Do You Qualify to Visit? Quick Disqualifications Checklist for LA County Jails (Pitchess)

Visiting rules can feel like a moving target, especially for a first visit. Use this checklist to quickly screen yourself for common

Having anything

LASD uses time-based felony conviction thresholds when reviewing who can visit. If any of the situations below match your history, expect a disapproval.

• ✓ One felony conviction within the last 3 years
• ✓ Two felony convictions within the last 6 years
• ✓ Three or more felony convictions during the last 10 years

Certain conviction types are automatic deal-breakers. If you have a conviction in any of the categories below, LASD will disapprove your visit to Pitchess.

• ✓ Distributing a controlled substance into or out of a prison, correctional facility, or jail
• ✓ Transporting contraband (including weapons, alcohol, escape paraphernalia, or drug paraphernalia) into or out of a prison, correctional facility, or jail
• ✓ Aiding or attempting to aid an escape (or attempted escape) from a prison, correctional facility, or jail
• ✓ Being a co-offender of the incarcerated person you’re trying to visit

Don't try to work around a problem by using someone else's information. Falsely identifying yourself to gain entry is a misdemeanor under California law.

If you have a prior felony conviction in California, don't step onto facility grounds without permission from the official in charge. Doing so can expose you to felony charges.

1. Clear anything that’s still open - If you have an outstanding warrant, arrest issue, or a DMV Failure to Appear with no court disposition, handle it with the court first. Until there’s a disposition, it can trigger a disapproval.
2. Get written approval if you were recently discharged - If you were discharged from an institution, or discharged from parole or outpatient status within the last 12 months, you must get prior written approval from the Legal Unit before visiting Pitchess. You’ll also need a copy of your discharge paperwork.
3. Ask the Legal Unit to review disputes - If you believe a record is wrong or outdated, contact the Legal Unit and ask what documentation they need to reconsider.
4. Get legal advice for complicated situations - If your situation involves multiple cases, recent supervision, or anything you’re unsure how to interpret, a quick consult can help you avoid a denial (or worse, showing up when you shouldn’t).