The act of escaping from prison in California is a serious offense with significant legal consequences, irrespective of the inmate’s guilt or innocence in their original conviction. Under California law, specific penal codes address the implications and penalties associated with attempting or successfully escaping from incarceration.
California Penal Code 4530 PC and 4532 PC
The California Penal Code sections 4530 and 4532 explicitly outline the penalties for escape or attempted escape from state prison, county jail, or any other form of custody. These codes make it clear that the act of escaping is an offense in itself, separate from the original crime for which the inmate was convicted.
- Penal Code 4530 PC: This section deals with escape or attempted escape from state prisons. The severity of the punishment depends on whether the escape involved force or violence. Without the use of force or violence, the crime is punishable by 16 months to 3 years in state prison. If force or violence is involved, the term increases to 2 to 6 years.
- Penal Code 4532 PC: This section addresses escapes from county or city jails, industrial farms, or while in lawful custody. Similar to PC 4530, the penalties vary based on the use of force or violence. For non-violent escape attempts, the punishment can be imprisonment for one year and one day or less, while violent attempts can lead to imprisonment for 2 to 6 years.