Escapes and RescuesEscapes
Section § 4530
This law talks about what happens if a prisoner tries to escape or does escape. If an inmate uses force or violence to escape or tries to escape while in prison, being transported, or while working outside the prison, they face an additional 2, 4, or 6 years in prison. This extra time starts after they finish their original sentence, and no extra probation report is needed.
If an inmate escapes or tries to escape without using force, the added prison time is 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, which will be served one after the other. Again, no extra probation report is needed.
There’s also a rule for inmates out on temporary release to work or study—if they don’t return in time, it’s considered an escape. If this kind of escape happens without force, it won’t count as a prior felony if they are involved in another criminal case later.
Section § 4532
This law outlines the consequences for prisoners who escape or try to escape from custody or confinement. It addresses various scenarios, like those arrested for misdemeanors, felonies, or involved in programs like work furlough or home detention.
If someone escapes without using force or violence, they face different penalties than if they do use force or violence. Escaping non-violently might lead to a year and a day in state prison or up to a year in county jail, while violent escapes can result in longer prison sentences of two, four, or six years.
The statute also mentions different treatment for inmates in alternative custody programs, who commit a misdemeanor if they escape. Probation is generally not available for those escaping from highly secure facilities unless unusual circumstances are proven.
Furthermore, the law considers any failure to return to confinement as an escape, regardless of the reason for the original temporary leave, such as work or education.
Section § 4533
This law states that if any prison keeper, sheriff, deputy sheriff, jailer, or guard helps a prisoner escape, or allows it to happen, they can be sent to prison and fined up to $10,000.
Section § 4534
This law states that if someone knowingly helps a paroled prisoner whose parole was revoked, an escapee, a current prisoner, or anyone in legal custody to escape or try to escape from jail, prison, or custody, they can be punished under another section of the law, specifically Section 4533.
Section § 4535
If someone brings or sends anything into a prison or jail that could help a prisoner escape, and they do it intending to help with the escape, they're committing a felony.
Section § 4536
If someone committed to a mental health facility as a mentally disordered sex offender escapes, they can be punished with up to a year in jail or state prison, which adds to any other sentences they have. Hospitals or facilities where they're housed must quickly inform local police or sheriff about the escape and ask for help to catch them. Additionally, they have 48 hours to report the escape to the court that committed the person, the prosecutor, and the Department of Justice.
Section § 4536.5
If someone committed to a mental health facility as a Sexually Violent Predator escapes, the facility's director must immediately inform the Department of Corrections’ coordinator responsible for such cases, and also notify the local police chief or county sheriff. They must seek the help of law enforcement to find the escapee. Additionally, within 48 hours, the director must verbally inform the court, prosecutor, and Department of Justice about the escape.
Section § 4537
If someone escapes from a secure detention facility in California, the person in charge must quickly inform local law enforcement, either the city's police chief or the county sheriff, depending on the facility's location.
The facility's authority must also share details about the escaped person with law enforcement and others if it helps in capturing the escaper or protecting public safety.
For escapes involving dangerous felons or those who escaped violently, additional notifications must be sent to local newspapers and TV stations with the escapee's photo and description.