almost always affirms the decision of the hearing officer. At this juncture, the inmate can seek real justice by appealing the decision of the director or superintendent to the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. A successful appeal could restore privileges such as work assignments and credits.

Inmate disciplinary appeals are very different from any other kind of appeal. They require an attorney who understands both the operations of the state prison disciplinary systems and appellate procedures.

Experienced With Prison Disciplinary Matters

The Newark, New Jersey, law firm of James S. Friedman, LLC represents inmates who wish to appeal an adverse inmate disciplinary ruling to the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. Attorney James S. Friedman has represented numerous inmates in disciplinary appeals, resulting in the restoration of good behavior credits, visitation privileges and desirable work assignments.

Causes of Inmate Discipline

Typical prison or jail disciplinary matters that can lead to an appeal include:

• Fighting
• Escape or attempted escape
• Weapons possession
• Attacking or assaulting an officer or inmate
• Destroying security equipment or other prison property
• Refusing to obey orders
• Being in a particular area of the facility without authority
• Drug use
• Being caught with a cell phone or other prohibited electronic device

Contact James S. Friedman, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are a prison inmate in New Jersey who has been disciplined for an alleged violation of prison rules and wish to appeal, contact a defense lawyer who understands the state prison system and the disciplinary appeals process. Call the law firm of James S. Friedman, LLC at 866-484-1906 or contact us online.