TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
DISCIPLINARY RULES AND
PROCEDURES
FOR OFFENDERS
Correctional Institutions Division
AUGUST 2019
GR-106
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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
DISCIPLINARY RULES AND
PROCEDURES
FOR OFFENDERS
FOREWORD
It is the policy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to operate a swift and fair
disciplinary process that embodies constitutional and statutory standards. TDCJ staff shall not order,
require, suggest, or in any manner, directly or indirectly, impose disciplinary quotas. Inappropriate
disciplinary actions are strictly prohibited and will result in formal disciplinary action against the
employee in accordance with PD-22, “General Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action Guidelines for
Employees,” and may result in criminal liability. The TDCJ Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for
Offenders establishes a uniform offender disciplinary process.
The goals of the offender disciplinary process are to:
• Maintain order and control of institutional safety;
• Discipline offenders fairly;
• Protect offenders’ constitutional rights;
• Modify offender behavior in a positive manner; and
• Maintain an official record of an offender’s disciplinary history.
To preserve the integrity and fairness of the disciplinary process, the TDCJ ensures deleted or modified
disciplinary actions result in correction of an offender’s records.
This rulebook is in compliance with Texas Government Code §§ 493.001, 494.002, 499.004,
499.102(a)(9).
Reference: 28 C.F.R. §§ 115.72, 115.78 (a)-(g)
Supersedes: GR-106, Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders February 2015
___________________________________
Lorie Davis, CID Director
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword .............................................................................................................................................i
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. ii
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................iv
I. General Procedures .............................................................................................................. 1
A. Reporting Infractions ..................................................................................................... 1
B. Classification of Hearing - Minor v. Major ................................................................... 2
C. Offenders Participating in a Treatment Program ........................................................... 2
D. State Jails ....................................................................................................................... 4
E. Prisons ............................................................................................................................ 5
F. Investigation ................................................................................................................... 5
II. Prehearing Detention ............................................................................................................ 5
A. Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 5
B. Time Limits .................................................................................................................... 5
C. Records .......................................................................................................................... 6
D. Physical Examination..................................................................................................... 6
III. Minor Disciplinary Hearing Procedures and Penalties ..................................................... 6
A. Hearing .......................................................................................................................... 6
B. Minor Penalties ............................................................................................................. 7
C. Procedural Requirements for Death Row and Security Detention ............................... 9
D. Hearing Record ............................................................................................................ 10
IV. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Procedures Before the Hearing ....................................... 10
A. Notice of a Charge ....................................................................................................... 10
B. Counsel Substitutes ...................................................................................................... 12
C. Time Limits .................................................................................................................. 13
D. Disciplinary Hearing Officer ....................................................................................... 14
V. Special Procedures for Certain Categories of Offenders ................................................ 14
VI. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Procedures for Actual Hearing ........................................ 15
A. Presence of Offender at the Disciplinary Hearing ....................................................... 15
B. Presentation of Evidence.............................................................................................. 16
C. Standard of Guilt .......................................................................................................... 17
D. Recorder ....................................................................................................................... 17
E. Written Statement ........................................................................................................ 18
F. Continuances ................................................................................................................ 19
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VII. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Penalties ............................................................................. 19
VIII. Special Procedures Regarding Certain Charges .............................................................. 23
A. Offenders Who Refuse to Work .................................................................................. 23
B. Offenders Who Refuse to Groom, Refuse to Accept Housing Assignments, Engage
in Sexual Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, or Are Out of Place .........................................23
C. Destruction of State Property ....................................................................................... 24
IX. Lesser-Included Offenses ................................................................................................... 24
X. Remission of Penalty ........................................................................................................... 25
XI. Post-Hearing Procedures .................................................................................................... 25
A. Appeals ........................................................................................................................ 25
B. Recordings ................................................................................................................... 25
C. Grounds for Appeal...................................................................................................... 25
XII. Hearings in Absentia........................................................................................................... 26
XIII. Rehearings ........................................................................................................................... 26
A. Applicability ................................................................................................................ 26
B. Time Limits .................................................................................................................. 26
C. Evidence ....................................................................................................................... 26
D. Penalties ....................................................................................................................... 27
XIV. TDCJ Disciplinary Offenses............................................................................................... 27
XV. Attachments
Level One Offenses............................................................................................ Attachment A
Level Two Offenses ........................................................................................... Attachment B
Level Three Offenses ......................................................................................... Attachment C
I-210, Offense Report ........................................................................................ Attachment D
I-47MI, Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record ..............................................Attachment E
I-47MA, Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record ............................................. Attachment F
Major Disciplinary Hearing Script..................................................................... Attachment G
Good Time Loss Limits Chart ........................................................................... Attachment H
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INTRODUCTION
Offenders housed in secure correctional facilities operated by or under contract with the TDCJ are
required to follow the rules outlined in the Offender Orientation Handbook and as posted by their unit
of assignment. This rulebook, the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders, outlines the
procedures for determining whether an offender has violated a rule and available consequences for
such behavior. If an offender does not fully understand the rules outlined in the Offender Orientation
Handbook, the offender should consult a staff member for explanation.
A copy of this rulebook is provided to every offender within the TDCJ. Spanish translations of this
rulebook are provided to offenders whose primary language is Spanish. In addition, the rules shall be
explained to offenders who are illiterate or whose primary language is neither English nor Spanish.
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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
If an offender violates a rule of the TDCJ, the offender may be penalized. All disciplinary rules for
which an offender may be penalized shall be in written form, provide adequate notice of the conduct
prohibited and the consequences for engaging in prohibited conduct, and be adequately distributed or
posted. The following procedures will be followed when an offender violates a TDCJ rule.
I. General Procedures and Requirements
A. Reporting Infractions
When a TDCJ, Windham, or contract employee witnesses or has knowledge of any act
by an offender that is in violation of TDCJ rules and regulations, the employee first
shall attempt, if appropriate, to resolve the matter informally. If a volunteer becomes
aware of a violation, the volunteer shall report the incident to a TDCJ employee.
Informal resolution may include counseling, verbal reprimand, or the giving of an
instruction, warning, or order. Informal resolution is not appropriate for any offense
that poses a risk to the security of the institution, such as solicitation of staff to violate
a rule or policy, an attempt to establish an inappropriate relationship, or possession of
dangerous contraband.
1. If the incident cannot or may not be resolved informally by the observing
employee, the employee shall bring the matter to the attention of the supervisor
on duty or complete an Offense Report, I-210, whichever is appropriate at the
time of the incident. The supervisor shall attempt, if appropriate, to resolve the
matter informally.
2. If the supervisor cannot resolve the incident informally, an Offense Report and
a Preliminary Investigation Report (reverse side of the I-210 form) shall be
completed. The Offense Report shall be written by someone who has direct
knowledge of the incident. The Preliminary Investigation Report shall be
conducted by a different staff member, with the rank of correctional officer V
or above, who is not the charging officer or a person who is involved in the
incident.
3. Upon completion of the Offense Report and Preliminary Investigation Report,
the supervisor shall review the information and determine whether informal
resolution is appropriate. If the incident cannot be resolved informally, a
Disciplinary Report shall be completed, formally charging the offender with
violating a TDCJ rule. All offense reports, including those informally
resolved, shall be forwarded to the unit disciplinary office for processing.
a. The Disciplinary Report shall be generated on the appropriate form
(Form I-47MA or Form I-47MI).
b. The Disciplinary Report shall include the following information: the
accused offender’s name, TDCJ number, time earning class, and for
prison offenders, custody classification, housing, and job assignment;
the reporting officer’s name and title; the code number and title of the
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offense; the date of the offense; and a description of the facts of the
offense. The description of the facts of the offense shall include, at a
minimum, the date and time of the alleged infraction, the name(s) of the
charging officer and all witnesses, the location of the incident, and a
full statement of the facts.
c. The Disciplinary Report does not need to include the reporting officer’s
signature and the date of the signature as long as the reporting officer
has signed and dated a form that includes the description of the facts of
the offense (Offense Report, I-210).
d. The Offense Report shall include any unusual offender behavior, any
physical evidence and its disposition, and any immediate action taken,
including a use of force.
B. Classification of Hearing - Minor v. Major (Applies to all offenders)
1. A minor disciplinary hearing is a means of processing less serious rule
infractions in accordance with this rulebook. A minor disciplinary hearing
cannot result in the imposition of the following:
a. Any major penalties (see Section VII.A.2 for a list of the major
penalties); or
b. Assessment of monetary damages due to damage or destruction of state
property.
2. A major disciplinary hearing is an administrative hearing, presided over by a
disciplinary hearing officer (DHO) with the rank of captain or above, to
process serious rule violations in accordance with the procedures for a major
disciplinary hearing. An offender shall not be given any major penalty without
a major disciplinary hearing.
3. The final decision whether a disciplinary hearing will be classified as minor or
major shall be made by a captain or above. The decision shall be based on the
following:
a. The nature and seriousness of the offense. For example, a Level 3
offense is more apt to be processed through a minor disciplinary
hearing than a Level 1 offense;
b. The offender’s disciplinary history; and
c. The period of time since the offender’s last rule violation.
C. Offenders Participating in a Treatment Program
1. When a TDCJ, Windham, or contract employee witnesses or has knowledge of
any act committed by an offender participating in a substance abuse therapeutic
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community treatment program or other rehabilitative programs that is in
violation of the rules and regulations of the TDCJ, the employee shall attempt,
if appropriate, to resolve the matter informally. The employee may also refer
the infraction to treatment personnel for disposition. An offender is subject to
behavior modification techniques and sanctions imposed by the treatment team
for violating any rules. Non-serious disciplinary infractions may be managed
by the multi-disciplinary treatment team. If a volunteer becomes aware of a
violation, the volunteer shall report the incident to a TDCJ employee.
2. If the incident cannot be resolved informally by the observing employee, the
employee shall refer the infraction to their immediate supervisor for
disposition. The supervisor shall attempt, if appropriate, to resolve the matter
informally and may refer the infraction to the multi-disciplinary treatment team
for disposition through established treatment sanctions. Incidents that cannot
be resolved informally shall be referred to the multi-disciplinary treatment
team.
3. The offender’s treatment team shall determine whether the violation can be
addressed through treatment, and if so, decide the appropriate sanctions or
make recommendations for formal discipline. The offender’s treatment team
shall determine whether to discharge the offender from treatment due to
behavioral problems.
a. For parole modification offenders, the treatment team shall be
composed of the following persons:
(1) Program director or designee;
(2) Lieutenant or above;
(3) Offender’s case manager or counselor;
(4) Institutional parole officer (IPO) case manager assigned to
facility; and
(5) The designated parole officer for the facility.
b. For probation modification offenders, the treatment team shall be
composed of the following persons:
(1) Program director;
(2) Lieutenant or above;
(3) Offender’s case manager; and
(4) Transitional care coordinator.
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c. For other program offenders, the treatment team shall consist of the
persons designated in the appropriate program policy manual.
4. Incidents that the treatment team determines cannot be addressed through
treatment shall be referred to the building major for grading. At that time, a
formal disciplinary report may be processed, charging the offender with
violating a rule. Disciplinary hearings for Substance Abuse Felony Punishment
(SAFP) facility offenders shall be held in accordance with the disciplinary
rules and procedures contained in this rulebook. A SAFP facility may conduct
state jail offender disciplinary hearings, as described in Section I.D. For
offenders who have been discharged from treatment, and who commit
disciplinary violations, the procedures in Section I.C shall be followed but
without referring the infraction to treatment personnel.
