September 6, 2025

Disciplinary Process

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Disciplinary Process

Why Discipline Matters

In federal prison, discipline is one of the most important subjects to master. Every person who enters will receive a handbook outlining rules, responsibilities, and consequences. Staff members have the authority to issue disciplinary infractions—known as incident reports or shots—at any time.

Sometimes infractions are justified. Other times, they are issued unfairly or even without good reason. Either way, the consequences can be severe: loss of good time, revocation of privileges like visiting, phone access, and commissary, solitary confinement, transfer to a higher-security prison, or disqualification from programs that affect release dates.

That’s why every person in prison must become an expert in navigating the disciplinary system and the administrative remedy program that governs appeals.

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Categories of Infractions

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) divides disciplinary infractions into categories by severity:

  • 100 Series — Greatest severity (escape attempts, serious violence, dangerous contraband).
  • 200 Series — High severity (fighting, drugs, refusing orders).
  • 300 Series — Moderate severity (being in unauthorized areas, misuse of phone).
  • 400 Series — Low severity (minor infractions, less common today).

Even lower-level reports can block access to halfway house or First Step Act credits. Understanding the system is essential.

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How the Process Begins

If staff accuse you of violating a rule, the process usually unfolds like this:

  1. Incident Report
    • Staff have 24 hours to write an infraction.
    • You may be placed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) immediately, or you may remain in general population until further review.
  2. Lieutenant’s Office
    • You will be called in and asked, “Do you know why you are here?”
    • They will read you the charge and your rights: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
    • This is not a formality—staff will use your statements against you.
  3. Your Response
    • You will be asked if you want to make a statement.
    • The best response is to reserve your right to provide a written statement. This ensures you have documentation for appeals and prevents misunderstandings.
    • Always be respectful. Sarcasm, hostility, or disrespect will only make matters worse.
  4. Unit Disciplinary Committee (UDC)
    • Typically includes your case manager and counselor, or other staff.
    • They review the evidence and decide whether to keep the case or refer it higher.
  5. Disciplinary Hearing Officer (DHO)
    • Handles more serious charges.
    • You may wait in SHU until the hearing.

    • The DHO acts as judge and jury, and findings are often “guilty” unless you prepare a strong defense.

Why the Process Matters

The disciplinary system is not always fair. Infractions may be based on:

  • A misunderstanding.
  • The actions of others around you.
  • Staff interpretation of vague rules.

Fair or not, the process carries weight. A single infraction can derail your pathway to release. That’s why you must understand your rights, know how to respond, and prepare to use the administrative remedy program effectively.

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The Administrative Remedy Program

If found guilty, you have the right to appeal. But you must follow strict deadlines and paperwork. The steps include:

  • BP-8 (Informal Resolution) — Attempt to resolve with staff before filing formally.
  • BP-9 (Formal Remedy to the Warden) — Argue your case to the institution’s leader.
  • BP-10 (Regional Appeal) — Appeal to the regional office if denied at the institution.
  • BP-11 (Central Office Appeal) — Final administrative appeal to BOP headquarters.

If all remedies are denied, you may then pursue relief in federal court—often through a 2241 habeas petition or other civil rights action. But under the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA), you must exhaust every administrative step before going to court.

That is why it’s essential to preserve your rights from the very beginning. By submitting your timely response in writing at the lieutenant’s office, you create evidence for every stage of the appeal.

Consequences of Infractions

The consequences can be wide-ranging and serious:

  • Loss of good time or earned time credits.
  • Loss of commissary, phone, or visitation privileges.
  • Placement in solitary confinement.
  • Transfers to higher-security prisons.
  • Disqualification from programs that reduce sentences or allow home confinement.

Even small infractions can ripple forward and extend the time you serve.

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Self-Directed Strategies to Avoid Infractions

You cannot always control whether staff issue an incident report. But you can control your choices and your preparation:

  • Learn the rules — Read the inmate handbook thoroughly. Use PrisonProfessors.org and the AI chatbot to explore CFR rules and disciplinary codes.
  • Avoid risky people — Don’t associate with those who break rules or invite trouble. Choose peers who reflect where you’re going.
  • Stay respectful — With staff and peers alike. Disrespect leads to escalation.
  • Write your responses — Always preserve your version of events for appeals.
  • Prepare for appeals — Track deadlines carefully for BP-8 through BP-11 filings.

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My Experience as Evidence

I served 26 years—9,500 days—in federal prison and never lost a single day of good time. That wasn’t because the system made it easy. It was because I learned how it worked, prepared for challenges, and disciplined myself to respond strategically.

I didn’t hire a consultant to teach me. I studied the Code of Federal Regulations, the inmate handbook, and the processes used in every facility. By understanding the system, I protected my record and positioned myself for release at the soonest possible time.

Why This Matters for Your Release

A clean record opens doors:

  • Access to halfway house placement.
  • Eligibility for home confinement.
  • More earned time credits under the First Step Act.
  • Faster transfer to lower-security facilities.

Conversely, a bad record closes those doors.

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Profiles: Documenting Your Positive Record

Even while navigating discipline, you should be building a positive record of growth. Our Profiles platform at PrisonProfessors.org is designed for this purpose. Use it to document your:

  • Biography — Describe who you are beyond the conviction and the direction you’re building toward.
  • Journals — Document daily choices, setbacks, and the specific lessons you drew from them.
  • Book Reports — For each book, explain why you selected it, what you learned, and how those takeaways support your preparation for release.
  • Release Plan — Present a practical roadmap—housing, lawful work, education, and transportation—with clear timelines and responsibilities.
  • Testimonials — Collect support from mentors, family, or staff who see your growth.

This documentation proves you are living proactively, even in a difficult environment.

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Free Resources for Guidance

At Prison Professors, we provide everything for free: lessons, articles, and access to our AI chatbot that references the CFR and prison policies.

If you want additional guidance, join the free weekly webinars hosted by my colleague, Justin Paperny, at WhiteCollarAdvice.com/Nonprofit. These sessions provide opportunities to ask questions and learn strategies in real time.

Be the CEO of Your Life

Ultimately, your success depends on self-direction—be the CEO of your life. 

Define success as returning home with your dignity intact and real opportunities to prosper. Expect obstacles, including disciplinary infractions, and respond strategically: stay calm, put your position in writing, and use the appeals process when necessary. Document your journey so you build a record of resilience and accountability. 

Prison is not a game; if you learn the rules, anticipate challenges, and prepare for the disciplinary process, you protect your future.

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Key Takeaways

  • Disciplinary infractions are common and can be issued fairly or unfairly.
  • The process includes the lieutenant’s review, UDC, and possibly a DHO hearing.
  • Always provide responses in writing to preserve your rights.
  • Use the administrative remedy program (BP-8 through BP-11) to appeal decisions.
  • The PLRA requires exhausting remedies before going to federal court.
  • Infractions carry serious consequences: loss of credits, privileges, or release opportunities.
  • Self-directed preparation minimizes risk and strengthens your position.
  • Profiles allow you to document growth and demonstrate accountability.

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Self-Directed Exercise

Write and add this reflection to your Profile:

  1. What steps will you take to avoid disciplinary infractions?
  2. If accused of a violation, how will you preserve your rights from the beginning?
  3. How will you document your progress so supporters can advocate for you if challenges arise?

By preparing today, you ensure that tomorrow’s obstacles don’t derail your pathway to freedom.

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