Attorneys Report Barriers to Accessing Clients in Los Angeles County Jails

Attorneys are facing significant challenges meeting with clients held in Los Angeles County jails, despite having valid court orders granting access, according to complaints received by the Los Angeles County Office of Inspector General.

The difficulties stem from inconsistent policies across jail facilities and staff refusing to comply with judges’ directives, potentially violating inmates’ Sixth Amendment rights to legal counsel, the report said.

“Visitation staff wrote ‘not possible’ on the court order in black marker, ostensibly due to the Tower 2 elevators being inoperable,” one attorney reported after being denied a private meeting with a client at Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

The Inspector General’s Office said the issues extend beyond just attorneys. In some cases, paralegals, social workers and other members of legal teams have been barred from attorney visiting areas despite court orders permitting access.

At Men’s Central Jail, staff denied a licensed social worker’s court-ordered visit, claiming the social worker was not a County employee. The jail previously refused access to a certified law student, stating that “Department policy superseded the court order.”

The Office of Inspector General reviewed visitation policies at multiple facilities and reported it found concerning inconsistencies. Some jails require court orders for certain visitors while others do not, creating confusion.

“[Attorney visitation] policies will not be upheld if they unnecessarily abridge the defendant’s meaningful access to his attorney and the courts,” California Courts have ruled.

The Inspector General recommends developing consistent agency-wide policies, clearly instructing staff to honor court orders, and improving documentation of denied visits. It also suggests posting comprehensive visitation information online.

Restricting attorney access can impair defendants’ ability to prepare their cases and may fail to meet constitutional standards for meaningful access to counsel, legal experts say.