5. If an offender has been removed from the treatment program, the offender shall
continue to be subject to the disciplinary rules and procedures contained in this
rulebook. Rule violations committed by offenders who are no longer in
treatment shall be processed by correctional staff and forwarded to the unit
disciplinary office. A disciplinary hearing shall be conducted if the grading
official deems it appropriate.
6. Offenders who have been removed from the treatment program shall remain
housed at the facility pending transfer to an appropriate destination. Offenders
who pose a risk to the physical safety of others or who present a threat to the
security of the facility shall be separated and placed in transient status pending
transfer.
7. Offenders who have been removed from the treatment program shall be
required to work as assigned. Offenders shall be managed in accordance with
applicable procedures outlined in the appropriate program policy manual and
procedures relative to the offender’s custody and housing assignment.
D. State Jails
A state jail offender disciplinary hearing is an administrative hearing held to process
any rule violation committed by an offender sentenced to a state jail and is conducted
in accordance with procedures for a minor disciplinary hearing. Under a state jail
offender disciplinary hearing, a state jail offender may receive any penalty categorized
as minor, or as major for the state jails. However, a state jail offender shall be
provided with a major disciplinary hearing in accordance with Sections IV and VI of
these procedures if assessment of monetary damages due to destruction of state
property may be imposed. Disciplinary hearings for offenders sentenced to a prison
but assigned in transfer status to a state jail shall be conducted in accordance with the
grade assigned to the disciplinary report and under the applicable minor or major
disciplinary hearing procedures.
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E. Prisons
If an offender is found guilty in a minor disciplinary hearing, the guilty finding shall
not preclude the offender from being reviewed for promotion in time earning class.
An offender who has received a disciplinary conviction resulting in a major penalty
may be reviewed and considered for promotion in time earning class after 12 months.
F. Investigation
A Disciplinary Report cannot be processed without a proper investigation, to include
interviews with the charging officer, the accused offender, or other witnesses. A
preliminary investigation shall begin within 24 hours from the time the violation is
reported and completed without unreasonable delay, unless there are exceptional
circumstances for delaying the investigation. Exceptional circumstances shall be
documented on the preliminary investigation. A supervisor, sergeant or above,
reviews the offense report and appoints a staff member, with the rank of correctional
officer V or above, without knowledge of, and/or involvement in, the disciplinary
case, to conduct the preliminary investigation.
II. Prehearing Detention
A. Criteria
An offender charged with, or suspected of, a disciplinary violation may be placed in
prehearing detention (PHD) without notice or hearing only by the warden, assistant
warden or designee, lieutenant or above, and only if the offender falls into one of the
following categories:
1. The offender is a current escape risk;
2. The offender’s presence in general population would create a threat to the
physical safety of other offenders or staff; or
3. It is necessary to maintain the integrity of an investigation, such as to preserve
the integrity of information in either the offender’s possession or another
offender’s possession.
B. Time Limits
1. Whenever possible, a disciplinary hearing shall be held within 72 hours of the
offender’s placement in PHD. If a disciplinary hearing is not held within 72
hours, the reason for the delay shall be documented on the record of the
hearing.
2. If the offender has not had a disciplinary hearing within 10 days, the offender
shall be released from PHD.
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3. The original 10-day period may be extended for an additional 10 days if the
warden documents in writing that it is necessary to complete the investigation,
specifying the reasons for the extension. Only one extension may be granted.
C. Records
1. Uniform written records shall be maintained on the Restrictive Housing Log, I-
188, for each offender placed in PHD to include:
a. The offender’s name and TDCJ number;
b. The date and time the offender was placed in PHD;
c. The reason for placement, including the criterion used and a brief
reason for the confinement;
d. The name of the lieutenant or above who authorized placement;
e. The date of the review by the warden or designee within 24 hours of the
offender’s placement in PHD, including weekends and holidays; and
f. The date the offender is released from PHD.
2. A Restrictive Housing Confinement Record, I-201, shall be completed on each
offender placed in PHD. For more information about this record-keeping
requirement, see the Restrictive Housing Plan.
D. Physical Examination
An offender who is determined to require placement in PHD, and who has no apparent
medical problems, may be placed in PHD without prior medical evaluation. However,
an offender placed in PHD without prior medical evaluation shall be evaluated as soon
as possible, and no later than 12 hours after being placed in PHD, by a qualified health
care provider in accordance with applicable Correctional Managed Health Care
(CMHC) policies.
III. Minor Disciplinary Hearing Procedures and Penalties
A. Hearing
1. A Disciplinary Report graded as minor shall be heard by a minor DHO. The
minor DHO shall be the rank of lieutenant or above and meet the criteria
outlined in Section IV.D.2. The minor DHO shall not be the same person who
served the offender with notice of a charge.
2. An offender shall be served notice of a charge, usually by a correctional
officer, at least 24 hours prior to the disciplinary hearing. The charge(s) shall
be explained to the offender in terms the offender can understand and within 30
days of discovery of the alleged violation. Offenders may not be subject to any
form of coercion designed to persuade them to waive the right to 24 hours’
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notice. If an offender is offered the opportunity to waive 24 hours’ notice, they
shall be fully informed, in terms intelligible to them, of the nature of the rights
at stake. All applicable time limits for a minor disciplinary hearing are the
same as for a major disciplinary hearing. Offenders shall be informed of their
right to submit a written statement to the DHO in response to the charge(s).
Confirmation that the offender was advised of these rights shall be documented
on the original Disciplinary Report.
3. An offender accused of a disciplinary charge may waive attending the
disciplinary hearing. At the time of notice of a charge, the offender shall be
asked if the offender wants to attend the disciplinary hearing. The offender’s
decision shall be documented on the Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record.
If the offender elects not to attend the disciplinary hearing, the offender shall
be asked for a plea, and then advised that if the offender later decides to attend
the hearing, the offender shall submit a written request to the DHO before the
hearing is held. The DHO shall review the offender’s decision to waive
attending the disciplinary hearing, conduct the hearing in the offender’s
absence, and document the absence on the report by writing: “Offender waived
attending the hearing.”
4. The offender may submit a written statement or make a verbal statement in the
offender’s defense during the disciplinary hearing.
5. When possible, minor disciplinary hearings shall be scheduled within seven
days after the alleged violation, excluding weekends and holidays. If a
disciplinary hearing is not held within seven days, excluding weekends and
holidays, the reason for the delay shall be documented on the record of the
hearing.
B. Minor Penalties
1. If found guilty, the DHO may impose one or more of the following penalties:
a. Counsel and reprimand.
b. Extra duty not to exceed 42 hours per disciplinary case. If an offender
is given extra duty through a finding of guilt at a disciplinary hearing
and the offender refuses to perform the extra duty, the offender may be
charged for the refusal. If the offender is found guilty in a major
disciplinary hearing and given a major penalty, the offender shall no
longer be required to perform the extra duty.
c. Loss of privileges not to exceed 30 days per disciplinary case. At no
time shall the loss or restriction of each privilege exceed a total of 90
days from the date of the most recent disciplinary conviction as the
result of cumulative disciplinary convictions. Privileges that may be
restricted include:
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(1) Recreation – Dayroom, gymnasium, and outdoor recreation
yard.
(2) Commissary purchases – Except legal and correspondence
materials and hygiene items, which include a toothbrush,
toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and feminine hygiene
items.
(3) Television.
(4) Personal property – Except any type of correspondence, to
include legal and correspondence materials; hygiene items,
which include toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo,
soap, and feminine hygiene items; and religious literature or
items, such as a prayer rug or shawl.
(5) Other leisure activities – Except craft privileges. Craft privileges
may be administratively suspended by the unit warden or
designee.
d. Cell restriction, not to exceed 30 days per disciplinary case.
(1) Offenders may receive consecutive terms of cell restriction for
cumulative disciplinary convictions. At no time shall cell
restriction exceed a total of 90 days from the date of the most
recent disciplinary conviction as the result of cumulative
disciplinary convictions.
(2) Offenders on cell restriction shall not leave the cell except for:
(a) Medical reasons;
(b) Treatment programs;
(c) Showers;
(d) Meals;
(e) Law library visits during non-work hours only;
(f) Work;
(g) Educational or vocational school or training;
(h) To attend religious activities held in the chapel or the
area designated to serve as the chapel; and
(i) Contact and noncontact visits.
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(3) Cell restriction does not involve restrictions on correspondence.
(4) The offender shall not be allowed out-of-cell recreation. When
an offender serves more than 30 continuous days of cell
restriction as a penalty resulting from a minor disciplinary
hearing, the offender shall be allowed physical recreation out of
the cell for a one-hour period every seven days.
(5) Specific guidelines for the management of general population
offenders given cell restriction are outlined in AD-03.70, “Cell
Restriction for General Population Offenders.”
e. Suspension of contact visitation privileges for a minimum of one visit
and a maximum of two months.
2. Under no circumstances may an offender’s participation in educational or
vocational school or training be denied, altered, or restricted as the result of a
minor disciplinary hearing. When more than one of the minor penalties listed
above is imposed at the disciplinary hearing, the penalties shall be served
concurrently.
C. Procedural Requirements for Death Row and Security Detention
1. Offenders assigned to death row or security detention shall be given a minor
disciplinary hearing and be found guilty prior to receiving cell restriction or
loss of recreation privileges. Cell restriction or loss of recreation privileges
may not exceed a period of 15 days for each disciplinary conviction. These
offenders may receive consecutive terms of cell restriction or loss of recreation
privileges.
2. Security Detention
Consecutive terms of cell restriction and loss of recreation privileges shall not
exceed 30 days when imposed on a security detention offender. At no time
shall loss of recreation privileges or cell restriction exceed a total of 30 days
from the date of the most recent disciplinary conviction as the result of
cumulative disciplinary convictions. When cell restriction or loss of recreation
privileges are imposed on security detention offenders, they shall be allowed
physical recreation out of the cell for a one-hour period every seven days. This
requirement applies even if the offender has received only a single term of cell
restriction or loss of recreation privileges.
3. Death Row
Consecutive terms of cell restriction and loss of recreation privileges shall not
exceed 90 days when imposed on a death row offender. At no time shall loss of
recreation privileges or cell restriction exceed a total of 90 days from the date
of the most recent disciplinary conviction as the result of cumulative
disciplinary convictions. The 90-day limitation regarding consecutive terms of
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cell restriction or loss of recreation privileges applies to all death row
offenders. When consecutive terms of cell restriction or loss of recreation
privileges are imposed, a death row offender shall be allowed physical
recreation out of the cell for a one-hour period every seven days. Loss of
recreation or cell restriction for death row offenders shall be regarded as a
major penalty if assessed as a result of to a major hearing.
D. Hearing Record
l. At the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing, the offender shall be given a
copy of the Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record, I-47MI. If the offender is
found guilty, the DHO shall inform the offender of the right to use the offender
grievance procedure to appeal the finding of guilt and the penalty imposed. If
the offender requests a Step 1 grievance form, the DHO shall make it available
at that time. If the offender was not present at the hearing, the DHO shall
notify the offender of the hearing results and the right to appeal the finding of
guilt and penalty imposed by completing the Disciplinary Hearing Results
Notification, I-217. The original Disciplinary Hearing Results Notification
shall be attached to the offender’s copy of the Disciplinary Report and Hearing
Record and sent to the offender. The copy of the Disciplinary Hearing Results
Notification shall be attached to the Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record.
2. If the offender is found not guilty, records pertaining to the alleged violation
shall not be placed in the offender’s unit file but shall be maintained in the unit
disciplinary archive file. This file shall be maintained by month for a period of
two years. Information regarding not guilty findings shall only be used for
legal or grievance issues.
