The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has finalized a rule updating regulations for attorney-client visits at BOP institutions. The rule, effective December 17, 2024, clarifies that attorneys can visit clients without appointments at certain facilities that host pretrial detainees, but appointments remain necessary at other institutions. After considering public comments, BOP concluded that no changes were needed to the initial interim rule. The rule ensures that legal visits can happen under both scheduled and unscheduled conditions, depending on the facility's mission, while maintaining the confidentiality required for attorney-client interactions.
Simple Explanation
The Bureau of Prisons made a new rule saying that at some jails, lawyers can visit people they're helping without setting up a meeting first, while at other jails, they still need to make an appointment. This is to make sure lawyers and the people they're helping can talk privately and safely.