Prisoners have several rights, including the right to medical care and humane conditions. The United States Constitution protects these rights.
Even if you’re found guilty of a crime, you’re entitled to livable conditions, safety, and the care you need. A criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia from our firm can listen to the details of your case and work to help you avoid jail time. If your loved one is already in jail and faces poor conditions, our firm may be able to help you.
The U.S. Constitution Gives Prisoners These Rights
Regardless of how many times someone has been to jail, or what led to their incarceration, they have rights. Being found guilty of a crime does not mean a prisoner should feel unsafe or unhealthy in their daily life.
The United States Constitution outlines several rights to which prisoners are entitled. If any of these rights are breached, you can take legal action. Some of these constitutional rights include:
Freedom From Sexual Crimes or Racial Segregation
Prisoners cannot be separated from others based on race, and they have the right to be safe from sexual crimes.
A prisoner may only be separated from others to promote safety and discipline in the facility. For example, a violent prisoner might be placed into solitary confinement until they are no longer a threat.
The Right to Voice Complaints About Living Conditions in the Prison
Prisons must be kept to a certain standard. For example, they must be kept clean and sanitary, considering it’s the only place prisoners have to live until the end of their sentences.
If an inmate is uncomfortable with their safety or the cleanliness of the prison, they can voice these issues in court.
The Right to Medical and Mental Health Care
If a prisoner is injured mentally or physically, they have the right to access care to address these issues. Anyone in prison should have access to a doctor in the case of an injury or illness.
They also have the right to the right to a hearing if they need to be moved to a mental health facility. If your loved one is suffering from anxiety or depression, for example, they may be able to move to a facility or medical wing that can help them address these mental health issues.
The Right to Humane Conditions in the Prison
The U.S. Constitution protects prisoners from unjust treatment by guards or anyone else in the prison. If prisoners do not feel the prison’s conditions are humane, they can voice this concern.
The Right to Exercise Rights per the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Disabled prisoners can call upon their ADA rights to participate in specific prison programs. Common disabilities that may allow someone to qualify for ADA rights include blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, and wheelchair use.
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Rights of Prisoners as Outlined by the United Nations
The United Nations outlines the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners. Some of these rights include:
- Prisoners must be treated with respect.
- Prisoners’ religious and cultural beliefs must be respected, and they can participate in any cultural activities they please.
- Prisoners have the right to educational activities
- Prisoners have the right to be released from jail in the best conditions possible, taking into consideration their well-being and that of anyone who might have led to their incarceration.
If someone you love had their fundamental rights violated while they were in prison, you have a right to take legal action. Our criminal defense attorney can guide you through the process.
If Your Loved One Faces Unfair Treatment in Prison, You Can Take Legal Action
Even if your loved one committed a crime, they deserve rights in prison. If your loved one’s rights are violated in any of the following ways, an attorney from our law firm can advocate for you and fight for justice:
- A prison staff member was unnecessarily violent
- Your loved one feels uncomfortable because of another inmate and the prison staff does nothing to stop it
- Incoming mail is withheld from your loved one
- The jail or your loved one’s prison cell is unsanitary
- Your loved one does not receive the medical treatment or mental health therapy they need
- Your loved one faces racial segregation
- Your loved one feels they are at risk of assault, and nothing is done to protect them
Though prisons are not necessarily designed to be the most comfortable place to live, anyone who spends time in jail should not be withheld basic human rights. Our lawyers can protect the constitutional rights of those in prison.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
Whether your loved one was accused of a crime or is already in jail, our legal team can protect their rights. Some of the tasks our criminal defense law firm handles include:
- Building a defense strategy
- Investigating the case to prove your loved one deserves justice
- Petitioning to move your loved one to a mental health care facility, if necessary
- Proving that a prison staff member withheld medical treatment or otherwise treated your loved one unfairly
- Preparing your loved one for court
- Gathering witnesses to speak on your loved one’s behalf
Our team is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of anyone accused of a crime or behind bars.
Contact the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC for Legal Guidance in Your Criminal Defense Case
Our law firm is dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights, even those in prison. If your loved one is facing criminal charges or unsafe prison conditions, our firm is here to help you.
We’ll handle the legal tasks, investigate your case, and defend you throughout the entire legal process. During a confidential consultation, we’ll listen to the details of your case and explain your next steps. Call us today to get started.