IV. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Procedures Before the Hearing
A. Notice of a Charge
1. Offenders shall be served with notice of a disciplinary charge by a counsel
substitute at least 24 hours prior to the disciplinary hearing and within 30 days
of discovery of the alleged violation. The disciplinary hearing shall be
classified as major prior to notice being served, or the accused offender shall
be given 24 hours from the time the offender is notified that the hearing is
classified as major until the hearing is conducted.
2. Notice of a disciplinary charge after 30 days shall be allowed only if
unforeseen circumstances arise, such as the offender is temporarily transferred
to another unit, and the warden’s written approval, including the reasons for
the delay, is obtained before the offender is served with notice.
3. Offenders may not be subject to any form of coercion designed to persuade
them to waive the right to 24 hours’ notice. If offenders are offered the
opportunity to waive 24 hours’ notice, they shall be fully informed, in terms
intelligible to them, of the nature of the rights at stake. The DHO shall note on
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the recording of the disciplinary hearing an offender’s decision to waive the
right to 24 hours’ notice.
4. An offender accused of a disciplinary charge may waive attending the
disciplinary hearing. At the time of notice of a charge, the offender shall be
asked if the offender wishes to attend the disciplinary hearing. The offender’s
decision shall be documented on the Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record,
I-47MA. If the offender elects not to attend the disciplinary hearing, the
offender shall be asked for a plea, and then advised that if the offender later
decides to attend the hearing, the offender shall submit a written request to the
DHO before the hearing is held. The DHO shall review the offender’s decision
to waive attending the disciplinary hearing, conduct the hearing in the
offender’s absence, and document the absence on the report by writing:
“Offender waived attending the hearing.”
5. Notice of a charge shall include a copy of the Disciplinary Report. Items of
information which, if disclosed to the accused offender, would seriously
jeopardize the safety of other offenders shall not be provided to the accused
offender.
6. At the time an offender is served with notice pursuant to a major disciplinary
hearing, the offender shall be informed of the right to present documentary
evidence and to request witnesses. The offender shall be informed that a
counsel substitute will be assigned unless the offender waives representation.
The offender’s decision shall be noted on the Service/Investigation Worksheet,
along with the names of the witnesses requested, and the information shall be
provided to the DHO. However, either the offender or the counsel substitute
may inform the DHO at any time prior to and at the disciplinary hearing of any
changes to the list of witnesses requested. Offenders who are not assigned
counsel substitutes shall be allowed to communicate directly with a reasonable
number of potential witnesses in advance of the disciplinary hearing. There is
no minimum or maximum number of witnesses allowed; this should be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
7. The investigation report shall be attached to the Disciplinary Report and
submitted to the DHO.
8. An offender who successfully appealed a disciplinary conviction may be
served with notice of a rehearing, if, at the initial disciplinary hearing the
offender was served with notice of a charge in a timely manner and a timely
disciplinary hearing was conducted. A rehearing may not be conducted on an
overturned disciplinary conviction for which an offender did not receive either
notice of a charge or a disciplinary hearing within the established time limits.
The 30-day time limit for serving the offender with notice begins on the date of
the decision granting the appeal. After notice has been served, the rehearing
shall be held in accordance with established time limits.
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B. Counsel Substitutes
1. Assignment - Counsel substitutes are non-uniformed employees who represent
offenders in disciplinary hearings by advocating on behalf of the offender and
keeping related records. This requirement does not apply to state jail offender
disciplinary hearings, except when state jail offenders are brought before major
disciplinary hearings for assessment of monetary damages for destruction of
state property. Offenders shall be provided with counsel substitutes prior to a
major disciplinary hearing when any of the following conditions are met:
a. When the offender is developmentally disabled as defined in the
Developmental Disabilities Plan (DDP). Additionally, a counsel
substitute shall be assigned when the offender’s mental ability to
understand and respond to a disciplinary charge and proceeding is
questionable, even though the offender has not been assessed to have
developmental disabilities as outlined in the DDP;
b. When the offender is assigned to a mental health inpatient facility or
has been placed on an outpatient mental health caseload;
c. When the offender’s literacy or understanding of English is
questionable. A counsel substitute shall be assigned in every case in
which the offender’s Educational Achievement score is below 5.0 on
reading;
d. When the offender, because of the complexity of the issue, will be
unlikely to be able to collect and present the evidence necessary for an
adequate comprehension of the case;
e. When the offender is confined to any form of restrictive housing
pending the disciplinary hearing; or
f. When a witness requested by the accused offender is unable to attend a
disciplinary hearing because either the requested witness or the accused
offender has been transferred to another unit. When these
circumstances exist, the counsel substitute assigned shall obtain witness
statements and present the statements to the DHO.
2. Offenders who have been assigned a counsel substitute as required by Section
IV.B.1.a, b, and c shall not be considered competent to waive the right to
counsel substitute.
3. The assignment of a counsel substitute shall be made at least 24 hours prior to
the disciplinary hearing unless the counsel substitute agrees to proceed sooner
and is able to fully prepare for the hearing without at least 24 hours’ notice.
4. In most cases, a counsel substitute will not be assigned for minor and state jail
offender disciplinary hearings. The minor DHO may obtain the assistance of a
counsel substitute when the offender is unable to understand and participate in
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the minor disciplinary hearing process. Moreover, an offender who does not
speak or understand English shall be provided with a qualified interpreter at the
disciplinary hearing.
5. Responsibilities - Prior to the disciplinary hearing, a counsel substitute shall:
a. Read the Disciplinary Report to the accused offender;
b. Inform the offender of the offender’s rights and ensure the offender
understands these rights. Explain the Disciplinary Report and ensure
the offender understands the charges;
c. Obtain the accused offender’s statement in response to the disciplinary
charges;
d. Obtain the names of employees and offenders whom the accused
offender wishes to call as witnesses;
(1) Interview all witnesses prior to the disciplinary hearing;
(2) For those witnesses not able to appear at the disciplinary
hearing, such as an offender or a correctional officer who has
been transferred to another unit, obtain written statements that
can be provided to the DHO at the hearing;
(3) Inform the DHO of any changes in the list of witnesses
requested; and
e. Obtain any requested documentary evidence relevant to the case that is
not already in the possession of the accused offender, such as medical
records.
6. The counsel substitute’s role during the disciplinary hearing is to present the
accused offender’s case and act as the offender’s advocate.
C. Time Limits
l. Whenever possible, major disciplinary hearings shall be scheduled as soon as
practicable, but no later than seven days after the alleged violation, excluding
weekends and holidays. If the disciplinary hearing is not held within seven
days after the alleged violation, excluding weekends and holidays, the reason
for the delay shall be documented on the hearing record. Offenders shall be
verbally notified of the time and place of the disciplinary hearing at least 24
hours in advance of the hearing. In any event, the disciplinary hearing shall be
held within 20 days after the offender is served with notice. If a disciplinary
hearing cannot be held within 20 days due to unforeseen circumstances, such
as the accused offender is temporarily transferred to another unit, the time limit
may be extended to 45 days with the warden’s written approval. If a
disciplinary hearing cannot be held within 45 days due to unforeseen
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circumstances, the time limit may be extended with the regional director’s
written approval, including the reason for the delay. If an offender is served
with more than one Disciplinary Report, all the Disciplinary Reports shall be
heard by the unit DHO within the above time limits.
2. If an offender is given a permanent assignment to a new unit prior to the
offender’s disciplinary hearing, the Disciplinary Report shall be forwarded to
the new unit of assignment, and a hearing shall be held within 30 days of the
offender’s arrival on the new unit. If a disciplinary hearing cannot be held
within 30 days due to unforeseen circumstances, the time limit may be
extended an additional 30 days with the warden’s written approval.
3. If the offender is placed in prehearing detention, see Section II.B for the
schedule of additional time limits.
D. Disciplinary Hearing Officer
1. The DHO for a major disciplinary hearing shall be at least the rank of captain.
2. The DHO shall not be an employee who:
a. Completed the Disciplinary Report;
b. Ordered the Disciplinary Report to be completed;
c. Participated in any incident that led to the charges in question;
d. Witnessed the incident;
e. Participated in the investigation of the charges; or
f. Made the decision to process the report through a major disciplinary
hearing.
V. Special Procedures for Certain Categories of Offenders
A. Special considerations are required for developmentally disabled offenders, mental
health patients, or offenders participating in a sex offender rehabilitation program
charged with or suspected of a disciplinary infraction. The applicable procedures to be
followed are specified in the DDP and the Correctional Managed Health Care Policy
Manual and the Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs policies and procedures.
B. Unit psychologists treating developmentally disabled outpatients, such as those not
assigned to sheltered units, or mental health outpatients, have the responsibility for
providing the DHO and the counsel substitute office with an updated list of the names
and TDCJ numbers of all developmentally disabled outpatients and mental health
outpatients on the units.
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C. Offenders engaging in self-inflicted bodily injury may be subject to disciplinary
action, only if an evaluation by a mental health professional determines the offender’s
behavior was not the result of their mental condition.
D. Medical staff shall be consulted prior to the imposition of penalties on mobility-
impaired offenders to determine possible negative medical consequences for a given
penalty.
E. Language assistance shall be provided to offenders in the disciplinary process, as
needed, in accordance with AD-04.25, “Language Assistance Services to Offenders
Identified as Monolingual Spanish-Speaking,” and AD-06.25, “Qualified Interpreter
Services – American Sign Language.” A qualified interpreter shall be used to assist a
counsel substitute in performing tasks if the counsel substitute is not a qualified
interpreter. A qualified interpreter shall be provided for non-English-speaking
offenders and offender who use American Sign Language (ASL) during investigations,
at the time of notification of a disciplinary charge, and at disciplinary hearings. A
DHO who is a qualified interpreter may serve as the interpreter at minor disciplinary
hearings only. A counsel substitute who is a qualified interpreter may serve as the
interpreter for both minor and major disciplinary hearings.
F. Applicable special procedures shall be followed whether a minor or a major
disciplinary hearing is conducted. Copies of documents referenced in these rules are
available for review on each unit.
VI. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Procedures for Actual Hearing
A. Presence of Offender at the Disciplinary Hearing
1. An offender charged with a rule violation shall be present at the disciplinary
hearing unless behavior immediately before or during the hearing justifies
exclusion, or the offender waives attending the disciplinary hearing. If an
offender refuses to appear or waives attendance at the hearing, the hearing may
be conducted in the offender’s absence.
2. An offender may hear all the evidence presented at the disciplinary hearing,
unless hearing the evidence will jeopardize the life and safety of persons or the
security and order of the institution.
3. The DHO shall provide written reasons on the record for the accused
offender’s absence during any portion of the disciplinary hearing. If security
considerations require an offender’s removal from the hearing for the
presentation of any evidence or questioning of any witness, the offender’s
counsel substitute shall remain and act on the offender’s behalf. The
offender’s counsel substitute shall not transmit any evidence to the offender if
hearing the evidence will jeopardize the life or safety of persons or the security
and order of the institution.
4. If an offender who has not been assigned a counsel substitute refuses to attend
the disciplinary hearing, voluntarily leaves the hearing while it is in progress,
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or engages in disruptive behavior that requires removal, the offender’s actions
shall be considered a constructive waiver of the right to a counsel substitute. If
the offender is excluded because hearing evidence may jeopardize the life and
safety of persons or the security and order of the institution and a counsel
substitute had not previously been appointed, the disciplinary hearing shall be
continued so a counsel substitute can be appointed.
