How can I help someone who is getting mistreated in prison?

Question

my cousin is getting mistreated in prison and they are violating his rights while he is in there. What do I do? He can't do anything for him self because he's in there.

Mark Smith · Answer

You must contact SIU (Special Investigation Unit) and the warden.

Mark R. Thiessen · Answer

You can try and hire a civil rights attorney, but unfortunately prison is pretty much not pleasant.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

You say that "he can't do anything for himself because he is in prison". Prison is exactly that... it is a very controlled environment and there is very little a prison inmate can do.  You don't say how he is being mistreated. As long as he is not being physically abused, there is nothing that can be done.

Jennifer Leigh Gottschalk · Answer

Get a lawyer involved to contact the warden to check on his status and safety.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

You could contact the warden and advise the warden of the situtation.  Another thought is to contact an attorney specializing in civil rights law and discuss the matter with the attorney.  If there is a claim, the attorney would be able to help you.

James Osak · Answer

Try contacting the ACLU and the FBI. See if a local attorney can help.

Steven Alpers · Answer

I would advise him if he is really being mistreated to contact a prison rights group or file a petition for habeas corpus with the court to raise his issue. You don't say how he is being mistreated so I cannot give any specific information as to whether this is mistreatment or every day prison life.

Brian Wanerman · Answer

Your cousin should bring a lawsuit in Federal court under 42 USC Section 1983. Even from prison, he can start a case pro se (meaning he represents himself). But, he'll need to get an attorney involved ASAP. Section 1983 cases are difficult to win and usually require that you take steps quickly to preserve your rights. Consult an attorney who does prison law. You might also try the civil rights clinic at a local law school. If you're in California, the clinic at U.C. Davis is excellent.

James Schoenberger · Answer

Call the prison and ask to speak with his counselor. Write letters to the counselor and the warden.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

Write to you State Representative and let the Department of Corrections know what is going on.

Cale Plamann · Answer

Contact an attorney.  If the mistreatment rises to the level that it   violates your Cousin's 8th Amendment rights, the attorney may be able   to do something about it.  That said, you have very few rights in   prison.

Dennis Roberts · Answer

Some prisons like San Quentin, have an ombundsperson who can usually be reached  through the warden's office. However, a word of caution. First check with your  cousin to see if he wants you to get involved. Your complaining may just bring  even more heat down on him.

Gary Russell · Answer

Consult with an attorney that specializes in matters involving police/guard misconduct.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Tell him to file a complaint through the warden'?s office, with the Public Defender's office or hire an attorney to help.

Bernal Ojeda · Answer

Contact Dept of Prisons,  then supervisor where the person is being held.

Michael Palumbo · Answer

Retain counsel for him

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How can I help someone who is getting mistreated in prison?

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