SECTION 380.9311. Access to Attorneys and Courts

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to provide for youth access to any attorney or court through the use of mail, telephone, and visitation.

(b) Telephone.

(1) Liberal but reasonable time limits are placed on calls to attorneys, attorneys' staff, and court staff.

(2) Youth have the right to confidential communication with their attorneys, attorneys' staff, and court staff. Calls to attorneys, attorneys' staff, and court staff are made using TJJD staff telephones and are not charged against any pre-paid minutes allotted to the youth or purchased on behalf of the youth.

(3) Calls from attorneys, attorneys' staff, or court staff may interrupt regular program activities including school, group meetings, and work duties when necessary.

(4) Youth may receive incoming calls from attorneys, attorneys' staff, or court staff at any time during the day. When youth are unable to come to the telephone, messages are taken.

(c) Mail. Youth are provided an unlimited number of stamps and writing material for use in contacting attorneys, attorneys' staff, or court staff.

(d) Visitation.

(1) Youth may receive visits from their attorneys, including their attorneys' staff, any day of the week at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and after 5:00 p.m. if reasonable arrangements can be made.

(2) Youth are provided confidential visitation with their attorneys and their attorneys' staff.

(3) Youth may decline to visit with their attorneys or their attorneys' staff.

Source Note: The provisions of this §380.9311 adopted to be effective December 31, 1996, 21 TexReg 12187; transferred effective June 4, 2012, as published in the Texas Register June 22, 2012, 37 TexReg 4639; amended to be effective October 1, 2015, 40 TexReg 6138