B. Presentation of Evidence
1. The DHO shall read the Disciplinary Report into the record, and the offender
shall be allowed to enter a plea to each charge. If a charge involves possession
of contraband, such as fighting with a weapon, the items(s) of contraband shall
be produced at the disciplinary hearing if the existence or nature of the item(s)
cannot be satisfactorily established by other means. Perishable items or any
item(s) that pose a threat to health and safety may be disposed of prior to the
hearing. If it is determined the presence of particular contraband items at the
disciplinary hearing will create a threat to the physical safety of offenders or
staff, the contraband may be excluded. Any contraband items that are
excluded from the disciplinary hearing shall be photographed or photocopied,
and this evidence shall be produced at the hearing, if the production of the
items at the hearing is required, unless the contraband was destroyed by the
offender. If the contraband involves a controlled substance, such as marijuana,
the DHO shall have a laboratory report or the results of a field test kit
available, establishing the nature of the substance.
2. The accused offender may make a statement on his or her own behalf. The
counsel substitute also may make a statement on the offender’s behalf.
3. The accused offender or the counsel substitute may present documentary
evidence. Documentary evidence shall be accepted into evidence unless it is
clearly irrelevant or repetitious.
4. The offender may call witnesses unless the DHO decides the testimony of such
witnesses is likely to jeopardize the life or safety of persons or the security and
order of the institution. If witnesses are denied, written reasons shall be
provided in the disciplinary hearing record for the DHO’s decision. The DHO
may not automatically deny witnesses requested at the hearing by the accused
offender because the offender did not request the witnesses at the time of
notification of the alleged violation. The DHO shall decide whether to permit
such testimony on a case-by-case basis. The DHO may limit the number of
witnesses to those needed to fairly present the facts of the case. At the DHO’s
discretion, the DHO may accept the accused offender’s summary of the
testimony (called stipulated testimony) of a witness as the actual testimony of
the witness in order to eliminate repetitive testimony.
5. The offender may request the presence of accuser(s), including the charging
officer.
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6. The offender or counsel substitute may question all witnesses who appear at
the disciplinary hearing or are interviewed over the telephone. The DHO shall
ask the accused offender or the counsel substitute if they have any questions
for the witnesses. However, the accusing officer shall be questioned by the
counsel substitute or, after the accused offender has indicated what questions
they want asked, by the DHO. Written statements from witnesses, other than
the charging officer, shall be presented into evidence when witnesses are
unable to attend the disciplinary hearing. Any witness, including the charging
officer, who is unable to attend the hearing may be interviewed by telephone
and the answers of the witness shall be repeated into the recorder if a
speakerphone is not used. The unavailability of the charging officer’s
testimony by telephone or physical presence shall be limited to those occasions
when extreme circumstances arise. The questions shall be transmitted by the
DHO if the offender is not represented by a counsel substitute.
7. The Disciplinary Report shall be the only evidence used against the accused
offender if the offender fails to present non-frivolous evidence to contradict the
report. However, if the accused offender presents non-frivolous evidence,
which, if true, would contradict the facts alleged in the Disciplinary Report, the
following shall occur at the disciplinary hearing before a finding is rendered:
a. Question the charging officer concerning the non-frivolous evidence
presented;
b. Examine additional documentary evidence, which does not include
investigation reports or written statements by the charging officer or
witnesses; or
c. Question other witnesses concerning the non-frivolous evidence
presented.
C. Standard of Guilt
After hearing all of the evidence, the DHO may ask all present to leave the room. The
DHO shall decide whether the offender is guilty or not guilty with respect to each
charge on the Disciplinary Report based on the preponderance of the credible
evidence. In other words, the DHO shall review all of the evidence presented during
the disciplinary hearing, decide what weight should be attached to what evidence, and
decide whether the weight of the evidence shows the offender to be guilty or not
guilty. The reasons, a minimum of two, shall be documented on the Disciplinary
Report.
D. Recorder
All major disciplinary hearings shall be recorded to preserve a verbatim record of the
proceedings. The recording shall not be turned off at any time during the taking of
evidence, regardless of the DHO’s opinion concerning the relevance of the testimony.
If a Disciplinary Report has been processed in accordance with the procedures for a
major disciplinary hearing and the recording has begun, and the DHO decides the
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report should have been processed in accordance with the procedures for a minor
disciplinary hearing, it shall be reduced to minor and processed without a recorder.
All recordings shall be preserved in accordance with the TDCJ Records Retention
Schedule.
E. Written Statement
At the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing, the offender shall be given a copy of the
Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record, I-47MA. If the offender was not present at
the disciplinary hearing, the DHO shall notify the offender of the hearing results and
the right to appeal the finding of guilt or penalty imposed by completing the
Disciplinary Hearing Results Notification, I-217. The DHO shall provide the offender
a copy of the written record of the disciplinary hearing. If the offender was not present
at the hearing, the original Disciplinary Hearing Results Notification, I-217, shall be
attached to the offender’s copy of the disciplinary hearing record and sent to the
offender. A copy shall also be attached to the Disciplinary Report and Hearing Record
and placed in the offender’s unit and central files. The record shall include the
following information:
1. Whether the offender was held in PHD for more than 72 hours prior to the
disciplinary hearing and, if so, the reason for the delay;
2. Whether the accused offender was excluded from any part of the evidence
stage and, if so, the reason for the exclusion. If an offender refuses to attend
the disciplinary hearing, this refusal shall be reported as an exclusion, and the
reason for the exclusion shall be the offender’s refusal to attend;
3. Whether any requested witnesses were excluded and, if so, the reason for the
exclusion;
4. Whether any documentary evidence was excluded and, if so, the reason for the
exclusion;
5. Whether confrontation and cross-examination of the offender’s accusers, if
requested, was denied and, if so, the reasons for the denial;
6. If found guilty, the evidence presented and considered, and the reasons for the
determination of guilt;
7. If found guilty, the penalty imposed, including whether credit was given for
time served in PHD, and the specific factual reason for the particular penalty
chosen by the DHO;
8. If a qualified interpreter was used, and if so, the signature of the interpreter;
and
9. Whether the disciplinary hearing was held within seven days after the date of
the alleged violation, excluding weekends and holidays, and if so the reason
document for delay.
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If the offender is found not guilty, records pertaining to the alleged violation shall not
be placed in the offender’s unit file but maintained in the unit disciplinary archive file.
This file shall be maintained in accordance with the TDCJ Records Retention
Schedule. Information regarding not guilty findings shall only be used for legal or
grievance issues.
F. Continuances
Disciplinary hearings may be continued or recessed for a reasonable period and for
good cause. If the presence of a witness is required, and if it is known when the
witness will be available within applicable deadlines (including all authorized
extensions), the hearing shall be delayed until the witness can be brought in.
If the witness is currently unavailable, and it is anticipated the witness will not be
available within the deadlines, the hearing shall be held without the witness present. A
witness, including the charging officer, who is unable to attend the hearing shall be
interviewed by telephone.
VII. Major Disciplinary Hearing: Penalties
A. An offender found guilty of a major disciplinary violation may be assessed one or
more of the following penalties:
1. Minor Penalties
a. Counsel and reprimand.
b. Extra duty not to exceed 42 hours per disciplinary case. There is no
cumulative maximum. If an offender is given extra duty through a
finding of guilt at a disciplinary hearing, and the offender refuses to
perform the extra duty, the offender may be charged for the refusal to
perform extra duty. If the offender is found guilty and given a major
penalty, the offender will no longer be required to perform the extra
duty, and the extra duty will be forgiven.
c. Loss of privileges not to exceed 45 days per disciplinary case. At no
time shall the loss or restriction of each privilege exceed a total of 90
days from the date of the most recent disciplinary conviction as the
result of cumulative disciplinary convictions. Privileges that may be
restricted are:
(1) Recreation - Dayroom, gymnasium, and outdoor recreation
yard. However, loss of recreation for death row offenders shall
be a major penalty if imposed as a result of a major disciplinary
hearing. Offenders may receive consecutive terms of loss of
recreation privileges for cumulative disciplinary convictions.
As stated in Section III.C.2 and 3, consecutive terms of loss of
recreation privileges shall not exceed 30 days when imposed on
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security detention offenders and shall not exceed 90 days when
imposed on death row offenders. One term of loss of recreation
privileges may not exceed 15 days for offenders in security
detention or death row. When loss of recreation privileges are
imposed on offenders in security detention, the offenders shall
be allowed out-of-cell physical recreation for a one-hour period
every seven days. When consecutive terms of loss of recreation
privileges is imposed on death row offenders, they will be
allowed out-of-cell physical recreation for a one-hour period
every seven days.
(2) Commissary purchases - Except legal and correspondence
materials and hygiene items, which include toothbrushes,
toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and feminine hygiene
items. (1-45 days)
(3) Television.
(4) Personal property - Except any type of correspondence, to
include legal and correspondence materials; hygiene items,
which include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo,
soap, and feminine hygiene items; and religious literature or
items, such as a prayer rug or shawl.
(5) Other leisure activities - Except craft privileges. Craft
privileges may be administratively suspended by the warden or
designee.
(6) Suspension of Offender Telephone System (OTS) privileges. (1-
45 days)
d. Cell restriction not to exceed 45 days per disciplinary case.
(1) Offenders may receive consecutive terms of cell restriction for
cumulative disciplinary convictions. At no time shall cell
restriction exceed a total of 90 days from the date of the most
recent disciplinary conviction as the result of cumulative
disciplinary convictions.
(2) Security Detention. As stated in Section III.C, consecutive terms
of cell restriction shall not exceed 30 days when imposed on
security detention offenders or 90 days when imposed on death
row offenders. One term of cell restriction may not exceed 15
days for offenders assigned to security detention or death row.
Cell restriction for death row offenders will be a major penalty
if imposed pursuant to a major disciplinary hearing. See Section
III.C for further procedural requirements relating to assessment
of cell restriction for death row and security detention offenders.
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(3) Offenders restricted to the cell shall not leave the cell except
for:
(a) Medical reasons;
(b) Treatment programs;
(c) Showers;
(d) Meals;
(e) Law library visits during non-work hours only;
(f) Work;
(g) Educational or vocational school or training;
(h) To attend religious activities held in the chapel or area
designated as the chapel; and
(i) Contact and noncontact visits.
(4) Cell restriction does not involve restrictions on correspondence.
(5) The offender shall not be allowed recreation, except for out-of-
cell recreation for a one-hour period every seven days as
follows:
(a) When an offender in the general population serves more
than 45 continuous days of cell restriction as a penalty
resulting from a major disciplinary hearing;
(b) When cell restriction is imposed on an offender in
security detention; or
(c) When consecutive terms of cell restriction are imposed
on death row offenders.
(6) Specific guidelines for the management of general population
offenders assessed cell restriction are outlined in AD-03.70
“Cell Restriction for General Population Offenders.”
e. Suspension of contact visitation privileges for a minimum of one visit
and a maximum of four months.
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2. Major Penalties
a. Prisons
(1) Reduction in class. Reduction in class from SAT II to SAT III is
not a disciplinary penalty. These time earning classes earn the
same amount of good conduct time each month.
(2) Forfeiture or suspension of good conduct time.
(3) Retention in Line Class III.
(4) Commissary purchases – Except legal and correspondence
materials and hygiene items, which include a toothbrush,
toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and feminine hygiene
items. (46-60 days, not to exceed 120 days total)
(5) Suspension of OTS privileges. (46-60 days, not to exceed 120
days total)
(6) Suspension of contact visitation privileges (minimum of four
months and maximum of six months)
b. State Jails
(1) Commissary purchases – Except legal and correspondence
materials and hygiene items, which include a toothbrush,
toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and feminine hygiene
items. (46-60 days, not to exceed 120 days total)
(2) Suspension of OTS privileges. (46-60 days, not to exceed 120
days total)
(3) Suspension of contact visitation privileges (minimum of four
months and maximum of six months)
B. The following guidelines are intended to assist the DHO in arriving at fair and
appropriate sentences for offenders found guilty of a disciplinary violation.
1. All disciplinary offenses have been assigned a level of seriousness. Each level
carries maximum penalties that cannot be exceeded for that particular offense
(see Section XIV.A). The penalties shall not exceed the established
maximums.
2. The DHO shall take into consideration the following factors. It is imperative
for the DHO to be as specific as possible when detailing the reasons for a
particular penalty on the disciplinary hearing record. The following are factors
to be considered but must be elaborated on to be case or offender specific.
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a. Nature and seriousness of the offense(s);
b. Extent of injury to persons or damage to property caused by the
offense(s);
c. Offender’s disciplinary record, including prior Disciplinary Reports for
the same or similar offenses;
d. Period of time since last rule violation; and
e. Penalties given to other offenders for the same or similar violations.
3. If an offender is charged with multiple offenses, the offender shall not be
penalized separately for each offense unless the offenses are separate and
distinct incidents. Specifically, an offender shall not be penalized for a lesser-
included offense, which is defined in Section IX.A.
VIII. Special Procedures Regarding Certain Charges
A. Offenders Who Refuse to Work
An offender who refuses to work may be prohibited from participating in non-
programmatic and recreational activity for as long as the offender refuses to work or
three days, whichever is less, when the offender has not yet received a disciplinary
hearing. Additionally, the offender can be charged with a disciplinary offense (Level
2 - Code 25 Refusal to Work) and, upon a finding of guilt, be subject to the penalties
outlined in Section III.B or VII.A. An offender who continues to refuse to work shall
be subject to progressive disciplinary measures. Specific guidelines for the
management of offenders who refuse to work are outlined AD-03.70, “Cell Restriction
for General Population Offenders.”
B. Offenders Who Refuse to Groom, Refuse to Accept Housing Assignments, Engage in
Sexual Abuse, Sexual Misconduct, or Are Out of Place
Offenders who refuse to comply with grooming standards, such as male offenders who
refuse to shave or get a haircut or offenders who have extreme haircuts or extreme
hairstyles, refuse to accept housing assignments, engage in sexual misconduct, or are
out of place are subject to penalties outlined in Section III.B or VII.A. At such time as
the offender expresses a willingness to voluntarily shave or get a haircut, the offender
shall be given the opportunity to do so. The offender’s compliance with the grooming
standards shall be taken into consideration by the warden or assistant warden when
deciding to remove or modify the penalty. The applicable guidelines are outlined in
AD-03.83, “Offenders Who Refuse to Comply with Grooming Standards.” Specific
guidelines for the management of general population offenders who refuse to groom,
refuse to accept housing assignments, engage in sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or
are out of place are outlined in AD-03.70, “Cell Restriction for General Population
Offenders.”
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C. Destruction of State Property
An offender who intentionally damages or destroys state property may be charged
with a major offense (Level 2 - Code 18 Damaging or Destroying Property). Upon a
finding of guilt by the DHO, the offender shall be subject to the penalties outlined in
Section VII.A. Additionally, the TDCJ may seize the contents of the offender’s
Inmate Trust Fund (ITF) account to recover monetary damages assessed. Specific
guidance for processing this charge is provided in AD-14.61, “Offenders Who
Intentionally Damage or Destroy State Property.”
IX. Lesser-Included Offenses
A. If an offender is charged with multiple offenses, the offender shall not be penalized
separately for each offense unless the offenses are separate and distinct incidents. If an
offender is found guilty of multiple offenses that are separate and distinct incidents,
for example, possession of contraband and striking a correctional officer, both arising
from a cell search, penalties may be imposed consecutively.
If an offender receives a penalty for a more serious offense, the offender cannot also
be penalized for the lesser-included offense, which is defined as follows:
When it is impossible to commit a particular offense without, at the same time and by
the same conduct, committing a less serious offense, the latter is a lesser-included
offense. For example, possession of contraband is a lesser-included offense of the
possession of contraband for planning escape if the two charges involve the same
items of contraband.
When the DHO determines that a lesser-included offense more accurately represents
the offender’s conduct and culpability, the DHO may find the offender guilty of the
lesser-included offense instead of the more serious offense, without further notice and
hearing.
B. A single disciplinary hearing may be held regarding multiple offenses reported on a
single Disciplinary Report. A separate disciplinary hearing shall be conducted for
separate Disciplinary Reports, but these hearings may be conducted consecutively.
C. The minor DHO, in the event of a minor disciplinary hearing, and the DHO for a
major disciplinary hearing, may change the charge on a Disciplinary Report at the time
of the hearing. If the charge is changed, the accused offender shall be given an
additional 24 hours to prepare for the disciplinary hearing unless the new charge is a
lesser-included offense of the original charge.
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X. Remission of Penalty
Remission of penalty shall not change the formal written record of penalties assessed, but
merely modify the full imposition of those penalties. The warden or designee may lift the
penalty at any time during the penalty when any of the following penalties or combinations
thereof are imposed:
A. Cell restriction;
B. Loss of privileges; and
C. Extra duty.
XI. Post-Hearing Procedures
A. Appeals
At the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing, the DHO shall inform the offender of the
right and method to appeal the decision by using the offender grievance procedure. If
the offender requests the appropriate forms (I-127 or I-128), the DHO shall make the
forms available at that time.
B. Recordings
1. The offender shall have access to listen to the recording of the disciplinary
hearing to assist in preparing an appeal. Only the portion of the recording
when the offender was excluded from the disciplinary hearing for security
reasons may be excluded from the offender’s review. If, after the offender has
been transferred to a new unit of assignment, the offender requests access to
the recording of the disciplinary hearing, a duplicate recording shall be
forwarded to the offender’s new unit of assignment.
2. If the offender requests in the appeal, the recording shall be made available to
the appropriate reviewing authority. The reviewing authority shall listen to the
recording before deciding the appeal.
3. The DHO is the designated custodian of the disciplinary hearing recordings.
C. Grounds for Appeal
There are three basic grounds for appeal.
1. First, the offender may argue that one or more procedural rights were violated,
such as the offender did not receive notice of the charge at least 24 hours prior
to the disciplinary hearing or the offender or counsel substitute was not
allowed to question witnesses.
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2. Second, the offender may argue there was insufficient evidence to substantiate
a finding of guilt. A finding of guilt by the DHO shall be based upon a
preponderance of the credible evidence presented at the disciplinary hearing.
3. Finally, the offender may argue that the penalty imposed by the DHO was too
severe.
XII. Disciplinary Hearings in Absentia
In certain situations when the accused offender is physically incapable of participating in the
disciplinary hearing, for example, when an offender has escaped, left the TDCJ on an
extended bench warrant, or is in a free world hospital receiving medical care, notwithstanding
procedural deadlines that might otherwise apply, the offender may be charged and a
disciplinary hearing held in the physical absence of the offender. In any event, a counsel
substitute shall be assigned and given reasonable opportunity to attempt to contact the
offender and prepare for the disciplinary hearing. Upon the offender’s return, the offender
shall be advised of the charge(s) and the results of the disciplinary hearing. If the offender
should become available at any time during the present sentence, the offender may request
and obtain a rehearing during which the DHO shall reconsider guilt and penalty. However,
such rehearing shall occur without recharging the offender.
XIII. Rehearings
A. Applicability
An offender who successfully appealed a disciplinary conviction may be served with
notice of a rehearing if at the initial disciplinary hearing the offender was timely
served with notice of the charge and a disciplinary hearing was timely conducted. A
rehearing may not be conducted on an overturned disciplinary conviction for which an
offender did not receive either notice of the charge or a disciplinary hearing was not
conducted within the established time limits.
B. Time Limits
Time limits established in this rulebook apply for rehearing procedures except for the
time limit regarding notice of charges. Notice of the charge for a rehearing shall be
served within 30 days from the date the appeal was granted, unless an extension is
properly obtained.
C. Evidence
Any evidence presented at the initial disciplinary hearing may be presented again at
the rehearing. However, if a disciplinary action was overturned due to insufficient
evidence, some additional evidence must be considered at the rehearing to render a
finding of guilt.
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D. Penalties
1. Penalties imposed as a result of a rehearing shall not exceed that imposed at the
initial disciplinary hearing, unless additional evidence is presented at the
rehearing that was not presented or available at the initial hearing and the
additional evidence justifies an increased penalty.
2. Penalties imposed at a rehearing involving loss of good conduct time or time
earning class shall be made effective from the date of the disciplinary
infraction. This procedure applies to offenders assigned to prisons.
XIV. TDCJ Disciplinary Offenses
The following disciplinary offenses represent violations of the TDCJ offender rules. A
violation of these rules may consist of engaging, attempting to engage in, or conspiring to
engage in specified behavior or aiding others in engaging, attempting to engage in, or
conspiring to engage in specified behavior.
A. Offense Level Category – Prisons
1. Disciplinary offenses are categorized according to the severity of the maximum
penalty that may be imposed for that offense. Time earning classes are
categorized according to the amount of good conduct time earned each month.
All classes that earn the same number of days of good conduct time each
month constitute a single time earning class.
The maximum penalties are grouped in three levels as follows:
a. Level 1: No limit on loss of good conduct time or reduction in time
earning class for specified offenses listed as 0-All on the Good Time
Loss Limits chart.
Offenses with Range Limits on the Good Time Loss Limits Chart: An
offender may be reduced by no more than two levels in time earning
class for subsequent violations based on the offender’s past one-year
disciplinary history.
b. Level 2 Offenses with Range Limits on the Good Time Loss Limits
Chart: An offender may be reduced no more than two levels in time
earning class for subsequent violations based on the offender’s past 180
days disciplinary history.
c. Level 3 Offenses with Range Limits on the Good Time Loss Limits
Chart: An offender may be reduced by no more than one level in time
earning status based on the offender’s past 180 days disciplinary
history.
2. To assess a penalty of loss of good conduct time, an offender shall be reduced
to Line Class I or below.
GR-106 August 2019
B. Offenders Participating in Treatment Programs
Disciplinary offense codes 1-14, 17, 20, 21, 22, and 25.2 listed below will usually
result in an offender’s removal from the treatment program; however, offenders
participating in a sex offender rehabilitation program shall not be removed from the
treatment program but shall be subject to progressive sanctions in accordance with the
Sex Offender Rehabilitation Programs policies and procedures. Additionally, a pattern
of multiple or repeated less serious offenses may also result in removal from the
program.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment A
GR-106 August 2019
LEVEL 1 OFFENSES
1.0
Escape
Intentionally committing an overt act resulting in the unauthorized departure from custody or
failure to return to custody following an authorized temporary leave, including unauthorized
departure from a work assignment or the extended limits of a unit.
1.1
Attempted escape
Intentionally or knowingly attempting to commit
an overt act that would result in the
unauthorized departure from custody, including possession of contraband intended to be used in
attempting to escape.
2.0
(Offense code is idle and used only for definitions of terms below.) Definitions of terms below: a
weapon is any instrument used for the purpose of inflicting physical injury on another person; a
serious injury is any injury that requires treatment beyond first aid, as determined by unit medical
staff; and a non-serious injury is any injury that requires treatment up to first aid, as determined
by unit medical staff.
2.1
Fighting or assaulting an offender with a weapon that results in a non-serious injury or no
injury
2.2
Fighting or assaulting an offender with a weapon that results in a serious injury
2.3
Fighting or assaulting an offender without a weapon that results in a serious injury
3.0
(Offense code is idle and used only for definitions of terms below.) Definitions of terms below: a
weapon is any instrument used for the purpose of inflicting physical injury on another person; a
serious injury is any injury that requires treatment beyond first aid, as determined by unit medical
staff; and a non-serious injury is any injury that requires treatment up to first aid, as determined
by unit medical staff.
3.1
Assaulting another person, who is not an offender, with a weapon that results in a non-
serious injury or no injury
3.2
Assaulting another person, who is not an offender, with a weapon that results in a serious
injury
3.3
Assaulting another person, who is not an offender, without a weapon that results in a non-
serious or no injury
3.4
Assaulting another person, who is not an offender, without a weapon that results in a
serious injury
3.5
Exposure to bodily fluids
Causing another person, who is not an offender, to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid,
vaginal fluid, saliva, urine, or feces of the offender, any other person, or an animal.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment A
GR-106 August 2019
4.0
Threatening to inflict harm, physical or otherwise, on another person who is not an
offender
Offenders may not be penalized for threatening to take legally entitled action, such as filing a
grievance or lawsuit.
5.0
Court Prohibited Contact with a Victim
Contacting the offender’s victim or a member of the victim’s family for which the offender is
serving a sentence and the court has included in the judgment and sentence that the offender is
not to contact the victim or a member of the victim’s family. [AD-04.82; Texas Government
Code § 498.0042; Article 42.24 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure]
6.0
Possession of a weapon
A weapon is any instrument that can be used to inflict injury on another person.
7.0
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse of an offender by another offender includes any of the following acts, if the victim
does not consent, is coerced into such act by overt or implied threats of violence, or is unable to
consent or refuse:
a. Contact between the penis and vulva or the penis and anus, including penetration, however
slight;
b. Contact between the mouth and the penis, vulva, or anus; or
c. Penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person, however slight, by a hand,
finger, object, or other instrument.
8.0
Riot
When two or more offenders participate in conduct that creates danger of damage to property or
injury to persons and substantially obstructs the performance of unit operations.
9.0
Defeating mechanical restraints or defeating a secure cell
Intentionally slipping out of restraint devices, such as handcuffs or leg irons, or gaining exit
from a secure cell.
10.0
Act defined as a felony by laws of the state of Texas or the United States
Specific reference shall be made in the Disciplinary Report to the statute in question.
10.1
Unauthorized contact with a victim
Contacting without authorization the offender’s victim or member of the victim’s family, if the
victim was under the age of 17 at the time of the offense for which the offender is serving a
sentence. [AD-04.82; Texas Government Code § 498.0042]
10.2
Possession of a certain amount of contraband
(a) Money ($20 or more); or (b) Tobacco (20 cigarettes or 0.6 ounces or more).
10.3
Unauthorized contact with a victim by a sex offender [AD-04.82; Texas Penal Code
§ 38.111]
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment A
GR-106 August 2019
12.0
Use or possession of marijuana or an unauthorized controlled substance or associated
paraphernalia, and/or use, possession, distilling, or brewing any alcoholic beverage
A controlled substance is a drug or chemical for which the manufacturing, possession, or use is
prohibited by the TDCJ. This includes alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines,
cannabinoids, cocaine, inhalants, opiates, phencyclidine, and other substances
as defined in
Texas Health and Safety Code §§ 481.102-.105. Paraphernali
a includes any apparatus,
equipment, material, or product used to ingest, inhale, or inject a controlled substance.
12.1
Refusal to submit to urinalysis
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment B
GR-106 August 2019
LEVEL 2 OFFENSES
1.4
Threatening to escape
Expressing an intention to escape from custody.
2.4
Assaulting an offender without a weapon that results in a non-serious injury or no injury
Victim of assault should be clearly identified as a non-participant in the incident.
5.1
Extortion of money
Appropriation of currency by coercion, violence, or threats of violence.
5.2
Extortion of property
Appropriation of property by coercion, violence, or threats of violence.
5.3
Extortion
Demanding the performance of an action by coercion, violence, or threats of violence.
11.0
Act defined as a misdemeanor by laws of the State of Texas or the United States
Specific reference shall be made in the Disciplinary Report to the statute in question.
12.2
Use or possession of unauthorized prescription drugs
Any medication that can be obtained only by a physician’s prescription.
13.0
Offense moved to Level 1 under 12.0
14.0
Use or possession of any intoxicating inhalants
15.0
Offense moved to Level 3.
15.1
Offense moved to Level 3.
15.2
Physical possession of or use of personal items or personal information about another,
gathered by means from a work program operated by the TDCJ
15.3
Offense moved to Level 3.
16.0
Possession of contraband
For the purpose of these rules, contraband is:
a. Any item not allowed when the offender arrived at the TDCJ, not given or assigned to an
offender by the TDCJ, and not bought by an offender for their use from the commissary;
b. Any item changed from its original condition if the change jeopardizes institutional safety or
security;
c. Any item which, in the judgment of TDCJ staff, unreasonably hinders the safe and effective
operation of the unit;
d. Any item possessed in excess of the amounts authorized;
e. Any item received or sent through the mail that is not approved in accordance with the
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment B
GR-106 August 2019
TDCJ or facility correspondence rules; and
f. Anything an offender is not supposed to have, including:
(1) Money (less than $20);
(2) Items used for gambling, such as dice and playing cards;
(3) Books, magazines, or newspapers that are not approved for an offender to have;
(4) Clothes that are not approved for an offender to have; and
(5) Handcuffs or other items used for restraining offenders, including keys.
16.1
Use or possession of tobacco products
Consists of all items such as cigars, cigarettes, snuff,
or similar goods prepared for smoking,
chewing, dipping, or other such personal use, including matchers or lighters.
16.2
Use or possession of tattooing paraphernalia or possession of an undocumented or un-
inventoried tattoo
17.0
Stealing
Intentionally taking state property or property belonging to another person.
18.0
Damaging or destroying property
Intentionally damaging or destroying state property or property belonging to another person.
18.1
Unauthorized use of state property
18.2
Tampering with a locking mechanism or a food tray slot
Obstructing, jamming, or interfering with the operation of a locking mechanism or a food tray
slot.
18.3
Offense moved to Level 3.
19.0
Offense moved to Level 3.
20.0
Sexual misconduct
Masturbating in such a way that others become aware the of the offender’s conduct, exposing an
offender’s anus or any part of the offender’s genitals with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual
desire of any person, or sexual conduct involving physical contact, such as kissing.
20.1
Discourteous conduct of a sexual nature
Spoken or written words or actions of a sexual nature toward any non-offender that a reasonable
person would find offensive.
20.2
Abusive Sexual Contact
Any intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of another offender if the other
offender does not consent, is coerced into such act by overt or implied threats of violence, or is
unable to consent or refuse, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast,
inner thigh, or buttocks,
excluding contact incidental to a physical altercation.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment B
GR-106 August 2019
20.3
Engaging in consensual sexual acts with another offender
Intentional contact between the genitals of one offender and the genitals, mouth, anus, or hands
of another offender with the consent of both participants.
20.4
Sexual Harassment
Repeated and unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal comments,
gestures, or actions of a derogatory or offensive sexual nature by an offender towards another
offender.
21.0
Fighting an offender without a weapon that results in non-serious injury or no injury
(injury that requires treatment up to first aid, as determined by medical staff)
22.0
Offense moved to Level 3.
23.0
Creating a disturbance
Any act or activity resulting in a significant disruption of institutional operations or breach of
security.
24.0
Refusing or failing to obey orders
Noncompliance with a legitimate order from a staff member.
24.1
Offense moved to Level 3.
24.2
Refusing to accept a housing assignment
Noncompliance with a legitimate order to accept a housing assignment, including
refusing to
accept the current housing assi
gnment when another offender is assigned to live in the same
cell.
24.3
Refusing to submit to a DNA specimen collection
Refusal or failure to provide a blood or tissue sample for creating a DNA record.
24.4
Refusing to submit to HIV testing
Refusal or failure to submit to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing.
25.0
Refusing to work
a. Refusing or failing to begin a work assignment without a legitimate reason, such as illness;
b. Refusing or failing to complete a work assignment, or obey an order from a work supervisor
to perform a certain task, without a legitimate reason, such as illness;
c. Failure to complete a reasonable amount of an offender’s work assignment withi
n a
reasonable period of time;
d. Sleeping on the job; and
e. Reporting late to work, without a legitimate reason.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment B
GR-106 August 2019
25.1
Refusing to attend school or complete school assignments
a. Refusing to attend an academic or vocational program in which the offender is enrolled,
without a legitimate reason, such as illness;
b. Refusal or failure to complete a school assignment, without a legitimate r
eason, such as
illness;
c. Sleeping in school; and
d. Reporting late to school, without a legitimate reason.
25.2
Refusing to attend or participate in a required treatment program
A required treatment program is any program that offenders are required
to attend and
participate such as the substance abuse treatment program (SATP), including therapeutic
communities:
a. Refusal or failure to attend a required treatment program, without a legitimate reason;
b. Refusal or failure to complete treatment assign
ments, without a legitimate reason, as
instructed by staff; and
c. Reporting late to a required treatment program.
26.0
Recruiting membership in a security threat group or any other group that engages in
criminal or prohibited activity
Coercing, inducing, or soliciting an offender to become a member of or actively participate in
activities of a security threat group or any other group that engages in activity prohibited by
statute or TDCJ rules.
27.0
Out of place
a. In any unauthorized area, such as a cell or wing to which one is not assigned; or
b. Failure to be at a designated area at a specified time, for example, the offender has a lay-in
for a medical appointment but goes to the library instead.
27.1
Walk away
Offender departed without authorization or failed to return from a designated area within a
reasonable amount of time.
29.0
Offense moved to Level 3.
30.0
Soliciting assistance from an offender, staff member, or any other person to violate TDCJ
policies
30.1
Attempting to establish an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, approved
volunteer, or contract employee
Attempting to establish any type of personal relationship with staff or volunteer
s that
jeopardizes or has the potential to jeopardize the security of the TDCJ, or that compromises the
effectiveness of the staff member, volunteer, or contract employee.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment B
GR-106 August 2019
30.2
Establishing an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, approved volunteer, or
contract employee
Establishing or continuing any type of personal relationship with, or soliciting sexual acts from
staff, contract employees, or volunteers that jeopardizes or has the potential to jeopardize the
security of the TDCJ or that compromises the effectiveness of the staff member, volunteer, or
contract employee. Offenders may only be disciplined for engaging in a sexual act or sexual
contact with an employee upon a finding that the employee did not consent to such contact.
37.0
Soliciting money or gifts from an offender, staff member, or any other person for any
purpose or beneficiary
46.0
Offense moved to Level 3.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment C
GR-106 August 2019
LEVEL 3 OFFENSES
15.0
Trafficking and trading
The unauthorized buying, selling, exchange, or transfer of any co
mmodity from any
individual, other than making
authorized purchases from the commissary (evidence may
include an excessive inventory of marketable items). This includes the unauthorized
transfer of money from one offender to another, whether the transfer is direct or indirect.
15.1
Establishing or operating an unauthorized business
The exchange of offender produced goods or services for financial gain to the offender or to
a third party on behalf of the offender, if the activity:
a. Creates a risk to the safety, security, or administration of the TDCJ;
b. Involves the sale of pornographic depictions that would be denied pursuant to the TDCJ
Correspondence Rules if delivered to the TDCJ;
c. Has not been the subject of prior notification to the unit
safe prisons program
coordinator in accordance with the TDCJ Safe Prisons/PREA Plan (the offender failed
to provide such notice);
d. Involves the sale of a depiction, in any med
ium, of a reenactment of any offense of
conviction of the offender; or
e. Involves the sale of tangible property the value of which is increased by the notoriety of
any offense of conviction of the offender.
15.3
Fraud
a. Misrepresentation of personal information about oneself or one’s intentions to an
employee;
b. Use of false information with the intent to harm or defraud another person; or
c. Attempting to, conspiring to, or appropriating currency (funds) or property by deception.
18.3
Failure to maintain possession of TDCJ-issued property
Failing to maintain possession of an item issued to an offender, provided the offender had a
secure place to store the item.
19.0
Gambling
Betting on the outcome of any event, including sporting contests (possession of gambling
paraphernalia maybe sufficient evidence).
22.0
Threatening to inflict harm, physical or otherwise, on another offender
NOTE: Offenders shall not be penalized for taking legally entitled action, such as filing a
grievance or lawsuit.
24.1
Refusing to comply with grooming standards
Offenders who refuse to shave, get a haircut, or who have an extreme haircut or extreme
hairstyle (see the Offender Orientation Handbook
for a description of extreme haircuts;
extreme hairstyle consists of styling one's hair in a manner that is not ordinary, and includes
the changing of hair color without authorization).
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment C
GR-106 August 2019
29.0
Knowingly making false statements for the purpose of harming another person or
during an official investigation
Offenders may not be penalized for filing a grievance or lawsuit, participating in a lawsuit,
or discussing with or writing to others about actual or potential legal action or other forms
of grievance or complaint.
31.0
Self-inflicted bodily injury for secondary gain or threatening to self-inflict bodily
injury
Physical injury to an offender’s body that is self-inflicted or inflicted by othe
rs with the
offender’s permission, assisting another offender in mutilating the offender’s body, or
threatening to self-inflict bodily injury. However, it is not a violation if a mental health
professional determines that the offender’s conduct is the r
esult of a mental health
condition.
32.0
Failing or refusing to respond to a staff member’s question(s)
33.0
Lying to a staff member
35.0
Unauthorized storage of property
Storage of property in an unauthorized manner in accordance with AD-
03.72, “Offender
Property.”
40.0
Abusive treatment of an animal, including carnal relations with an animal
41.0
Creating unnecessary noise
42.0
Use of indecent or vulgar language or gestures in the presence of or directed at an
employee or any person who is not an offender
43.0
Exerting any authority over another offender
Other than authority inherent in the hierarchical structu
re of the therapeutic community
setting prescribed in treatment guidelines and closely supervised by staff. This authority
does not include any form of the following:
a. Administering any penalty or other form of discipline to other offenders;
b. Granting or denying another offender access to any benefit or activity;
c. Controlling the movement or activities of other offenders;
d. Escorting another offender from one place to another, with o
r without a staff member,
except as required by a bona fide emergency;
e. Inventorying, with or without a staff member, another
offender’s property or searching
another offender or another offender’s living area or property;
f. Mailing or distributing another offender’s correspondence;
g. Participating in the taking of any count. (A clerk may record the turnout for the field
force officer);
h. Enforcing TDCJ rules or regulations, except that it shall not be a violation of this rule to
be an officer of an authorized offender organization; or
i. Regularly performing the functions of a janitor without formal assignment to a janitorial
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment C
GR-106 August 2019
job. (This rule applies to offenders assigned to prisons.)
44.0
Safety regulations
a. Failing to wear safety goggles when performing any grinding, chiseling, filing, chipping,
or buffing operation;
b. Failing to wear hearing protection on all work stations designated as high-
noise level
areas;
c. Failing to wear work or safety shoes when required to do so;
d. Continuing to work in an area or on any machinery or equipment deemed unsafe or
improperly guarded by the work supervisor or safety officer;
e. Opera
ting machines or equipment or performing any operation that has not been
specifically assigned;
f. Operating equipment without using the safety guards provided or removing the safety
guards;
g. Unauthorized fabrication or repairing of personal items using state equipment;
h. Riding on the draw bars of farm vehicles;
i. Standing up while riding in moving vehicles or allowing legs to hang o
ver sides of
trailers while moving;
j. Failing to fasten seat belt when operating equipment in which seat belts have been
installed;
k. Riding as a passenger on a tractor or forklift;
l. Operating any vehicle in an unsafe manner;
m. Wearing unauthorized clothing when operating machinery;
n. Not reporting safety hazard(s) to job supervisor;
o. Failing to report job related injury to job supervisor;
p. Failing to report non-work-related injuries to security staff promptly, within 24 hours of
the injury; or
q. Engaging in negligent behavior or in an unsafe act that results in injury.
45.0
Violation of written or posted TDCJ rule not contained in these rules but consistent
with these rules
46.0
Unauthorized contact
Unauthorized physical contact with any person who is not an offender.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment D
I-210 (08/19)
Informal Resolution App?
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
OFFENSE REPORT
Interpreter Required?
MHMR Rest?
PHD
Y N
Y N
Y N
Accusing Officer
Supervisor
Y N
Y N
(1) TDCJ No.
(2) Offender
(3) Unit
(Last Name, First Name)
(4) Housing Assign.
(5) Job Assignment
(6) Offense Level, Code Title
OFFENSE DESCRIPTION
On
at
a.m./p.m., and at
(7) Date
(8) Time
(9) Enter specific location
Offender
TDCJ No.
(10) Additional Information
(Continue on an additional sheet if necessary)
(11) Witnesses
(12) Accusing Officer/Employee
Printed Name and Rank
(13) Signature
(14) Shift/Card
(15) Date
(16) Time
(17) Approving Supervisor
Date
Printed Name
(19) Grading Official
(20) Rank
(21) Date
(Print Name)
(22) Grade (circle one)
IR UP MI MA
(23) Justification to override informal resolution
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment D
I-210 (08/19)
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION REPORT
This report is to be completed on each Offense Report for review by the grading official. The purpose of this report is to obtain any other
pertinent information about the incident prior to grading the Offense Report. The Preliminary Investigation shall not be completed by the
charging officer or a person involved in the incident.
Offender: TDCJ No. 1
Date & Time Investigation started:
__________________________________________________________________
1. ELEMENTS OF CHARGE. Does the offense description support the elements of each charge (the things that had to be done
in order to commit an offense). If “no,” have charging officer add needed information.
Offense Code : Yes [ ] No [ ] Offense Code : Yes [ ] No [ ]
Offense Code : Yes [ ] No [ ] Offense Code : Yes [ ] No [ ]
2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Has the charging officer included supporting information or evidence to supplement the
standardized pleading such as items listed below? (Write “Yes”, “No”, or “NA” [not applicable] by each item).
a. listing other witnesses to the incident,
b. documentary evidence, such as photographs of contraband, etc.
c. additional information about the offense.
3. ACCUSED OFFENDER STATES THAT: (Printed and signed interpreter’s name if applicable):
4. ACCUSING OFFICER states that
5. WITNESS STATEMENTS (List employee or offender name and attach statements to report)
6. DOCUMENTATION. Documents reviewed (lay-ins, appointments, medical records, etc)
[ ] Lay-ins [ ] Roster [ ] Medical Records [ ] Picture [ ] Other (List & attach to report)
Name of Investigating Officer (Print) Rank Date & Time Investigation Completed
7. INFORMAL RESOLUTION was not appropriate or not possible because:
Approving Supervisor’s Printed Name Rank Date
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment E
I-47MI (08/19)
TDCJ DISCIPLINARY REPORT AND HEARING RECORD
CASE NO: TDCJ NO: NAME: EA: _____________
UNIT: HSNG: JOB: IQ: _________________
CLASS CUST: PRIMARY LANGUAGE: MHMR RESTRICTIONS: _____________________
GRADE: / OFF DATE: TIME: LOCATION: ________________________________________________
TYPE: JC / TF / ID / SA
OFFENSE DESCRIPTION
CHARGING OFFICER: SHIFT/CARD: _____________________________________________
OFFENDER NOTIFICATION:
(IF APPLICABLE)
TIME & DATE NOTIFIED: BY:(PRINT) INTERP RETER:________________________
YOU WILL APPEAR BEFORE A DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER 24 HOURS OR MORE AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE.
DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING? YES / NO IF NO, HOW DO YOU PLEAD? GUILTY / NOT GUILTY
OFFENDER NOTIFICATION SIGNATURE: DATE: ____________________________
BY SIGNING BELOW, YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO 24-HOUR NOTICE AND AUTHORIZE THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER
TO PROCEED WITH THE HEARING.
OFFENDER WAIVER SIGNATURE: DATE: __________________________
DISCIPLINARY HEARING INFORMATION
HEARING DATE: TIME: INTERPRETER SIGNATURE: ________________________________________________________
EXPLAIN BELOW IF DISCIPLINARY HEARING WAS NOT HELD WITHIN SEVEN DAYS, EXCLUDING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS
AFTER THE OFFENSE DATE:
OFFENDER STATEMENT:
OFFENSE CODES: | | | | |
OFFENDER PLEA: (G, NG, NONE) | | | | |
FINDINGS: (G, NG, DS) | | | | |
PENALTY
LOSS OF PRIV (DAYS)
REPRIMAND
*COMMISSARY (DAYS)
CONT. VISIT SUSP. THRU
/ /
*PROPERTY (DAYS)
CELL RESTR(DAYS)
OFFENDER SIGNATURE FOR RECEIPT OF FINAL REPORT: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
HEARING OFFICER (PRINT) WARDEN
CONTACT A STAFF MEMBER, IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS FORM.
COMUNIQUESE CON SU CONSE JERO SUSTITUTO SI NO ENTIENDE ESTA FORMA.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment F
I-47 MA (08/19)
TDCJ DISCIPLINARY REPORT AND HEARING RECORD
CASE NO: TDCJ NO: NAME: EA: _____________
UNIT: HSNG: JOB: IQ: _________________
CLASS CUST: PRIMARY LANGUAGE: MHMR RESTRICTIONS: _____________________
GRADE: / OFF DATE: TIME: LOCATION: ________________________________________________
TYPE: JC / TF / ID / SA
OFFENSE DESCRIPTION
CHARGING OFFICER: SHIFT/CARD: _____________________________________________
OFFENDER NOTIFICATION:
(IF APPLICABLE)
TIME & DATE NOTIFIED: BY:(PRINT) INTERP RETER:________________________
YOU WILL APPEAR BEFORE A DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER 24 HOURS OR MORE AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE.
DO YOU WANT TO ATTEND THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING? YES / NO IF NO, HOW DO YOU PLEAD? GUILTY / NOT GUILTY
OFFENDER NOTIFICATION SIGNATURE: DATE: __________________________
BY SIGNING BELOW, YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO 24-HOUR NOTICE AND AUTHORIZE THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER
TO PROCEED WITH THE HEARING.
OFFENDER WAIVER SIGNATURE: DATE:____________________________
DISCIPLINARY HEARING INFORMATION
HEARING DATE: TIME: UNIT: . FOLDER NO: FILE NO: .
COUNSEL SUBSTITUTE AT HEARING: ______ FOLDER NO: ________ FILE NO: .
EXPLAIN BELOW BY NUMBER: (1) IF COUNSEL SUBSTITUTE WAS NOT PRESENT DURING PART OF THE HEARING,(2) IF
ACCUSED OFFENDER WAS CONFINED IN PRE-HEARING DETENTION MORE THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO HEARING, (3) IF
ACCUSED OFFENDER
WAS EXCLUDED FROM ANY PART OF THE EVIDENCE STAGE, (4) IF ANY WITNESSES OR (5)
DOCUMENTATION WAS EXCLUDED FROM HEARING, (6) IF OFFENDER WAS DENIED CONFRONTATION AND/OR CROSS-
EXAMINATION OF A WITNESS AT THE HEARING (7) IF HEARING NOT HELD WITHIN SEVEN DAYS, EXCLUDING WEEKENDS
AND HOLIDAYS, FROM THE OFFENSE DATE AND (8) IF INTERPETER USED: (SIGNATURE)
_______________________________________________________________
OFFENDER STATEMENT:
OFFENSE CODES: | | | | |
OFFENDER PLEA: (G, NG, NONE) | | | | |
FINDINGS: (G, NG, DS) | | | | |
REDUCED TO MINOR (PRIOR TO DOCKET) ___ (DOCKET) ___ (HEARING___ BY: (INITIAL) _______
IF GUILTY, EVIDENCE PRESENTED, CONSIDERED, AND REASON(S) FOR DETERMINATION OF GUILT: A) ADMISSION OF GUILT,
B) OFFICER’S REPORT, C) WITNESS TESTIMONY, D) OTHER. EXPLAIN IN DETAIL:
PENALTY
LOSS OF PRIV (DAYS)
REPRIMAND
*RECREATION (DAYS)
EXTRA DUTY (HOURS)
REMAIN LINE III
*COMMISSARY (DAYS)
CONT. VISIT SUSP. THRU
/ /
REDUC. CLASS FROM
TO
*PROPERTY (DAYS)
CELL RESTR(DAYS)
GOOD TIME LOST(DAYS)
*
OTS
(DAYS)
SPECIAL CELL RESTR (DAYS)
DAMAGES $
SPECIFIC FACTUAL REASON(S) FOR PARTICULAR PENALTY IMPOSED:
CREDIT FOR PRE-HEARING DETENTION TIME? YES (DAYS) ______NO/ NA DISCIPLINARY HEARING LENGTH _____ (MINUTES)
DATE PLACED IN PRE-HEARING DETENTION __________
OFFENDER SIGNATURE FOR RECEIPT OF FINAL REPORT: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________________________
HEARING OFFICER (PRINT) WARDEN REVIEWER SIGNATURE
CONTACT COUNSEL SUBSTITUTE, IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS FORM.
COMUNIQUESE CON SU CONSE JERO SUSTITUTO SI NO ENTIENDE ESTA FORMA.
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment G
(08/19)
MAJOR DISCIPLINARY HEARING SCRIPT
OFFENDER PRESENT AND REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL SUBSTITUTE
A. OPENING STAGE
The purpose of this disciplinary hearing is to treat the matter before me with fundamental fairness and arrive at a just decision. All
parties must conduct themselves properly. Failure to do so will result in removal.
B. HEARING IDENTIFICATION STAGE
Offender, state your name and number__________. My name is Captain _________, Disciplinary Hearing Officer for the
___________ Unit. This is the disciplinary hearing of Offender (state offender’s name and TDCJ number), being recorded at
(time) on the (date) day of (month), 20__. Offender _____________ is being represented by Counsel Substitute_______________.
C. ADMONITION STAGE
Counsel Substitute_________, are you and the accused ready to proceed?
Offender_________, Disciplinary Report No.______, alleges that (Read offense report).
1. Do you understand these charges? Yes or No.
2. Did you receive a copy of these charges on (state date and time of notice)? Yes or No.
The following is said only if the offender waives right to 24-hour notice of charges: This is to advise you that you have a right
to 24 hours from the time you were notified of the charges to the time this hearing can begin. Do you want to give up this right
and proceed now with this disciplinary hearing? Yes or No.
3. At the time of notification, did a counsel substitute advise you of your right at this hearing to present documentary evidence and
to have witnesses testify, including the charging officer? Yes or No.
4. Do you understand that through your counsel substitute you may ask questions of any witness testifying against you? Yes or
No.
5. Have you had the opportunity to discuss fully with your counsel substitute the evidence you wish to present at this hearing and
give them your statement as to what took place? Yes or No.
D. PLEA STAGE
Offender_________, how do you plead? (to charges 1,2,3,4). Guilty, Not Guilty or None.
E. DEFENSE STAGE
We will now receive evidence on behalf of the accused.
1. Offender_________, do you wish to make a statement on your behalf? Yes or No.
2. Counsel Substitute , please call the offender’s witnesses and present documentary evidence.
a. The counsel substitute calls and questions each of the accused offender’s witnesses. The DHO has the opportunity to ask
witnesses any questions.
b. The counsel substitute introduces any documentary evidence on the accused offender’s behalf.
3. Do either of you (counsel substitute or offender) wish to call any other witnesses or present any additional documentary
evidence. Yes or No.
F. PROSECUTION STAGE
We will now receive evidence to support the charge(s) against Offender_________.
1. Disciplinary Report No._________, which was read at the beginning of the hearing will be considered as evidence against you.
2. The DHO calls any witnesses including the charging officer. (Is the report true and correct? Please give us a brief description
of the incident). The DHO gives the counsel substitute the opportunity to question any witness including the charging officer.
3. The DHO introduces any documentary evidence against the accused.
G. ARGUMENT STAGE
The counsel substitute is given the opportunity to make a statement on the offender’s behalf. (Summation/mitigation)
H. CLOSING STAGE
1. I have heard the charge and provided an opportunity for the accused to make a statement, present evidence, and call witnesses
on their behalf. I have also considered evidence and witnesses against the accused. I will now recess this hearing to arrive at a
decision.
2. Offender_________, I find you (Guilty or Not Guilty) of the charges brought against you.
3. The evidence relied upon to reach this decision was: __________.
4. Your penalty will be: _________.
5. The penalty is given because: _________.
Here is a copy of the record of the hearing. You have the right to appeal my decision with respect to the determination of guilt and
the penalty imposed, within 15 days of this hearing. You may appeal the decision by filing an I-127 with the warden. If you are
dissatisfied with his/her response, you may then file an I-128 at Step 2. Your counsel substitute will assist you in the appeals
process if you need or request their assistance. You are dismissed and this disciplinary hearing is concluded.
GOOD-TIME LOSS LIMITS
August 2019
Disciplinary Rules and Procedures for Offenders
Attachment H
1st 2nd 3rd
4th &
1st 2nd 3rd
4th &
1st 2nd 3rd
4th &
MA MA MA
Subsequent
Majors
MA MA MA
Subsequent
Majors
MA MA MA
Subsequent Majors
1.0 Escape 1.4
Threatening to Escape 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
15.0
Trafficking and Trading 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
1.1 Attempt to escape
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All 2.4
Assaulting an offender without a weapon, which
results in a non-serious injury, or no injury.
0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730 15.1
Establishing or Operating an
Unauthorized Business
0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
2.0 IDLE 5.1
Extortion of money 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
15.3
Fraud 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
2.1
Assault on Offender w/wpn - Non-Serious
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
5.2
Extortion of property 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
18.3
Failure to maintain TDCJ property 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
2.2
Assault on Offender w/wpn - Serious
5.3
Extortion 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
19.0
Gambling 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
2.3
Assault on Offender w/o wpn - Serious
0-All
11.0
Misdemeanor (Cite Statute) 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
22.0
Threatening an Offender 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.0 IDLE
Use or possession of unauthorized
24.1
Refuse to comply w/grooming standards 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.1
Assault on another person, not offender w/wpn - Non-Serious
prescription drugs
29.0
Making false statements 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.2
Assault on another person, not offender w/wpn - Serious
14.0
Use or Possession of Intoxicating Inhalants 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
31.0
Self inflicted bodily injury 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.3
Assault on another person, not offender w/o wpn - Non-Serious
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
32.0
Refuse to respond to questions 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.4
Assault on another person, not offender w/o wpn - Serious
33.0
Lying 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
3.5 Exposure to body fluids
0-365
0-730 0-1095 0-All 16.0
Contraband 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
35.0
Unauthorized storage of property 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
4.0 Threatening to Inflict Harm on an Officer
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All 16.1
Use or possession of tobacco products 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
40.0
Abusive treatment of an animal 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
5.0
Court Prohibited Contact With a Victim
O-All
16.2
Possession of tattooing paraphernalia 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
42.0
Indecent or vulgar language or gestures 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
6.0 Possession of a weapon
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
17.0
Stealing 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
43.0
Exerting authority over another Offender 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
7.0 Sexual Abuse 18.0
Damaging or destroying property 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
44.0
Violation of safety regulations 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
8.0 Riot
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
18.1
Unauthorized use of TDCJ property 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
45.0
Violation of written/posted rule 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
9.0 Defeating mechanical restraints
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
18.2
Tampering with a locking mechanism 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
46.0
Unauthorized Contact 0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
10.0 Felony (Cite Statute) 20.0
Sexual Misconduct 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
10.1 Unauthorized contact with victim
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
20.1
Discourteous conduct of a sexual nature 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
20.2
Abusive sexual contact 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
10.3
Unauthorized contact with a victim by a sex offender
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All 20.4 Sexual Harassment 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
12.0
Use or possession of marijuana or an unauthorized controlled substance or
associated paraphernalia, and use, possession, distilling, or brewing of alcohol
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All 21.0 Fighting wihout a weapon - Non-Serious 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
12.1
Refusal to Submit to Urinalysis
0-365
0-730 0-1,095 0-All
23.0
Creating a Disturbance 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
1. Past 180 days disciplinary history
24.0
Refusing to obey orders 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
2. Based on number of major cases
24.2
Refuse to accept housing assignment 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
3. Seriousness of offense
24.3
Refuse DNA specimen collection 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
a. Damage to property
24.4
Refuse HIV testing 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
b. Threat to safety of others
25.0
Refuse to work 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
c. Threat to safety of unit
25.1
Refuse to attend school 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
d. Threat to order of unit
25.2
Refuse to attend treatment program 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
26.0
Recruiting membership in a STG 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
27.0
Out of Place 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
27.1
Walk-away 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
30.0
Soliciting a person to violate policies 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
30.1
Attempting inappropriate relationship with staff
0-15 0-30 0-45 0-60
30.2 Establish inappropriate relationship with staff 0-90 0-180 0-365 0-730
37.0 Soliciting money or gifts 0-30 0-45 0-60 0-120
Criteria:
1. Past 180 days disciplinary history
2. Based on number of major cases
3. Seriousness of offense
a. Damage to property
b. Threat to safety of others
c. Threat to safety of unit
d. Threat to order of unit
4. Penalties given to other offenders for similar violations
5. Good-time loss range limit may not be exceeded.
6. Level 2 Offenses - Offenders may be reduced no more than two levels in time-earning class.
Criteria:
4. Penalties given to other offenders for similar violations
5. Good-time loss range limit may not be exceeded
6. Level 3 Offenses –
Offenders may be reduced no more than one level in time-earning class
12.2
0-All
0-All
0-All
10.2
NA
0-All
Offense Offense
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
0-All
0-730
0-1,095
0-All
Offense
0-All
NA
0-365
Possession of a certain amount of contraband (a) money ($20 or more), (b)
tobacco (20 cigarettes or 0.6 oz. or more)
0-All
15.2
20.3
Engaging in consensual sex with another
offender
0-30
0-45
0-60
0-120
Physical Possession of and/or Use of Personal
Information
0-30
0-45
0-60
0-120
0-90
0-180
0-365
0-730
Criteria
1. Past 12 months (1 yr.) disciplinary history
2. Based on number of major cases for Level 1 offenses
3. Seriousness of offense
a. Damage to property
b. Threat to safety of others
c. Threat to safety of unit
d. Threat to order of unit
4. Penalties given to other offenders for similar violations
5. Good time loss range limits for Level 1 offenses may be exceeded whenever "exceptional circumstances" arise
a. 0-All - any time taken over 1,000 days notify the regional director prior to taking time.
b. Range limits- Anything over limit notify the regional director; if concur, forward to the deputy director of
Prison and Jail Operations prior to taking time
6. Level 1 Offenses- Offenders may be reduced no more than two levels in time-earning class.
ODC August 2019